Zahran Mamdani interview; Democracy in U.S. poll : NPR

Good morning. You read the first newsletter. Get down here to deliver it to your reception box, and listen At the first podcast for all the news you need to start your day.

The best stories of today

A new NPR / PBS News / Marist survey reveals that 76% of Americans think that democracy faces a serious threat. This percentage includes 89% of democrats, 80% of the self -employed and 57% of Republicans. In addition, 73% consider violence to political motivation as an important problem. These results emerge during President Trump’s second term, when the United States is notably polarized.

The American Capitol is seen on May 20 in Washington, DC

Images Kevin Dietsch / Getty

hide

tilting legend

Images Kevin Dietsch / Getty

• 🎧 People have low confidence in political leadership in the United StatesWhether due to Trump, the Congress Republicans or the Democrats of Congress, says Domenico Montanaro of NPR First. Trump has 43%employment approval. In key fields, such as immigration, foreign policy and the economy, the president receives similar percentages. Currently, only 44% of Democrats approve the approach of their party in Congress, against 73% of the Republicans who approve their party. Montanaro says that Democrats have a lot of work to do if they want to resume home next year.

The Senate Republicans aim to adopt the Trump Trump tax and expenditure of Trump and expenses later during the day. However, they must first approach a series of votes for modifying the two parties, which currently take place after a long night session. Democrats oppose the adoption of the plan, and the Republicans are faced with internal divisions while working to obtain the Trump office bill by Friday.

• 🎧 A large part of the fight is centered on the provision of Megabill to extend the tax reductions adopted during the president’s first mandateSaid Grisal NPR Claudia. The provision would cost billions of dollars to install. To help pay it, republican tax hawks want deep cups in Medicaid, but moderate republicans oppose this decision. The bill will receive several facets of life, in particular by retaining the current levels of children’s tax credit and new expenses for the defense and the application of immigration. Before the bill reaches the president’s office, the Chamber must sign the Senate bill. With changes to the Senate, it is not clear if it will be a fluid process for the room.

The American Agency for International Development officially closes and merges its remaining operations with the State Department today. A new study in Lancet estimates that he has saved more than 90 million lives in the past two decades. When the Trump administration took office in early 2025, one of its first major movements was the dismantling of the USAID.

• 🎧 The agency staff say that the agency’s component was very difficult for themTell Fatma Tanis of NPR that it strikes them that it is the end. The Trump administration has reduced foreign aid and clearly said that it believes that most American foreign aid are not aligned with the president’s policy in America. The administration has not described a vision of the future of the USAID programs which will continue. Tanis says it is difficult to overestimate the impact of the closure of the USAID. This will mean reductions of thousands of programs in low -income countries that solve health problems. The new study projects that cuts could lead to 14 million avoidable deaths by 2030.

Listening today

Last year, Zohran Mamdani launched his town hall campaign for New York with chances stacked against him while he was facing the resistance of the establishment of his own party. He tried to keep the affordability of the focal point of his campaign, but encountered others attempts to distort his identity. Not founded affirmations were made suggested that he promoted Islamic law, while some accused him of supporting terrorism and of being anti -Semitic. For the most part, New Yorkers did not fall in love with these attacks. Mamdani is now the alleged democratic candidate after receiving the most primary votes last week. Morning edition The host Leila Fadel sits with Mamdani to discuss what her victory means for her party and how he plans to implement his policies if he becomes mayor, despite skepticism about their feasibility. Listen to the interview or read more on him and watch a video of the interview here.

Live better

Living better is a special series On what it takes to stay healthy in America.

Survivors and cancer defenders say that too often, even well -intentioned people are mistaken when they share their bad news. What is worse is when people disappear without a word. The phenomenon is so common that many cancer patients call it “cancer ghost”. This often happens because people can be uncertain about how to react. But silence can be even more painful than the treatments themselves, according to several cancer survivors. Here are tips on what to do and say – and what not to say – when a loved one faces cancer.

• ❤️ It can be frightening for you as an expensive being of someone with cancer, but remember, they are faced with a greater fear. The connection and the presence are important, even if you do not know what to say; The simple fact of being there is a difference.
• ❤️ If it seems annoying, recognize the tension and ask if the patient wants to talk about it. If they do, listen to them and leave them space to evacuate.
• ❤️ When you transmit understanding, avoid sharing your own stories or your advice, because it can ignore the unique experience of the person. Each cancer course is different and the stories of others can be out of words or trigger fears.
• ❤️ People who survive cancer and have no treatment should always receive continuous support. This could simply mean remembering to honor how cancer has left its brand.

3 things to know before leaving

Bobby Vylan by Bob Vylan Crowdsurfs in front of the West Holts scene during the fourth day of the Glastonbury Festival 2025 on June 28 in Glastonbury, England.

Images Leon Neal / Getty

hide

tilting legend

Images Leon Neal / Getty

1. The British Punk-Rap duo, Bob Vylan, is the subject of an investigation in the United Kingdom after its main singer led songs against the Israeli army during a set in Glastonbury, which was broadcast live on Saturday.
2. The WNBA extends to a record of 18 teams by adding three new franchises: Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia.
3. France has issued a restrictive prohibition of outdoor smoking, including in public parks, swimming pools, beaches or anywhere, children can be present, to ensure their protection.

This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.