NPR Transcripts

Recently-published stories may not immediately appear in this index of transcripts. Transcripts are typically completed and published 10-48 hours after audio stories are published. Accuracy and availability of NPR transcripts may vary. If you're having trouble finding a transcript for a story published prior to the past 48 hours, you can review the tips on our help pages or contact us for assistance. For more information on Transcripts and other accessibility tools visit NPR’s Accessibility Page.

Weekend Edition Saturday

Opinion: Remembering Margo Howard

Published on August 1, 2026

Margo Howard had a lot of life experience and used it to offer advice for years as "Dear Prudence" for Slate. She died this week at the age of 86.

Weekend Edition Saturday

Feds mandate historic Colorado River cuts for Southwest through 2036

Published on August 1, 2026

Under a new federal plan out today to manage the Colorado river, Arizona, California and Nevada would share steep water cuts over the next decade. The plan by will deeply impact communities and farms across those states.

Weekend Edition Saturday

Tuesday referendum tests GOP push to restrict citizen-led ballot initiatives

Published on August 1, 2026

In a referendum Tuesday, voters are being asked to raise the bar for ballot initiatives - a measure backed by Republicans after years of seeing voters allow abortion, expand Medicaid and allow gaming. Voters face similar measures in other states.

Weekend Edition Saturday

Paul Yoon talks about his new canine odyssey, 'Etna'

Published on August 1, 2026

NPR's Scott Simon talks to Paul Yoon about his new novel, "Etna," and its main character, a dog who becomes part of a war in an unnamed country.

Weekend Edition Saturday

For sale: early access to Trump's Truth Social posts

Published on August 1, 2026

The president's media company is offering investors early access to his Truth Social feed for up to $100,000 a month. Experts say the service may violate insider trading laws.

What makes a toy go viral

Published on July 31, 2026

Squishy, slimy, fidgety toys are having a moment. But it’s more than just an anxiety-soothing, social-media fueled trend – these toys are reshaping how toys get made.Today on the show, we have the story of the once-humble squishy dumpling and what it teaches us about how to make a viral hit and how to manufacture it, without getting left holding the bag. Hear it all firsthand from the creator of this trendy toy. Read: Our book: Planet Money: A Guide to the Economic Forces That Shape Your Life Our weekly longform Planet Money newsletterOur weekly Indicator round-up newsletterFollow: InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookSupport public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org. You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening for Planet Money.This episode of Planet Money was produced by Emma Peaslee. It was edited by Marianne McCune. It was fact-checked by Sierra Juarez. It was engineered by Cena Loffredo. Alex Goldmark is Planet Money’s executive producer. Music: NPR Source Audio - "Melty Heart," "Summer Escape," and "Twilight Sparkle"

All Things Considered

A new federal plan to manage the Colorado river faces a possible future of water cuts

Published on July 31, 2026

Under a new federal plan out today to manage the Colorado river, Arizona, California and Nevada face potentially steep water cuts over the next decade. The plan by the Interior Department will impact communities and farms across those states. For now, the proposal spares Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming from mandatory water cuts. Legal battles are expected.

All Things Considered

Wild Card: Shania Twain

Published on July 31, 2026

On Wild Card, famous guests answer the kinds of questions we often think about but don't talk about. Country legend Shania Twain reflects on what she looks forward to about getting older.

All Things Considered

Do you recognize the 'Gen Alpha Melody?'

Published on July 31, 2026

A musicologist discovered a pattern found all over modern pop music which he's dubbing the Gen Alpha melody.

All Things Considered

Drone delivery helps in Rwanda, but only so much

Published on July 31, 2026

A U.S. company in Rwanda has been providing medical supplies via drone. But even state-of-the-art technology can't overcome a weak health care infrastructure.

All Things Considered

This 'Spider-Man' is struggling with work-life balance

Published on July 31, 2026

'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' takes the character into darker territory, as Peter Parker struggles without his friends in the face of evolving Spidey powers and a mysterious new threat.

All Things Considered

How did boosting manufacturing in the Amazon pay off for Brazil?

Published on July 31, 2026

Many countries talk about wanting to boost manufacturing. Decades ago, Brazil did it. They lured international businesses to build a whole bunch of factories in the middle of the Amazon. So, with hindsight, was the plan a success? Planet Money goes to the Amazon to find out.

Fresh Air

'I Want Your Sex' urges Gen Z to get a little more X-rated

Published on July 31, 2026

Olivia Wilde plays an artist who initiates a wildly inappropriate sexual relationship with her younger employee. But between the sex scenes, there are thoughtful conversations about age and intimacy.

Trump Says Hamas Will Disarm, Blanche Faces GOP Pushback, Economic Outlook

Published on July 31, 2026

President Trump claims to have reached a breakthrough in efforts to disarm Hamas in Gaza. Hamas says it will only give up its weapons if Israel withdraws first. On the domestic front, Trump floated the idea of temporarily withdrawing his nominee for attorney general until two Republicans holdouts leave office. And a new report from the Commerce Department shows that economic growth slowed in the second quarter.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Kate Bartlett, Anna Yukhananov, Rafael Nam, HJ Mai and Ally Schweitzer.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.(0:00) Introduction(02:28) Trump Says Hamas Will Disarm(05:57) Blanche Faces GOP Pushback(09:53) Economic Outlook

Fresh Air

Remembering Irish singer–songwriter Glen Hansard

Published on July 31, 2026

Best-known for his band The Frames and his part in the 2007 film Once, Hansard got his start as a street busker in Dublin. He died July 29 in a motorcycle crash. Originally broadcast in 2008.

Morning Edition

DOMi & JD Beck talk about their second album, 'Who Asked?'

Published on July 31, 2026

DOMi & JD Beck have been playing music together since they were teenagers. Now in their 20s and out with their second album, NPR's A Martinez asks them if they feel like mature musicians.

Morning Edition

Trump says a deal has been reached to disarm Hamas

Published on July 31, 2026

President Trump announced that a deal has been reached to disarm Hamas and withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza. But questions remain about which action will come first.

Want to spend a year living in NASA's Mars simulation?

Published on July 31, 2026

Have you ever wanted to be an astronaut without risking your life in space? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you. NASA is calling for people with a science background to apply for a simulated mission to the Moon and Mars. Four adults will spend a year isolated in two enclosures meant to simulate both traveling through deep space and living on Mars. Learn whether you fit the profile and what NASA researchers hope to learn from the mission in this episode.Interested in more space news? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org and we may cover it in an upcoming segment.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. It includes perks like bonus episodes, early access, archive access, curated playlists and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.

Mamdani markets, America bets, Gen Z drinks

Published on July 31, 2026

It’s Indicators of the Week! On today’s episode: The inner workings of Mamdani’s marts; how much Americans gamble; and Gen-Z aren’t the sober generation we’ve been led to believe! Fact checking by Corey Bridges. Your Next Listen — Is gambling the reason we have pro sports?Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator’s brand new newsletter — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ Fact checking by Corey BridgesSupport public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ is a dark night of the spider-soul

Published on July 31, 2026

Zendaya and Tom Holland are back in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and the movie has a more grounded tone than we’ve seen from the franchise. But does it strike the right balance of fun and darkness? Directed by Daniel Destin Cretton, the film also features Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, and Sadie Sink.Looking for more spectacular Spider-episodes? Check out: 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' mixes fun and fan service'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' thrills in every dimensionConnect with Pop Culture Happy Hour:Letterboxd / FacebookOur weekly newsletterSupport Pop Culture Happy Hour+

98 teens got together to craft an AI bill. Here’s what happened.

Published on July 30, 2026

98 high school students from across the country gathered in a mock student senate. The goal was to come up with a bill that would guide schools on how to deal with the chaos created by AI.NPR's Cory Turner attended to see how things developed.For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Lauren Migaki, Linah Mohammad, and Vincent Acovino, with audio engineering by Ted Mebane. Our director is Jonas Adams.It was edited by Nirvi Shah and Tinbete Ermyas.Our interim executive producer is Courtney Dorning.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show's perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.