Jack Speer, a longtime newscaster for NPR, is retiring after several decades with the network. He discussed his career, focusing on business news, and shared what he will miss about reporting daily news.
Key Facts
Jack Speer is a veteran newscaster for NPR.
He has worked with NPR for many decades.
Speer specialized in covering business news.
He is retiring from the network.
Speer talked about his early career experiences in a discussion with Ari Shapiro.
He shared what aspects of daily news reporting he will miss.
Ancient DNA from an Egyptian skeleton showed genetic links between ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures. Researchers found that most of this person's genes connected to North Africa, but some were similar to people from the Fertile Crescent, an area known for early Mesopotamian civilization.
Key Facts
The DNA was taken from a well-preserved skeleton found in an Egyptian tomb.
The skeleton dates back between 4,495 and 4,880 years.
Researchers found that 80% of the genetic links were to North Africa.
20% of the genes linked the individual to the Fertile Crescent region in the Middle East.
Historical trade, pottery styles, and writing systems hinted at earlier connections between these cultures.
The Nile River likely facilitated movement and exchange between Egypt and neighboring regions.
The individual likely lived during ancient Egypt’s Old Kingdom, a time of political stability.
The skeleton analysis suggests the man was in his 60s and worked as a potter.
Borrowing costs in the UK rose sharply, and the British pound fell after Chancellor Rachel Reeves appeared emotional in parliament. The financial markets reacted to her appearance and concerns over the government's budget plans, causing uncertainty about her position.
Key Facts
Borrowing costs in the UK increased significantly.
The British pound dropped by 1% against the US dollar.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves appeared emotional during a parliamentary session.
There was speculation about her position in the government.
The UK Prime Minister's press secretary stated that Reeves has full support and is not being replaced.
The government reversed plans to cut welfare benefits, creating a nearly £5 billion gap in budget plans.
The FTSE 250 index, linked closely to UK policy changes, fell by 1.34%.
The rise in government borrowing costs highlights concerns about the UK's financial plans.
Microsoft is laying off about 9,000 employees, affecting areas like Xbox and sales teams worldwide. The layoffs, which make up around 4% of Microsoft's workforce, are part of changes to improve how the company performs in a competitive market.
Key Facts
Microsoft plans to lay off about 9,000 workers, which is about 4% of its workforce.
This is Microsoft's second large layoff in months and its largest in over two years.
Workers affected include 830 people at Microsoft's main office in Redmond, Washington.
The layoffs impact global teams, including the Xbox video game business and sales divisions.
Microsoft aims to adjust to a dynamic market by making organizational changes.
Xbox CEO Phil Spencer stated that cuts would help focus on growth and improve business agility.
Microsoft had over 228,000 full-time employees as of June 2024.
The company continues investing in AI and infrastructure, with recent expenses around $80 billion.
A podcast by Planet Money explores ideas on how to manage the United States' national debt by increasing economic growth. Three economists discuss various government policies and studies to determine if faster economic growth can help reduce the national debt.
Key Facts
The U.S. national debt was $36 trillion as of December 2024.
The podcast involves economists analyzing how government actions can boost economic growth.
One study found that a 1% cut in the corporate income tax rate increases GDP by 0.6% after one year.
Research shows that each dollar spent by the government on Medicaid returns $1.78 in the long run.
Government spending on non-defense research and development (R&D) returns about $1.50 to $2 per dollar invested.
Accelerating high-skilled immigration in the U.S. could increase productivity growth by up to 0.05 percentage points over decades.
The Department of Energy projects that investing in the electric grid could save customers $1.80 for each dollar spent.
On June 1, twelve people, including a journalist from Al Jazeera, sailed to break Gaza's blockade. Israeli forces seized their boat, and the people on board described facing pressure while in detention.
Key Facts
Twelve people sailed on a boat called the Madleen on June 1.
The group's goal was to break the blockade around Gaza.
Omar Faiad, a journalist from Al Jazeera, was among the passengers.
Israeli forces stopped and took control of the boat.
The people on board experienced stress while being held by authorities.
Tesla reported a drop in car sales as the electric vehicle (EV) market sees more competition. The company said it delivered 384,122 vehicles in the second quarter, 13.5% fewer than the previous year. Despite challenges, Tesla plans to increase production of its popular models, Model Y and Model 3.
Key Facts
Tesla's second-quarter vehicle deliveries were 384,122, a 13.5% decrease from the previous year.
Tesla's sales figures were similar to what experts expected.
The larger EV market is becoming more competitive with new players like BYD and traditional carmakers entering the space.
Demand for EVs in the U.S. has dropped due to concerns about tariffs and the end of tax credits.
CEO Elon Musk's political activities have led to boycotts and affected Tesla's sales and stock prices.
Tesla produced 396,835 Model Y and Model 3 cars in the second quarter, an increase from the first quarter.
Despite short-term challenges, some analysts believe Tesla will grow in the future with increased production.
Tesla is testing new technologies like robotaxis, though some safety issues have caught the eye of regulators.
"The Devil Wears Prada" sequel is in the works with much of the original cast and creative team returning. Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci are confirmed to reprise their roles, and the sequel will include new characters and plot elements, with Aline Brosh McKenna writing and David Frankel directing.
Key Facts
Meryl Streep will reprise her role as Miranda Priestly.
Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt will return as Andrea Sachs and Emily, respectively.
Stanley Tucci will return as Nigel.
Kenneth Branagh is a new cast member, playing Miranda's husband.
The sequel may include elements from Lauren Weisberger's book "Revenge Wears Prada."
The film will explore challenges in the magazine industry and feature some new storylines.
Aline Brosh McKenna will write the screenplay, and David Frankel will direct.
The original film's producer, Wendy Finerman, will also return.
Sean "Diddy" Combs was found not guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking charges related to his ex-partner Casandra Ventura and another woman. However, he was found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution linked to both women.
Key Facts
Sean "Diddy" Combs was tried for multiple charges.
He was found not guilty of racketeering.
He was also found not guilty of sex trafficking related to Casandra Ventura and another woman.
He was found guilty of transporting individuals for prostitution.
The decision was made in court, with reactions reported from inside the courtroom.
A report about a fire at a substation, which caused Heathrow Airport to close for almost a day, has been released. The fire was caused by moisture in a piece of equipment, and National Grid was warned about this issue seven years ago but did not fix it. Heathrow is considering legal action, claiming the problem could have been avoided.
Key Facts
The fire happened at a substation that helps supply electricity to Heathrow Airport.
Moisture got into a part of the equipment called a "bushing," leading to a fire.
National Grid was warned about the moisture issue back in July 2018.
Heathrow relies heavily on three main electricity connections but did not prepare for one failing.
National Grid did not realize the substation's critical role for Heathrow's operations.
Energy suppliers and critical infrastructure like airports need better communication to prevent such issues.
Heathrow is unhappy and may take legal action, believing that National Grid failed to address the problem.
National Grid stated it will work with investigations and maintains a regular maintenance program.
Neama Rahmani, a former U.S. federal prosecutor, discussed the potential outcomes if the jury in Sean "Diddy" Combs' racketeering trial cannot reach a decision. The trial could end with a deadlocked jury, which means they cannot agree on a verdict.
Key Facts
Neama Rahmani is a former U.S. federal prosecutor.
Sean "Diddy" Combs is involved in a trial on racketeering charges.
Racketeering includes doing illegal business activities for profit.
If the jury cannot agree, it is known as a deadlock or hung jury.
In the case of a hung jury, the trial may end without a verdict.
The prosecutor could decide to retry the case with a new jury if there is a hung jury.
Suriname, a small country in South America, faces a high risk from rising sea levels because many people live in low coastal areas. Efforts to protect the land with mangroves have struggled, leading the government to start building a dyke to prevent flooding, but funding the entire coastline's defense is a challenge.
Key Facts
Suriname is highly vulnerable to rising sea levels, affecting areas where most people live.
About 70% of Suriname's population resides in low-lying coastal zones.
The government has tried using mangroves as a natural barrier against the sea.
Mangrove restoration near the capital, Paramaribo, has not been successful due to erosion and destruction.
Suriname is building a 4.5km-long dyke to protect against flooding, costing $11 million.
The entire coastline's defense requires a larger network of dykes, which is expensive.
New offshore oil discoveries may help fund future coastal protections.
TotalEnergies plans a significant oil project off Suriname's coast to extract up to 220,000 barrels of oil daily.
The Dalai Lama announced that the tradition of choosing a new Dalai Lama will continue after his passing, emphasizing that China should not interfere with the process. He stated that the search for his successor should follow traditional Buddhist practices and that his reincarnation will not be found in China. This announcement comes as many Tibetans oppose China’s influence over Tibetan Buddhism.
Key Facts
The Dalai Lama confirmed that his religious role will continue after his death.
He insisted that the next Dalai Lama should be selected according to Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
The Dalai Lama stated China should not be involved in choosing his successor.
The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has been the spiritual leader since 1940 and lives in exile in India.
China claims it has the authority to approve the next Dalai Lama within China.
The search process for the new Dalai Lama is to be overseen by the Gaden Phodrang Trust.
Amnesty International criticized China’s attempts to control the selection as an attack on religious freedom.
The Tibetan government-in-exile supports the Dalai Lama's stance against Beijing’s involvement.
Paramount agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit with former President Donald Trump over the editing of a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris. The money from the settlement will go to Trump’s future presidential library. The settlement terms do not include an apology, but it requires CBS’s “60 Minutes” to release full transcripts of future interviews with presidential candidates.
Key Facts
Paramount agreed to settle a lawsuit for $16 million with Donald Trump over editing issues in a CBS “60 Minutes” interview.
The settlement money will be directed to Trump’s future presidential library.
Paramount and CBS did not apologize as part of the settlement.
Trump’s legal team claimed the editing caused him "mental anguish."
CBS News and Paramount denied any wrongdoing in the editing of the interview.
The lawsuit included claims that the editing presented Kamala Harris more favorably.
Under the settlement, “60 Minutes” will release full interview transcripts with presidential candidates, with some legal and security-based edits possible.
Paramount was involved in seeking approval for a merger with Skydance Media at the same time as the settlement discussions.
The mustache is becoming popular again, with many people choosing to wear one without a beard. Experts suggest that this trend might be linked to changing views on masculinity and self-expression. Historically, mustaches have been symbols of strength and service, but now they are seen more as a playful style choice.
Key Facts
The mustache is gaining popularity, with no beard attached, among celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Donald Glover.
Fashion and culture writers have noted this trend as a "mustache renaissance."
Gabe Pietrafesa, a social media personality, believes his mustache contributes to his online success.
Matthew Scalf, from a grooming company, has seen increased interest in mustache-related products and content.
Historically, mustaches symbolized masculinity, especially in military and service professions.
Facial hair trends have shifted throughout history, with current changes possibly linked to evolving ideas of masculinity.
Mustaches today are often worn for fun and style, reflecting personal expression rather than utility.
Fans of "The Tiny Chef Show" are upset that Nickelodeon canceled the program. They are actively trying to save the show by signing petitions and raising funds. The creators of the show are looking for new ways to keep Tiny Chef's adventures going.
Key Facts
"The Tiny Chef Show" on Nickelodeon has been canceled, causing fans to protest.
Fans share videos and have signed a petition with over 10,000 supporters to save the show.
A Tiny Chef membership club raised more than $120,000 to keep producing content for social media.
The petition highlights the show's positive impact on encouraging kindness and creativity.
The show's creators, Rachel Larsen and Ozi Akturk, started it as a personal project.
Larsen and Akturk combined their ideas to make a stop-motion cooking show with a green puppet.
Fans' support has been overwhelming, and other media outlets have shown interest in the show.
Nickelodeon has not responded to requests for comments on the show's cancellation.
The Dalai Lama, the leader of Tibetan Buddhism, announced that his successor will be chosen after his death without interference from China. The selection process will be conducted by The Gaden Phodrang Trust, a group of Buddhist monks in India. This decision was made public just before the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday.
Key Facts
The Dalai Lama released a video message about his succession plan.
Tibetan Buddhists believe that the Dalai Lama is reincarnated after he dies.
The Dalai Lama said The Gaden Phodrang Trust in India will oversee the selection of his successor.
He stated that no outside group, including China, should interfere in choosing the next leader.
China claims it has the authority to appoint the next leader of Tibetan Buddhism.
The process of finding a successor can take years and must follow Tibetan traditions.
The current Dalai Lama, originally named Lhamo Thondup, was identified as a child as the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama.
China passed a law in 2007 demanding that the search for reincarnated lamas takes place within China under government approval.
The word "barbecue" comes from the Taíno people in the Caribbean, who used a wooden frame called "barabicu" to cook over fire, which was later adapted by Spanish explorers to "barbacoa." This method of cooking has ancient roots but became widespread in its current form through encounters between Europeans and Indigenous people in the Caribbean.
Key Facts
The word "barbecue" comes from the Taíno language in the Caribbean.
"Barabicu" was a wooden frame used by the Taínos to cook over fire.
Spanish explorers adapted the word "barabicu" to "barbacoa."
Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés first used the term "barbacoa" in print in 1526.
The Taínos were an Indigenous group in the Caribbean with complex social structures.
The Taínos cooked various animals, including rodents, fish, and birds, using this method.
The cooking style spread with the Taíno people, who migrated from Venezuela.
Qantas, Australia's main airline, is looking into a cyberattack that leaked personal data of about 6 million customers. They quickly worked to secure their systems and are figuring out the extent of the data breach. The airline informed the authorities and is supporting affected customers.
Key Facts
Qantas detected unusual activity on a third-party system and has started an investigation.
The cyberattack accessed names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and frequent flyer numbers, but not credit card or passport details.
Qantas has increased security measures and notified police and cybersecurity officials.
CEO Vanessa Hudson apologized to customers and promised support.
Qantas is dealing with recent challenges, like prior controversies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The airline dropped in the World Airline Awards rankings last year but improved in 2025.
The FBI mentioned a group named Scattered Spider targets airlines for cyberattacks.
NPR’s "The Indicator from Planet Money" podcast edition answers listener questions on various topics, including tech layoffs, the concept of "recession pop" music, and economic issues like price controls and tariffs. The podcast discusses why IT graduates face challenges in the job market and looks at past economic patterns during recessions.
Key Facts
The podcast "The Indicator from Planet Money" addresses audience questions.
Topics include tech layoffs, a situation where many workers are let go.
"Recession pop" refers to music that became popular during the 2009 economic downturn.
The podcast explores why IT graduates might struggle to find jobs.
President Trump’s tariff policies and their impact, including price controls, are discussed.
Related content includes episodes about past economic struggles and price controls.
Fact-checking for the podcast is done by Sierra Juarez.
