Some scientists looking to preserve vulnerable species have turned to a controversial technique: synthetic biology. This catchall term often means genetic engineering – introducing new genes to an organism. And a recent narrow vote by the International Union for Conservation of Nature on using the technology shows how divided scientists are on the issue of releasing genetically altered species. Science correspondent Nate Rott wades into the debate with us and reveals whether or not the Union voted to place a moratorium on releasing gene-edited species.
Read more of Nate’s reporting on the topic.
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The Indicator from Planet Money - Why are veterinarian bills getting so ruff on the wallet?
Since 2020, the cost of veterinary care has increased about 40%—almost twice the rate of inflation. As a result, many pet owners say they've skipped necessary vet care. So, what's going on here? A veterinarian, and a lesser-known economic theory, have some answers.
Related episodes:
The Vet Clinic Chow Down
What Do Private Equity Firms Actually Do?
For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.
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Related episodes:
The Vet Clinic Chow Down
What Do Private Equity Firms Actually Do?
For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.
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Up First from NPR - A Tiny Plot to Call Home
Homeless encampments are a part of the landscape in many U.S. cities. In Oakland, California, one of the longest-standing and most well-known encampments was at Union Point Park. It was right by the water, and it had a beautiful view of the sunset. But it was also a concern for some local residents, who worried about crime and safety. When the city tried to clear Union Point Park, the people who lived there united and fought back. Reporter Shaina Shealy followed this community for about a year, as they advocated for their own small plot of land in the city where they could live by their own rules, on their own terms. Her 5-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios is called “A Tiny Plot.”
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Consider This from NPR - A rare bipartisan move to rein in Donald Trump on Venezuela
Following repeated U.S attacks on boats off the coast of Venezuela, Senator Tim Kaine has partnered with fellow Democrat Senator Adam Schiff and Republican Senator Rand Paul to force a vote to prevent war on Venezuela without approval from Congress.
Senator Kaine speaks to NPR about the role he says Congress must play to keep the president from unilaterally leading the country into a military conflict.
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This episode was produced by Avery Keatley, with audio engineering by Valentina Rodriguez and Tiffany Vera Castro. It was edited by Adam Raney and Anna Yukhananov. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.
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Senator Kaine speaks to NPR about the role he says Congress must play to keep the president from unilaterally leading the country into a military conflict.
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 Avery Keatley, with audio engineering by Valentina Rodriguez and Tiffany Vera Castro. It was edited by Adam Raney and Anna Yukhananov. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.
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Up First from NPR - A Tiny Plot to Call Home
Homeless encampments are a part of the landscape in many U.S. cities. In Oakland, California, one of the longest-standing and most well-known encampments was at Union Point Park. It was right by the water, and it had a beautiful view of the sunset. But it was also a concern for some local residents, who worried about crime and safety. When the city tried to clear Union Point Park, the people who lived there united and fought back. Reporter Shaina Shealy followed this community for about a year, as they advocated for their own small plot of land in the city where they could live by their own rules, on their own terms. Her 5-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios is called A Tiny Plot.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Consider This from NPR - What is needed to keep the ceasefire on track?
Veteran Middle East correspondent Jane Arraf has seen peace deals fall apart many times in her decades covering the region. She talks about what she is watching for to see if the ceasefire can hold.
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 Linah Mohammad and Avery Keatley. It was edited by Adam Raney. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.
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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 Linah Mohammad and Avery Keatley. It was edited by Adam Raney. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.
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Up First from NPR - “No Kings” Protests; Aid Slow for Gaza; U.S. – China Trade War Heats Up
Thousands of "No Kings" rallies are planned across the U.S. today, protesting the Trump administration's policies. Plus, over a week in the Hamas-Israel ceasefire, desperately needed humanitarian aid has been slow to arrive in Gaza. We'll also look at the latest salvos in the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China.
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NPR's Book of the Day - Books We’ve Loved: Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, a blueprint to the modern romance
This year, readers around the world are celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. On the inaugural episode of Books We’ve Loved, hosts Andrew Limbong and B.A. Parker are joined by Pop Culture Happy Hour’s Linda Holmes to discuss Austen’s seminal novel Pride & Prejudice. The trio weighs in on how the romance genre continues to reference the book’s “enemies to lovers” story – and why the tale’s leads Lizzie Bennet and Mr. Darcy still make us and laugh and swoon even today. Special guest romance novelist, Casey McQuiston also drops by to share how Austen’s legacy provides inspiration for their own work.
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1A - The News Roundup For October 17, 2025
John Bolton, President Donald Trump’s former national security advisor, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Maryland this week.
Also, a federal judge in San Francisco halted the mass layoffs of federal workers by the Trump administration.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is now in its second week, as both sides hand over hostages and return the bodies of those captured during the conflict.
The United States continues to destroy boats off the coast of Venezuela as part of a supposed campaign against drug cartels.
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Also, a federal judge in San Francisco halted the mass layoffs of federal workers by the Trump administration.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is now in its second week, as both sides hand over hostages and return the bodies of those captured during the conflict.
The United States continues to destroy boats off the coast of Venezuela as part of a supposed campaign against drug cartels.
Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Consider This from NPR - Farmers already had it bad. The shutdown made it worse.
America’s farmers are getting walloped by the federal government shutdown.
The closing of government offices means they’ve lost access to data and loans that help keep them afloat —
Then there’s healthcare. More than a quarter of the nation’s farmers rely on the Affordable Care Act…along with the subsidies at the heart of the shutdown fight.
And add to that — the fact that farmers’ finances are taking a hit from bottom lines are also being slashed due to President Trump’s tariffs.
For generations – the federal government has worked to support American farmers.
But as they lose access to vital loans and information.. as the trade war cuts into their bottom line… And as many face skyrocketing healthcare costs…that support seems to have all but disappeared.
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 Tyler Bartlam, with audio engineering by Simon-Laslo Janssen.
It was edited by Courtney Dorning. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.
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