National

The U.S. economy shrinks as Trump's tariffs spark recession fears

5:00am April 30, 2025

by Leila Fadel

Trump promised a new "golden age" for the U.S. But his first 100 days in office have left the economy looking tarnished, with data showing the economy contracted in the first three months of the year.

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Veterans Affairs Department To Eliminate Over 80,000 Jobs From Workforce

National

VA research brought CT scans and pacemakers into the world. Now it's at risk of cuts

5:00am April 30, 2025

by Quil Lawrence

Researchers at the Department of Veterans Affairs warn that crucial medical research is in jeopardy unless the Trump administration reverses course on cuts.

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National

Morning news brief

4:49am April 30, 2025

by Steve Inskeep

A comparison of Trump's first and second terms, Trump ally Steve Bannon discusses the president's first 100 days back in office, GOP tries to advance Trump bill with top policy priorities.

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Concept of financial literacy and education. Human hand and graduation cap with dollar sign. Collage.

Republicans plan to overhaul the federal student loan system. Here's what to know

4:49am April 30, 2025

by Steve Inskeep

The Republican proposal would eliminate grad PLUS loans, set strict limits on parent PLUS loans and create a system in which colleges would be on the hook if their students don't repay their loans.

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Vietnamese celebrate 50th anniversary of end of the Vietnam War

4:48am April 30, 2025

by Leila Fadel

People in Vietnam are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War on Wednesday in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon.

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Today marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. This journalist was there

4:48am April 30, 2025

by Steve Inskeep

Loren Jenkins never intended to cover war, but in April 1975, he witnessed the fall of Saigon. From shredded files to hidden codes, he recalls the chaos they led up to the war's end.

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National

UFO 'watchtower' in Colorado that started as a joke now draws thousands per year

4:45am April 30, 2025

Some cattle ranchers opened a UFO "watchtower" 25 years ago in a remote Colorado valley to make some extra money. Now it draws about 10,000 visitors a year and made one who started it a believer.

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National

Republicans will need near-unanimous GOP support to advance Trump's top priorities

4:45am April 30, 2025

by Leila Fadel

Republicans in Congress are eager to turn President Trump's top policy priorities into actual legislation. But they'll need near-unanimous GOP support to get Trump's "big beautiful bill" passed.

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National

GOP blocked Hegseth Signal probe because he is 'indefensible,' says Rep. Adam Smith

4:43am April 30, 2025

by Steve Inskeep

House Republicans blocked a resolution that could have forced an investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., says it's because the GOP knows it can't defend him.

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Hawaii plans to increase hotel tax to help it cope with climate change

1:54am April 30, 2025

A bill scheduled for House and Senate votes on Wednesday would add an additional 0.75% to the daily room rate tax starting Jan. 1.