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A federal judge dismissed the Walt Disney Company's lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Disney sued after DeSantis and state lawmakers removed the company's self-governing status in 2023.

National

A federal judge dismisses Disney's lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

8:41pm January 31, 2024

by Greg Allen

The judge says Disney lacked standing to sue Florida's governor on First Amendment grounds after DeSantis removed Disney's self-governing status after the company's CEO spoke out about a Florida law.

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Senate Republicans demanded that border security be added to negotiations on a national security package, but now splits within their party threaten the chances of a bipartisan border deal.

Politics & Government

Senate GOP split threatens bipartisan border deal as Trump looms large

8:18pm January 31, 2024

Senate Republicans demanded that border security be added to a White House request for aid to Ukraine and Israel, but they are now balking at the details of a potential border deal.

A grid of streaming service logos including: YouTube TV, Netflix, Paramount +, Max, Hulu, Prime, Fubo, Apple TV and Peacock all in front of a gradient background.

Arts

How to choose the streaming services that are right for you

7:26pm January 31, 2024

by Eric Deggans

Costs have gone way up and there are so many options — but we are here to help. NPR TV critic Eric Deggans suggests some streaming strategy best practices and looks carefully at the major providers.

Have a seat on my couch: When the beloved children's character Elmo asked people how they were doing, the responses came from far beyond Sesame Street.

Elmo takes a turn as a therapist after asking, 'How is everybody doing?'

7:22pm January 31, 2024

by Bill Chappell

When the beloved red Muppet asked people how they were doing, they responded with honesty — and, in some cases, despair. Elmo replied to many messages with encouragement and empathy.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference after the concludion of the Fed's policy meeting in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 20, 2023. The Fed held interest rates steady on Wednesday but indicated it could cut rates this year while also noting it would move cautiously.

Economy

The Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady but signals rate cuts may be coming

6:02pm January 31, 2024

by Scott Horsley

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday, but indicated that rates could fall in the coming months if inflation continues to cool.

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Jorge Rubiano outside a temporary migrant shelter where he stayed after arriving in Chicago last summer from Colombia.

Health & Safety

For Chicago's new migrants, informal support groups help ease the pain and trauma.

5:53pm January 31, 2024

by Kristen Schorsch

Thousands of new migrants arriving in Chicago fled difficult situations or endured dangerous journeys. Informal support groups can provide some mental health care to ease their trauma and distress.

Taylor Swift performs during her Eras Tour at Sofi stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Aug. 7, 2023.

Taylor Swift, Drake, BTS and more may have their music taken off TikTok — here's why

5:21pm January 31, 2024

by Neda Ulaby

Universal Music Group, the world's largest music company, has threatened to remove all of the music it owns from TikTok, unless the streaming platform agrees to more favorable terms.

FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies before the House Select Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party Committee on Wednesday.

Wray warns Chinese hackers are aiming to 'wreak havoc' on U.S. critical infrastructure

2:49pm January 31, 2024

by Ryan Lucas

The FBI director says Chinese state-sponsored hackers targeting of U.S critical infrastructure — including water treatment plants, pipelines and the power to grid — poses a national security threat.

Hurray for the Riff Raff's Alynda Segarra captures a complicated reality on their new song, "Colossus of Roads."

Music & Culture

8 Tracks: Hurray for the Riff Raff's twang is heart full, but heartbroken

1:58pm January 31, 2024

by Lars Gotrich

Alynda Segarra examines our frailty and resilience with an unsparing, yet tender cadence. This week on 8 Tracks, NPR Music producer Lars Gotrich looks at lyrics that stand on their own as poetry.

Emma Stone has been nominated for an Oscar for her performance as Bella in Poor Things.

Arts

How 'Poor Things' actor Emma Stone turns her anxiety into a 'superpower'

1:43pm January 31, 2024

by Terry Gross

The Oscar-winning actor experienced her first panic attack at age 7. But Stone says acting helps with her anxiety, because it draws on her "big feelings" and forces her to live in the moment.

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