Oct 26, 2017

10/26/2017: So it’s an emergency. Now what?

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an event highlighting the opioid crisis in the U.S. October 26, 2017 in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC. Alex Wong/Getty Images

President Donald Trump announced a 90-day public health emergency to deal with the opioid crisis, but didn’t allot any new funds, so many are wondering if this will even scratch the surface of the problem. Deregulation is a hot topic among Republicans right now, and FCC head Ajit Pai is planning to dismantle rules limiting ownership of multiple media companies in one market. Plus, Kai catches up with the production supervisor for “Hamilton” to talk about what it’s been like taking the show on the road.

Segments From this episode

Playing every role in "Hamilton"

by Kai Ryssdal and Daisy Palacios

Oct 26, 2017

It's not easy being a swing actor, but the show depends on them, says production supervisor Jason Bassett.

"Hamilton" actor, writer and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda appears with the cast on Aug. 16, opening night at the Hollywood Pantages.

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

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China sets course for a "moderately prosperous" economy

by Kai Ryssdal and Jennifer Pak

Oct 26, 2017

Chinese President Xi Jinping was installed for another entirely expected five-year term by the Communist Party Congress this week. And in the course of a three-plus hour speech to open the Congress, Xi said something that hasn’t gotten much notice here, but is all over the Chinese press: He wants to build a moderately prosperous […]

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Trump declares opioid epidemic a public health crisis but doesn’t add any additional funds

by Amy Scott

Oct 26, 2017

President Donald Trump has long promised to declare the opioid crisis in America a national emergency, freeing up more federal resources to fight the epidemic. Today turned out to the be the day. At the White House this afternoon, the president directed acting Health Secretary Eric Hargan to declare a public health emergency under the […]

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Climate change risk could lower a city’s credit rating

by Ryan Kailath

Oct 26, 2017

Credit agencies Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s recently put out reports laying out this scenario: federal disaster spending drying up while damages from increasing disasters continue to rise. If cities, counties or states are left more on their own to fund rebuilding after natural disasters like hurricanes, they could have a lot of trouble managing […]