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Episode Date: April 9, 2025

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This message comes from Mint Mobile. Mint Mobile took what's wrong with wireless and made it right. They offer premium wireless plans for less and all plans include high-speed data, unlimited talk and text, and nationwide coverage. See for yourself at mintmobile.com slash switch. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Shae Stevens. The latest global terrorist took effect at midnight, and President Trump says he'll soon announce more levies, this time on imported pharmaceutical products. Trump defended his terrorist during a dinner with House Republicans, saying he's already getting positive feedback from the countries affected.

They are dying to make it here. Please, please, sir, make it here. I'll do anything. I'll do anything, sir. And then I'll see some rebel Republican, you know, some guy that wants to grandstand, say, I think that Congress should take over negotiations. Let me tell you, you don't negotiate like I negotiate. Trump told those gathered that his tariff policies will benefit incumbent House Republicans in the 2026 midterms. Education Secretary Linda McMahon defended cuts to her agency Tuesday while speaking

at an education technology conference in San Diego. As NPR's Janaki Mehta reports, the Trump administration has often said that education should be left to the states. What is taught in classrooms already is up to states, and 90 percent of school funding comes from state and local sources. But the federal government helps oversee laws and ensures funding goes where it's needed. With the US Department of Education already cut in half, McMahon was asked what would happen to schools without that kind of federal oversight. Some states will do better than others and

that's a fact. So McMahon asked private sector donors including those sitting in the room to start doing their part to help fund education. Janaki Mehta and PR News. The White House must admit Associated Press journalist to news events. US District Judge Trevor McFadden says shutting out AP journalists has harmed the news organization. AP was shunned after refusing to go along with President Trump's renaming of the body of water surrounded by North America, the Gulf of America. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says he will challenge Senator John Cornyn in the 2026 Republican primary.

Paxton made the announcement on Laura Ingraham's program on Fox News. Houston Public Media's Andrew Schneider has the story. Paxton had been hinting at a run for months before making it official. Mark Jones of Rice University's Baker Institute says Paxton will make a formidable competitor to Cornyn among Republican primary voters. Paxton is taking a calculated risk though with November voters. We need to keep in mind that Ken Paxton has never faced a credible Democratic challenger in his three statewide attorney general bids running against second tier or unknown candidates who had campaigns that had best had a million dollars altogether to spend. The U.S. Senate race in November of 2026 is going to be a completely

different animal. Jones says Paxton's announcement will set off a fierce Republican competition for the attorney general's nomination. Paxton does not have to resign as attorney general to run for the Senate. I'm Andrew Schneider in Houston. This is NPR. A mass shooting in northeastern Virginia has left at least three people dead and three others injured.

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office says someone fired gunshots in a townhouse complex near Fredericksburg. Spokesperson Elizabeth Scott says all of the victims were found outside of the homes. Police are looking for one or more suspects and a motive. An American academic has been arrested in Thailand on charges of insulting the monarchy. Michael Sullivan has that story from Chiang Rai. Charges of defamation against Thais are fairly common and used widely as a political tool to stifle dissent. Charging foreigners with the crime is rare.

Paul Chambers, a long-time lecturer at Nadaswan University, reported to police on Tuesday after an arrest warrant was issued last week on a complaint by Thailand's powerful military. He was denied bail. Section 112 of Thailand's penal code says anyone found guilty of defaming the royal family can be punished with a sentence of up to 15 years. Chambers' lawyer says the accusations stem from a statement posted online and an academic seminar Chambers attended as a speaker. He's pleaded not guilty.

The U.S. State Department has expressed concern over Chambers' arrest. For NPR News, I'm Michael Sullivan in Chiang Rai. Auction House Sotheby's has unveiled a set of rare diamonds valued at $100 million. Eight gems on exhibit in Abu Dhabi weigh over 700 carats and include diamonds in various colors. A rare 10-carat blue diamond from South Africa is expected to sell for $20 million at auction in May. This is NPR News. Cell phones, cars, coffee. How do these goods make their way to us from overseas? And what will President Trump's tariffs mean for their price tags. Join the 1A Podcast as we explore supply chains and costs associated with some of your favorite

products. It's our series, How Did This Get Here, every Wednesday. Listen to the 1A Podcast from NPR and WAMU.