Rob Schmitz is NPR's international correspondent based in Berlin, where he covers the human stories of a vast region reckoning with its past while it tries to guide the world toward a brighter future. From his base in the heart of Europe, Schmitz has covered Germany's levelheaded management of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of right-wing nationalist politics in Poland and creeping Chinese government influence inside the Czech Republic.
A federal judge ordered the government to fully fund food aid by Friday. The Trump administration's appeal was denied, so it's asking appealed, saying it's up to Congress to fund SNAP.
The AI entertainment landscape is starting to shift, with deals springing up between formerly adversarial AI companies and entertainment corporations, especially in the music space.
James Watson, who co-discovered the structure of DNA has died at age 97. He was a scientific superstar until he made racist remarks that made him an outcast.
Airlines are canceling hundreds of flights to comply with the FAA's order. But there are still questions about the plan, which the agency says will keep the skies safe during the government shutdown.