2022-11-25

Far-Right Losses And Abortion Politics Blunt Republican Gains

Democrats outperformed expectations last night. Despite Biden's unpopularity and big economic headwinds, abortion politics and the unpopularity of Trump-backed candidates helped stave off a Republican wave. The House still looks like it's headed for GOP hands but not by a huge margin and the balance of power in the Senate is still uncertain. Support the show and unlock sponsor-free listening with a subscription to The NPR Politics Podcast Plus. Learn more at

2022-11-19

Why Qatar is a controversial host for the World Cup

The selection of Qatar to host this year's FIFA World Cup brought cheers to the streets of Doha in a celebration of the first edition of the tournament to be held in the Arab world. But the choice, made in 2010, also sparked instant criticism – over the logistics of holding a sporting event in a country where summertime temperatures regularly top 100 degrees; over allegations of bribery and corruption among FIFA officials who voted for Qatar; and over concerns about human rights abuses that have persisted in the years since. Now, with the World Cup days away, the Gulf country is expecting the arrival of more than a million fans. And billions more will tune in to watch the tournament's 64 games. Yet the controversies have not subsided. Recently, even the former head of FIFA called the selection of Qatar a mistake. "It was a bad choice. And I was responsible for that as president at the time," said Sepp Blatter, whose term as FIFA administrator ended in 2015 amid a bribery scandal. A lack of infrastructure and deaths of migrant workers Qatar is the smallest nation to ever host the World Cup, a complex international sporting event that draws huge numbers of visitors and requires the infrastructure to accommodate them.

2022-11-19

Check Out The New Reebok Collection of DC Superheroes and Villains

Shaq Attaq (HQ4587, $180) – One of the biggest superheroes of all time takes over Reebok’s larger than life sneaker, the Shaq Attaq. Inspired by the Man of Steel himself, this version of the shoe pays homage to some of Superman’s most crucial superpowers from the translucent hardware on the shoe that references his x-ray vision to the ice outsole signifying his cold breath. Available in unisex sizing from 5.5 - 13. There is also a Classic Leather inspired by Superman available in kids sizing. LX2200 (HQ4584, $110) – The reflective Bat emblem on the tongue of this LX2200 instantly gives away the Batman inspiration of this refreshed Reebok OG running silhouette. The sneaker embodies Batman’s impressive batsuit through several details including the foam molded synthetics and debossing on the upper which represent the batsuit’s molded and distressed armor, respectively. Available in unisex sizing from 2.5 - 12. Club C 85 (HQ4573, $110) – The Joker brings chaos to the Club C 85 from the inside of the shoe which is covered with graphics referencing his ear-piercing laughter to the tear away pieces of fabric on the upper that represent the many devious layers to his personality. To further allow the wearer to exemplify The Joker’s personality, the tongue features a hidden joker that can be removed and used as their calling card. Available in unisex sizing from 2.5 - 12. Nano X2 (HQ4585, $150) – Wonder Woman’s impressive armor dictates the design of this version of Reebok’s most versatile training shoe yet, the Nano X2. The upper of the shoes incorporates a reflective light creating a similar effect to Wonder Woman’s deflecting bracelets and the rest of her suit’s legendary construction is noted on various leather and metal accents. The wearer is gifted with an extra set of reflective laces that are emblematic of Wonder Woman’s signature lasso of truth. Available in unisex sizing 4 – 13.