Donald Trump and his allies are coming for it. And we have to be prepared for an incredible

political battle. Federal funding for public media is once again on the chopping block.

From WNYC in New York, this is on the media. I'm Brooke Gladstone. And I'm Michael Onger.

On this week's show, we track the essential role local public radio stations play in keeping our local governments

in check and how they sometimes save lives from Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

We have heard stories and seen images of people gathered around one little hand crank radio

at the cul-de-sac and to listen to our updates.

To remote southwestern Alaska.

During freeze-up, people do fall into holes in the river.

People do go missing.

Being able to communicate with the public through KYUK

about search efforts, about travel advisories.

There's no other place to get that information.

It's all coming up after this.

From WNYC in New York, this is on the media. I'm Brooke Gladstone.

And I'm Michael Lwinger. Last week,

the Senate met to discuss the president's giant rescission package, which includes a proposal

to claw back $1.1 billion in public media funding. Money that's already been approved by

Congress to support public media for the next two years. The House voted yes

on rescission. The Senate has a few weeks to debate it, and then they'll vote two. Meanwhile,

Congress is considering whether to cut off funds longer term. Republicans are attacking Elmo.

I never realized Elmo was more important to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle than the American people.

...