Mueller Probe Fallout Continues; Pentagon OKs $1 Billion For Border; Suicide Contagion

Plus, decoding Bruce Springsteen's "Born In The U.S.A."

by Jill Hudson First Up Paul Ratje /AFP/Getty Images Here’s what we’re following today. The Pentagon is shifting $1 billion to build a 57-mile fence and other projects at the Southern U.S. border. The money nearly doubles the $1.3 billion Congress authorized for border wall funding — a move made possible after President Trump declared a national emergency.   Fallout from the Mueller report synopsis continues as the White House and President Trump’s Republican supporters appear to feel a page has turned in their favor. The president suggested on Monday that he wants new investigations into the workings of the FBI, the Justice Department and his political opponents. The conclusion of Mueller's investigation has also ignited a barrage of criticism against the media. A father of a Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victim has died from an apparent suicide. His death came days after two survivors of the Parkland massacre also apparently took their own lives. The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a previously scheduled hearing Tuesday on red flag gun laws, which temporarily restrict access to firearms from people who may present a harm to themselves or others. Apple announced on Monday a new video-streaming service, a new credit card tied to Apple Pay and subscription news service Apple News+. The iPhone has traditionally been Apple's biggest moneymaker, but those sales have been slowing, so the company is looking to make services a bigger part of its business. Lawyer Michael Avenatti was arrested on Monday in New York on federal bank fraud and wire fraud charges. The lawyer who is best known for representing the adult film actress Stormy Daniels also faces separate charges in California for an alleged scheme to extort more than $20 million from Nike. Avenatti says he's confident he'll be fully exonerated on all charges. The Daily Good Need a can't-miss wheel of cheese? Try playing it some hip-hop. Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images If you want healthy plants, some people say you should talk to them. If you want to make delicious cheese, try playing hip-hop. Researchers in Switzerland tried a recent experiment to determine how sound waves might affect the microorganisms that give cheese its flavor. For six months each assorted fromage was played different songs, including those by Mozart, Led Zeppelin and A Tribe Called Quest. One control cheese wheel wasn't given any music at all. A panel later said the cheese that was played hip-hop had "a discernibly stronger smell and stronger, fruitier taste than the other test samples." Today's Listen What does Bruce Springsteen’s “Born In The U.S.A.” really mean? Shinko Music/Getty Images The song’s lyrics tell the story of a Vietnam War veteran who returns home to desperate circumstances and few options. But if you only know the 1984 hit’s surging refrain, you could mistake it for an uncomplicated celebration of patriotism. (Listening time, 7:02)   ▶  LISTEN Before You Go Dmitri Lovetsky/AP The first all-female spacewalk was scrapped because NASA didn’t have enough spacesuits in the correct size. Prosecutors are dropping all charges against Empire actor Jussie Smollett. The surprise reversal announced Tuesday appears to clear Smollett of allegations that he filed a false police report. Hey there, sparkle unicorns and fart ninjas! What’s the deal with all you gendered toys? Here’s a video of head lice, way up close and personal, that you never thought you'd want to see.   We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: dailynewsletter@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Music, Politics, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to our NPR Music emails. |  Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy | NPR 1111 N. CAPITOL ST. NE WASHINGTON DC 20002