Getting Fired In The Trump Administration; Democratic Debate Recap; Robert Frank’s Legacy

Plus, are the U.S. and China headed for a cold war?

Stories And Podcasts You May Have Missed Win McNamee/Getty Images There was something different about the Democratic debate this week, compared with the earlier rounds this summer. The effect was at least somewhat more energizing than the summer meetings, or perhaps just a bit less dispiriting. President Trump is looking for his fourth national security adviser after John Bolton departed the White House last week. But working at the pleasure of Donald Trump means never knowing when your last day will come — or whether the exit will be on your own terms.  An NPR investigation found that the military court and prison at Guantánamo Bay have cost U.S. taxpayers billions. A former top attorney at Guantánamo filed a federal whistleblower complaint alleging "gross financial waste" and "gross mismanagement."  Are the U.S. and China headed for a cold war? Tensions are rising between the two countries on almost every front, and there are plenty of parallels to the U.S.-Soviet rivalry. Analysts say competition is inevitable but doesn't have to lead to confrontation. Music And Pop Culture News Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images Are the days of high heels coming to an end? NPR’s Michel Martin talked to author Lauren Bravo about why women have liked heels so much in the past and why so many are now leaving them behind.  The world of Mary Lou Williams. A groundbreaking composer, bandleader and arranger who remained "perpetually contemporary," Williams helped shape the sounds of the Big Band era. NPR Music’s Turning The Tables playlist features 20 tracks that showcase Williams’ expansive influence on jazz and American music as a whole.  Pop star Lana Del Rey released one of the most anticipated albums of the year last week — and it set off one of the week’s biggest social media firestorms. NPR's Scott Simon talked with NPR Music's Ann Powers about Rey's latest album, and about the dispute she and the artist had on Twitter over her review. Profiles And Photos Of The Week Kennedy News and Media This rising star chef is black, vegan — and only 11 years old. U.K. tween Omari McQueen began cooking at age 7, when he learned how to fry fish — and how to feed himself and his five siblings. Now the precocious chef has appeared on TV and opened a trendy food hall booth.  As one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, Robert Frank possessed a piercing, unflinching gaze. Some of America's top photojournalists share their thoughts on Frank and his work. A six-year-old girl's letter has launched an army of little green women. The president of BMC Toys, which makes the iconic Green Army Men figurines, said the Pennsylvania toy company will begin making Green Army Women figurines in four different military poses. They will be on sale in time for Christmas 2020.  Podcasts Of The Week James Yang for NPR Saving for your kid's college education isn't easy. But you can probably save a lot more than you think. The Life Kit team has six important tips on how to save for your kid’s college education.  Social media sites offer quick and easy ways to make us feel part of something big, wonderful and fast-moving. But the things we post don't go away. And they can come back to haunt us. This week, the Hidden Brain team explores how one teenager's social media posts destroyed a golden opportunity he'd worked for all his life. — By Jill Hudson, NPR Newsletters Editor What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: bestofnpr@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 Daily News, Politics, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Best of NPR emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy