TikTok sues Montana; what happens if the U.S. defaults; Colorado river states agree on water sharing deal

Plus, hear our best advice for making friends wherever you move.

View this email online by Suzanne Nuyen May 23, 2023 Good morning. Peggy Whitson, who broke the record for time spent in space, is back for more than a week at the International Space Station. Here's what else we're following today.   Lawmakers have nine days left to agree on a plan for the nation's debt limit and avoid default on its bills, according to Treasury officials. Though Monday's talks ended without a deal, President Biden called them "productive." Alex Brandon/AP 🎧 If the U.S. defaults, social security, taxpayer returns and military benefits could be affected as the government decides which bills to pay first. On Up First today, NPR's Scott Horsley says a default could damage the nation's future borrowing capabilities, similar to how one's credit score falls when bills aren't paid. TikTok is suing Montana after the state passed a law that takes effect next year banning the app. TikTok's lawyers allege the law violates free speech rights and call Montana's concerns over China accessing American data "unfounded speculation.”  🎧 NPR's Bobby Allyn says the First Amendment has historically been a "very strong legal shield," and legal experts tell him the app has a strong case. But if Montana's law is upheld, Allyn reports it could create a "snowball effect," and more states could make copycat laws. Water managers in California, Arizona and Nevada have agreed on a proposal to reduce their water intake from the drought-stricken Colorado River to keep it from running dry in exchange for over a billion dollars in federal payments. The deal runs through the end of 2026. 🎧 Learning to live with less water will likely be "very expensive and potentially very painful" for these states, according to KUNC's Luke Runyon. He adds that the river's story broadens the discussion of adapting to climate change and gives the rest of the country a real-time look at future challenges. Newsletter continues after sponsor message Enlighten me Stan Honda/AFP via Getty Images  Enlighten Me is a special series with NPR's Rachel Martin on in-depth conversations about the human condition. How do you move beyond hate and anger after a tragedy? Simran Jeet Singh says his anger after seven people were killed in 2012 in a mass shooting at a Sikh temple was "corrosive." 🎧 In a conversation with NPR's Rachel Martin, he discusses how Sikh philosophy helped him deal with what happened and see the inherent humanity in everyone. Listen to the interview or read it here. One of the biggest challenges of moving is making a new group of friends. Whether you're a college grad moving to a new city or have always been a nomad, we've got strategies for finding a sense of belonging wherever you are. 👋 Tell your loved ones you're moving and see if they can connect you with new people.  👋 Reach out to old friends in new cities.  👋 Find activities and make them routine. With time, you'll see some familiar faces and potential friends.  👋 Don't put too much pressure on yourself to make friends — focus on the connections.  Listen to Life Kit's guide to making friends in new places here. Jenn Chávez/OPB  Fidele Munyanganizi, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, created Outgrowing Hunger because he missed the food from his homeland. The project helps refugees grow their cultural crops. (via OPB) A TikToker deep cleaned a couch she found on the street, and it horrified fans. We talked to a bedbug expert about what it takes to truly get rid of the pests. Pittsburgh’s National Aviary’s researchers believe the Ivory-billed woodpecker, thought to be extinct, is still alive but endangered. (via WESA) Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WUFT 89.1 (edit station). This newsletter was edited by Majd Al-Waheidi. 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 Best of NPR emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy