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Government Shutdown Looms Amid Epstein Files Release Debate

2/17/2026

23 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

NPR's Tamara Keith and Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report discussed current political issues with Amna Nawaz.
They described the ongoing partial government shutdown and the pressure on officials to reach a resolution.
The conversation addressed public reactions to the release of the Epstein files.
They closed with a light-hearted segment about their favorite fictional presidents.

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Story summary

NPR's Tamara Keith and Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report discussed current political issues with Amna Nawaz.
They described the ongoing partial government shutdown and the pressure on officials to reach a resolution.
The conversation addressed public reactions to the release of the Epstein files.
They closed with a light-hearted segment about their favorite fictional presidents.