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$10 billion. That's how much money was taken from Americans in fraud schemes last year, according to the Federal Trade Commission.Many of those crimes – specifically those involving imposters – often start with a phone call or a text and a made-up claim. Victims can hand over thousands of dollars. And they often feel ashamed about being duped by these criminals.How do we let go of the stigma around being scammed? And what's being done about the increasingly elaborate ways scammers are stealing people's money? The Washington Post's Michelle Singletary helps us answer those questions.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

President-elect Donald Trump is packing his administration with incredibly wealthy businesspeople. His picks make up what could be the wealthiest government in U.S. history – worth about $340 billion.Watchdog groups are sounding the alarm, saying the business interests of many of these powerful picks are at odds with what's best for the American people.Trump himself is again bringing financial conflicts into office, too. But this time, there are fewer guardrails to prevent abuses of power for his financial gain. Meanwhile, new Trump organization business deals are on the horizon.We discuss why this matter for the American people, and if our government can protect itself from financial conflicts at its highest levels of power.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

On Sunday, Syrian rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) made its final march on the Syrian capital of Damascus. The rebels had already claimed the major cities of Aleppo, Hama and Homs. In a matter of hours and with little violence, Syrian government forces abandoned their posts and HTS claimed victory. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country and has been granted asylum in Russia.After more than five decades, Syria is no longer under the rule of the Assad dynasty. And the region is transformed forever. But as people rejoice across Syria – what's left is immense uncertainty about the future of the country's government and its place in the region.We get to the latest and look to the future for both Syria and the Middle East.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy