President Donald Trump’s firings of dozens of government officials have raised questions about whether or not those moves are legal. As a continuation of conversations from earlier today, it could be part of a broader attempt to overturn a legal precedent regarding presidential powers over independent commissions. Also: Secretary of State Marco Rubio on fees for U.S. vessels entering the Panama Canal and the outlook for Honeywell’s aerospace spinoff.

Chances are pretty good you’ve spent money on alcohol, drugs or gambling. That’s not just a good guess — a new Bankrate study said 84% of Americans spend money on at least one of the six most common “vices.” But turns out, age plays a major factor in your vice of choice. Also on the program: federal workers in limbo and one side of the debate over President Donald Trump’s firings.

From the BBC World Service: The Reserve Bank of India has reduced its main interest rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%. It’s the first cut since May 2020 and is aimed at boosting growth in Asia’s third biggest economy. Then, the South African city of Johannesburg has long had a reputation for being dangerous, but a huge effort is underway to make it more livable and attractive to visitors.

Let’s review recent news about federal funding: Much of U.S. foreign aid is on hold. Federal grants and funding streams were frozen last week, but that was blocked by two different courts, and then rolled back by the White House. Still, some nonprofits have had to furlough workers and put projects on hold. Also: zooming in on the importance of 10-year treasury note yields and celebrating 25 years of The Sims.

Newly-installed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says that when it comes to interest rates, he and the president are less worried about what the Federal Reserve will do and more focused on one particular number: the 10-year treasury yield, which affects consumer borrowing costs. We’ll hear more. Also on the show: USAID supporters rallied on Capitol Hill yesterday, and the climate crisis is driving up business insurance — including at ski resorts.

From the BBC World Service: Beijing has strongly denied U.S. claims that illegal drug shipments from China are a national emergency. In a formal complaint to the World Trade Organization over tariffs imposed by Washington, China dismissed the allegations as unfounded. Plus, Norwegian energy giant Equinor is cutting its renewable investment in half over the next two years, and The Sims video game turns 25 this week.

Millions of federal workers have until Thursday to decide whether to accept a buyout promising pay through September if they quit now. The Trump administration styles it as a long, paid vacation, but the arrangement isn’t set in stone and unions are urging members against it. We’ll hear more. Also on the show: why lenders are rejecting so many applications for loans and why China’s tariff reaction includes an investigation into Google.

Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog” was a hit when released in 1956. But the original was recorded several years earlier by Big Mama Thornton. Today, we’ll hear learn about the economics behind recording and some of the Black artists who inspired the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. But first: Your Temu, Shein and Amazon packages might be delayed. After new tariffs by the Trump administration, USPS says it’s suspending package acceptance from China and Hong Kong.