Sarah Holder

Sarah Holder

Sarah Holder is a writer for CityLab in New York, focused on urban politics, housing, and work.

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TOPSHOT-UAE-US-IRAN-DIPLOMACY

What the Hormuz Blockade Means for the Future of US-Iran Talks

On today’s Big Take podcast: Making sense of the US naval blockade of Iranian ports — and its potential impact on future US-Iran negotiations.

April 14, 2026

April 14, 2026

What the Hormuz Blockade Means for the Future of US-Iran Talks

On today’s Big Take podcast: Making sense of the US naval blockade of Iranian ports — and its potential impact on future US-Iran negotiations.

TOPSHOT-UAE-US-IRAN-DIPLOMACY

April 13, 2026

April 13, 2026

Former US Ambassador on Why Orbán’s Time Was Up, and Who Wins

Viktor Orbán’s defeat on Sunday ushered in a new era in Hungarian politics. On today’s Big Take: what the change means for Hungary’s ‘illiberal’ democracy, the EU and far-right populist movements worldwide.

Magyar

April 10, 2026

April 10, 2026

It’s Not Just Oil. A Blocked Hormuz Risks Hiking the Price of Nearly Everything You Buy

As war in Iran crimps global oil supplies, it is hitting a range of other commodities and promising to remake global supply chains.

CHINA-ECONOMY-TRADE-IMPORT

April 7, 2026

April 7, 2026

The Heated Battle Over Taxing the Rich

On today’s Big Take podcast: From London to California, calls to “tax the rich” are growing. But do the policies work and what hurdles do they face?

Demonstrators Protest Tax Breaks For Billionaires And Corporations At US Capitol

April 6, 2026

April 6, 2026

Trump Threatens to Hit Civilian Targets If Iran Doesn’t Open Hormuz

On today’s Big Take podcast: Unpacking President Trump’s mixed rhetoric on Iran, the status of ceasefire talks and why he wants to collect tolls for the strait.

U.S. And Israel Wage War Against Iran

April 2, 2026

April 2, 2026

What Trump Did (and Didn’t) Say in His Prime-Time Address on Iran

President Trump took his case for war with Iran to the American people. His speech has investors and allies on edge.

President Trump Delivers Address To Nation

April 2, 2026

April 2, 2026

Global Cities Relearn an Old Lesson: How to Weather an Oil Shock

Past energy shortages triggered gas-saving policy changes and a surge of ridership — and funding — for public transit. What will this oil crisis bring?

A petrol pump attendant fills fuel in a bike at a petrol

March 31, 2026

March 31, 2026

Could Water Infrastructure Become the Next Target in the Iran War?

On today’s Big Take podcast: Trump has threatened to “possibly” destroy Iran’s water desalination plants — an action that could violate international law.

OMAN-GULF-ENVIRONMENT-WATER

March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

Anatomy of a Deal: Inside the Epic Bidding War for Warner Bros.

On today’s Big Take podcast, why Netflix bowed out of the bidding for Warner Bros. Discovery, the regulatory hurdles that remain for Paramount and how these two big movie studios will become one.

Netflix Shares Slide As Spending Mounts Amid Warner Deal

March 25, 2026

March 25, 2026

The Prosecutor Who Pursued Epstein, in Her Own Words

On today’s Big Take podcast: The first sweeping federal probe into Jeffrey Epstein — and the mounting frustrations of the prosecutor running it.

Illustrations for the Jeffrey Epstein file news story in Russia - 05 Feb 2026

March 24, 2026

March 24, 2026

What Trump Wants in Cuba

On today’s Big Take Podcast: Trump has talked about “taking” Cuba as the country suffers from blackouts and a US squeeze on oil.

CUBA-US-ENERGY-BLACKOUT

March 23, 2026

March 23, 2026

Soaring Oil and a Green Energy Boom

Today on the Big Take podcast: Shocks to the oil and gas market are driving interest in electric vehicles, solar panels and other alternative energy.

Beijing Energy Group Co. Wind Farm

March 16, 2026

March 16, 2026

What Russia Stands to Gain From the Iran War

Today on the Big Take: Between sanctions relief and intelligence-sharing, Russia is benefitting from the Iran War. How will that impact its war in Ukraine?

US-UKRAINE-RUSSIA-CONFLICT-SUMMIT

March 11, 2026

March 11, 2026

Private Credit’s Redemption Pressure Roller Coaster

Today on the Big Take podcast: from bankruptcies to the risks of investing in AI and new investor pressure, the recent tumult in the world of private credit.

Blue Owl BDC Plows Ahead On $400 Million Debt Sale For Tech Fund

March 9, 2026

March 9, 2026

The Critical Arms Race That Could Determine Iran War Outcome

In just days of attacks, the US has used some weapons stores that could take years to rebuild. On the Big Take podcast, how dwindling munitions could determine the length of war.

Missiles And Drones In Anniversary Of Islamic Revolution

March 7, 2026

March 7, 2026

The $240 Million Ad Campaign That Helped Lead to Kristi Noem’s Firing

On today’s Big Take podcast: an investigation into the Department of Homeland Security’s ad blitz.

Noem In Hot Seat At Critical Time For DHS

March 3, 2026

March 3, 2026

The White House’s Shifting Explanations for the Iran War

On today’s Big Take: As the war with Iran widens in the Middle East, tensions are rising on Capitol Hill.

President Donald Trump Meets With German Chancellor Friedrich Merz At The White House

March 2, 2026

March 2, 2026

Iran’s Succession Plan Is Unclear as Trump Says US Will Do ‘Whatever It Takes’

President Trump has vowed to do “whatever it takes” in Iran. On today’s Big Take podcast: What’s at stake for its embattled regime as the conflict continues to widen.

U.S. And Israel Wage War Against Iran

February 27, 2026

February 27, 2026

Minneapolis Braces for Rent Crisis As ICE Surge Winds Down

With warnings that an eviction spike is looming, city and state leaders are seeking aid for renters who lost wages over the last few months.

Trump Wins Delay On Order Restricting ICE Tactics In Minnesota

February 25, 2026

February 25, 2026

Is Apple Winning the ‘AI Scare Trade’ (And for How Long)?

As AI concerns roil markets, Apple has largely stood apart. On today’s Big Take podcast, how the tech giant became an accidental haven for investors.

Earnings Season Delivering More Pump Fakes Than LeBron James