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The news you need to know today — and the stories that will stick with you tomorrow. Plus, special series and behind-the-scenes extras from Here & Now hosts Robin Young, Scott Tong and Deepa Fernandes with help from Producer Chris Bentley and the team at NPR and WBUR.

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The news you need to know today — and the stories that will stick with you tomorrow. Plus, special series and behind-the-scenes extras from Here & Now hosts Robin Young, Scott Tong and Deepa Fernandes with help from Producer Chris Bentley and the team at NPR and WBUR.

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Episodes
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Why ICE arrested a teenager with no criminal record

6/3/2025
Nearly 1,500 migrants in Massachusetts have been arrested by immigration officials over the past month. Federal agents say most were criminals, but many were not, including 18-year-old high school student Marcelo Gomes Da Silva. WBUR's Simón Rios explains more. And, Ukraine launched a major drone attack on airbases in Russian territory over the weekend. Peace talks followed in Turkey, but yielded little progress. Siobhan O'Grady of the Washington Post shares a view from Ukraine. Then, bird flu has wiped out nearly six million chickens at Hickman's Family Farms in Arizona. Glenn Hickman, president and CEO of Hickman's Family Farms, details the impact on one of Southwest's largest egg producers. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:20:26

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Inside Badar Khan Suri's 2-month 'nightmare' ICE detainment

6/2/2025
Georgetown University researcher Badar Khan Suri was arrested in March by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents while walking toward his Virginia home. The Trump administration has called him a threat to foreign policy, but Suri has not been charged with a crime and ICE agents never showed him a warrant. Suri speaks with Asma Khalid about his nearly two-month 'nightmare' detainment in facilities across Virginia, Louisiana and Texas, and why he still believes in American ideals. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:20:56

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These scientists were fired by DOGE. What are they doing now?

5/30/2025
Tens of thousands of researchers are out of work amid President Trump's ongoing purge of the federal workforce. One of those workers is Peggy Hall, a biologist who worked at the National Institutes of Health. Hall joins us with freelance reporter Virginia Gewin, who recently wrote about fired workers for Nature. And, a study from the Rochester Institute of Technology estimated more than 10,000 tons of plastic enter the Great Lakes every year. Here & Now's Chris Bentley reports on efforts to curb pollution, including a robot that combs the shores for trash. Then, the North American prairie is biologically diverse, but it's rapidly disappearing. In their book "Sea of Grass," Dave Hage and Josephine Marcotty unpack the threats to the prairie and profile the people trying to save it. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:27:39

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Trump administration to 'aggressively' revoke visas from Chinese students

5/29/2025
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement Wednesday that the State Department "will work with the Department of Homeland Security to aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields." NPR's Emily Feng joins us to explain what it means. Then, President Trump pardoned a man sentenced to tax fraud after his mother reportedly paid $1 million to attend a Trump fundraiser. Law professor Kim Wehle tells us more. And, a group of British climbers made it to the top of Mount Everest in a matter of days after they inhaled xenon gas. Mountaineer and Everest chronicler Alan Arnette talks about the controversial new way of climbing the world's tallest mountain. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:30:59

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Why proposed Medicaid cuts could decimate rural hospitals

5/28/2025
Rural hospital CEO Kevin Stansbury talks about what the Medicaid cuts being debated by lawmakers could mean to his 25-bed county-owned hospital in Hugo, Colorado. Then, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Tuesday that the CDC would no longer recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children or healthy pregnant women. OBGYN Dr. Linda Eckert weighs in. And, landmark climate legislation from the Biden administration would be dismantled in the massive spending bill that House Republicans recently passed. Grist's Zoya Teirstein breaks down the potential impacts on renewable energy projects already underway. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:18:20

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NPR and three Colorado public radio stations sue Trump administration

5/27/2025
NPR and three Colorado public radio stations filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging President Trump's executive order to bar federal funding from going to NPR and PBS. NPR's David Folkenflik explains more. And, the Trump administration on Tuesday ordered federal agencies to unwind all federal funding to Harvard University. Trump claims the university fosters antisemitism and stifles viewpoint diversity. Connor Murnane — campus advocacy chief of staff at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression — argues that Harvard's failures do not justify Trump's dramatic steps against the university. Then, if you've seen the hit TV show "Bridgerton," you've likely heard the musical stylings of the Vitamin String Quartet. The group reimagines pop songs as string instrument covers, and members Rachel Grace and Derek Stein share more about their musical journeys. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:23:43

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Meet the new teacher of the year

5/26/2025
This year's National Teacher of the Year is wrapping up classes with her students and getting ready to embark on a yearlong tour to inspire fellow teachers around the country. Ashlie Crosson, an English teacher from Pennsylvania, joins us. Then, if you are feeling stressed about speaking in front of others, you can transform that pressure by playing with your voice. Performance coaches Michael Allison and Mathilde Shisko explain how vocal play exercises help build confidence. And, thousands of U.S. schools had their students race the clock to stack cups in gym class. Why? A former circus clown from Colorado holds the key. We hear from sport stacking royalty, Kit Fox. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:28:33

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The state of civil rights in the United States

5/22/2025
The year 1963 was a watershed moment for civil rights, with Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Medgar Evers leading the movement. But rollbacks of civil rights and racial justice ideals abound in 2025. Author Peniel Joseph unpacks the progress made in 1963 and the political climate in the U.S. now that is undoing some of that progress. And, the new horror movie "Sinners," where Michael B. Jordan plays twin brothers who return to their Mississippi hometown after years working for the Chicago Mafia. The film is making waves in the box office, and author and professor Tananarive Due explains how it challenges ideas around the Black horror genre. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:31:26

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Jewish advocacy group says 'unchecked antisemitism' led to D.C. killings

5/22/2025
On Wednesday, two Israeli Embassy staff members were shot and killed following an event at a Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Police say the suspect shouted "free Palestine" after being detained. We hear from Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, the organization that hosted the event that the victims were leaving when they were killed. Then, the Department of Justice is backing off plans to oversee policy changes at police departments in Minneapolis and Louisville. Louisville Public Media's Roberto Roldan joins us. And, the market for energy drinks is rapidly expanding with an emphasis on health and wellness. But that marketing may be misleading consumers about the health risks of energy drinks. STAT's Sarah Todd tells us more. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:20:21

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Why these caregivers say Medicaid is vital to families

5/21/2025
This week, families of infants and toddlers rally in Washington, D.C., in favor of protecting Medicaid as the program faces potential cuts by President Trump and House Republicans. Two caregivers share their experiences: Jaid Greene, a mother from Colorado, and Felicia Harvelle, a grandmother from Virginia. And, Medicaid expert Adrianna McIntyre of Harvard University explains the impact of the program on mainly low-income families and people with disabilities. Then, kick off your summer reading with stories about family drama. Traci Thomas, host and creator of "The Stacks" podcast, shares her picks for fiction and nonfiction family-focused books. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:23:56

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Israel allows limited aid into Gaza. Is it enough to help the humanitarian crisis?

5/20/2025
Israel says it will start allowing some aid to flow back into Gaza after a nearly three-month blockade. UNRWA's Juliette Touma joins us. Then, researchers have come up with a device to take the guesswork out of a common breastfeeding challenge: figuring out how much your baby is actually drinking in real time. Dr. Jennifer Wicks tells us more. And, "Crazy Rich Asians" author Kevin Kwan talks about his novel "Lies and Weddings." The book centers around the family of an English earl and a former Hong Kong supermodel whose fortunes appear to depend on their son marrying money. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:24:16

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Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis: What to know about treatment

5/19/2025
Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. We learn more about the disease and its treatments from Dr. William Dahut. Then, the FBI warned last week about what they call "an ongoing malicious text and voice messaging campaign" that uses artificial intelligence to impersonate U.S. government officials. Axios' Ina Fried joins us. And, a new study suggests chimps understand the specific medicinal properties of certain plants and will go out of their way to treat the maladies of their peers. Primatologist Elodie Freymann talks about these healthcare-related behaviors. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:20:54

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How a program for migrant children is being used to carry out immigration arrests

5/16/2025
New reporting from ProPublica finds the Trump administration is subtly changing the mission of a government agency tasked with helping migrants and protecting kids who cross the border alone. We hear from investigative reporter Lomi Kriel. Then, Author Anthony Horowitz is out with a new book that takes jabs at mystery novels, while still being a great mystery read. He talks about "Marble Hall Murders." And, Holly Laessig and Jess Wolfe, who front the band Lucius, join us. They're currently on tour behind their new self-titled album, which came out May 2. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:31:19

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What the Supreme Court said about birthright citizenship

5/15/2025
The Supreme Court has been hearing arguments about President Trump's executive order trying to end birthright citizenship, which has been paused by numerous federal courts. Law professor and former U.S. attorney Kim Wehle joins us. Then, Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, explains why he thinks House leaders should cut more from the spending plan they are drawing up, and why it won't pass in the U.S. Senate if they don't. And, the Trump administration reduced tariffs against China from 145% to 30% over the weekend. The lowered rate elapses after 90 days. One board game designer is still suing the administration over its ability to levy these tariffs and argues that the trade chaos is hurting his industry. We hear from Jamey Stegmaier, president of Stonemaier Games. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:21:12

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The trade war is on pause, but the supply chain is still shaky

5/14/2025
The U.S. and China have agreed to a 90-day pause on steep tariffs, though products from China will still be taxed at 30%. Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, shares what he's seeing as businesses navigate an uncertain trade climate. And, President Trump is in Qatar, the second stop on his trip in the Middle East. But Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy calls the trip a "public corruption tour," citing a number of personal business interests Trump has in the region. Then, as part of his trip, Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and announced the U.S. planned to lift sanctions on Syria. NPR international correspondent Aya Batrawy explains more about Trump's Middle East tour. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:21:35

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Diddy trial begins: What to take away from opening statements

5/13/2025
The trial of Sean Combs, the media mogul known as Diddy, is underway. Claudia Rosenbaum, a freelance writer for Vulture who is covering the proceedings, joins us. Then, dozens of white South Africans landed outside of Washington on Monday after the Trump administration granted them refugee status. Journalist Kate Bartlett tells us why President Trump is welcoming them into the U.S. And, a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that fewer than half of Americans trust the government to respond to disease outbreaks, act independently, or ensure the safety of drugs and vaccines. For more on the state of public health, we speak to Dr. Katherine O'Brien, the director of the immunization, vaccines and biologicals department at the World Health Organization Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:21:15

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U.S. and China call a trade truce, for now

5/12/2025
The U.S. and China have agreed to a ceasefire in a trade war that has rippled across the global economy, with both nations slashing tariffs for the next 90 days as trade negotiations continue. Cornell University's Eswar Prasad explains more. And, President Trump will soon visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Jon Gambrell, Gulf and Iran news director for the Associated Press, shares a view from the region. Then, Qatar has proposed a deal to gift the Trump administration a new jumbo jet to serve as Air Force One. Don Fox, former acting director of the Office of Government Ethics, explains the ethical concerns. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:20:43

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AI tools want to be your friend or personal assistant

5/9/2025
An update to Meta's AI chatbot gives users a more social experience, but it'll be a long time before chatbots are able to solve the nation's loneliness crisis. Axios' Ina Fried explains more. And, for as little as $50, you can have a personal assistant. The catch? It's powered by artificial intelligence and records everything you say. The Wall Street Journal's Joanna Stern wore one for 3 months and shares more. Then, YouTube is officially 20 years old. Author Mark Bergen joins us to reflect on the video-sharing platform. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:28:21

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Habemus papam Americanum

5/8/2025
After the white smoke emerged above the Sistine Chapel on Thursday afternoon, Chicago native Robert Prevost was introduced as the new pope. Prevost is the first pope from North America. National Catholic Reporter executive editor James Grimaldi joins us. Then, President Trump has come to an agreement with the United Kingdom, marking the first trade deal since Trump imposed tariffs on a host of countries. We outline the details of the deal with The Financial Times' Rana Foroohar. Plus, officials from the United States and China are meeting in Switzerland this weekend for the first talks since the Trump administration jacked up tariffs on Chinese imports to 145% and China responded with 125% tariffs on U.S. goods last month. China expert Elizabeth Economy talks about the trade war. And, a federal judge is warning the Trump administration against its plans to deport migrants in the U.S. to Libya. Abdulkader Assad, senior political editor at the Libya Observer, tells us more. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:28:32

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Cardinals gather to pick next pope

5/7/2025
We go to St. Peter's Square as Roman Catholic cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel to select the next pope. David Gibson of Fordham University is there, along with NPR's Daniel Burke and Claire Giangravè of Religion News Service. And, India launched what it called retaliatory missiles at Pakistan early Wednesday morning. Pakistan is considering it an act of war. Milan Vaishnav of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace explains what's at stake for the two countries. Then, President Trump reportedly plans to shut down Energy Star, a program that has helped consumers find energy-efficient appliances since 1992. Grist's Tik Root tells us what the move could mean. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Duration:00:23:11