Here & Now Anytime

The Labor Department reported on Tuesday that consumer prices increased by 3.8% in April compared to a year ago. That's the fastest pace of price increases in around three years. Wailin Wong, host of the Indicator from NPR’s Planet Money, joins us. Then, the subject of Taiwan is one of the main priorities for Beijing in the upcoming talks between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. How will Trump approach the topic of Taiwan? We hear from Eyck Freymann, a fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford and the author of the new book “Defending Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War with China." See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Host Scott Tong is reporting from China this week as President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping prepare for a high-profile summit in Beijing. He joins us from Shanghai to share his first impressions of the country since the last time he was there. Then, the summit is set for later this week. Senior research fellow Yu Jie from Chatham House explains the power dynamic going into the meeting. And, Russia held its annual Victory Day parade on Saturday. It was scaled back compared to previous years, with the country's military might displayed not in person but on giant TV screens, out of fear of a possible attack from Ukraine. Nina Khrushcheva, New School professor and great-granddaughter of Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev, details Russian President Vladimir Putin's hold on power. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

The Virginia Supreme Court has thrown out a voter-approved redistricting referendum that could have helped Democrats pick up several U.S. House seats this fall. NPR’s Larry Kaplow explains more about the fight over congressional maps ahead of midterm elections. And, Alabama is one of many states moving forward with redistricting after the Supreme Court’s decision last week dealt a blow to the Voting Rights Act. Rep. Terri Sewell, a Democrat from Alabama, joins us. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Ten years ago, Iroro Tanshi found something incredible in a cave in Nigeria: a colony of short-tailed roundleaf bats, a species that hadn’t been seen there in almost 50 years. We learn how her discovery helped kickstart a conservation movement in West Africa to protect rare species of bats from threats like poaching and wildfires. Then, North America has lost billions of birds since 1970, but some species are actually bucking this concerning trend and returning to places where humans hadn't seen them in decades. Ornithologist Scott Weidensaul shares some global success stories of bird recovery. And, Mark Kurlansky has been fishing for as long as he can remember, and writing about it almost as long. He tells us about his essay collection on why people fish. (Hint: It's not for sustenance.) See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

"Shark Tank" star Kevin O'Leary wants to build a huge data center north of the Great Salt Lake in Utah. The project was greenlit, but still needs to obtain water usage rights as lake water supply is nearing a new low. KUER reporter Macy Lipkin shares more. Then, New Orleans may have crossed a “point of no return,” according to new analysis. Report co-author Jesse Keenan explains how rising seas, sinking land and stronger storms could point to a catastrophic environmental future. And, ahead of the year's biggest day for birders, host Robin Young visits the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to learn how the lab is helping birds as they face new challenges. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Ohio and Indiana voters offered an early glimpse at the political mood heading into the midterms. NPR's Stephen Fowler joins us to talk about the results. Then, the Trump administration says it is investigating Smith College, the women's school in Massachusetts, over its policy of admitting transgender students. The 19th's LGBTQ+ beat reporter Kate Sosin tells us more. And, Melanie Turner, a special education teacher in Oakland, Calif., shares how a nonprofit is helping her pay for housing closer to work amid an affordability crisis. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

The Food and Drug Administration says it is offering an “ultra-fast review” of two psychedelic drugs intended to treat serious mental health disorders. This follows a White House executive order directing the FDA to speed up research on psychedelics, which right now are illegal under federal law. Dr. Gail Saltz talks about the latest news surrounding psychedelics. Then, what happens when we open our eyes? Is consciousness something that can be pinpointed and studied? These are the questions science author Michael Pollan explores in his new book. He talks about "A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness." See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

On Monday, the Supreme Court temporarily restored mail access to the abortion pill mifepristone. It puts aside a lower court ruling in Louisiana on Friday that ended national telemedicine access to the pill. Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell, an OB-GYN based in New Orleans, explains what this means for nationwide abortion access. And, after talks for a government bailout fell through, Spirit Airlines shut down on Saturday morning. CNBC’s Leslie Josephs details the ramifications for Spirit's customers, employees and equipment. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

A new exhibit called “Water’s Edge” at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian showcases work by late artist Truman Lowe of the Ho-Chunk nation. Exhibit curator Rebecca Trautmann details how a sculpture titled “Feather Canoe” represents Lowe’s work and what his artistic style contributes to the story of America. And, how did you check the weather this morning? Back in the late 1800s and 1900s, people traveled to their local post office to see the forecast in a Farmers’ Bulletin. Smithsonian National Postal Museum curator Lynn Heidelbaugh explains how the Farmers' Bulletin system first developed and why it was so critical for a growing nation. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

The average price of gas in the U.S. hit a wartime high of $4.30 on Thursday, according to AAA. Bloomberg's Michael Regan breaks down the latest numbers. And, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent global energy prices skyrocketing and led to oil and gas shortages in parts of the world. Economic historian, author and S&P Global vice chairman Daniel Yergin says the Hormuz oil shock will lead to a new global balance of power. He joins us. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

The Supreme Court axed a 2024 voting map from Louisiana that created a new majority-Black congressional district, calling the district an “unconstitutional racial gerrymander.” Law professor Spencer Overton explains what the ruling could mean for Black political power. Then, former FBI director James Comey surrendered to federal authorities Wednesday on charges he threatened President Trump's life when he posted an image of seashells on the beach spelling out “86 47.” Former federal prosecutor Paul Butler shares more about the merits of the indictment. And, House Democrats grilled Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about the war on Iran, President Trump's behavior and the ongoing Straight of Hormuz closure. The Washington Post’s Tara Copp explains more. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

A man has been charged with trying to assassinate President Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. But threats against public officials are rising across parties. Political violence researcher Jacob Ware explains the deeper forces shaping modern violence. Then, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a new plan this week to redraw the state’s congressional map to give Republicans four extra seats. Tampa Bay Times reporter Romy Ellenbogen shares what this would mean for voters. And, a CNN investigation exposed a vast underground network of virtual Telegram group chats teaching men how to drug and rape their wives and partners. CNN Paris correspondent Saskya Vandoorne was part of the investigative team and shares more details from the report. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

On Saturday night, a gunman gained access to the ballroom where the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was being held and President Trump and top administration officials were present. MSNOW reporter Carol Leonnig explains whether there were holes in event security that night. Then, the Supreme Court is hearing a case about Monsanto's powerful weedkiller, Roundup, which has lost lawsuits from people who say the product’s ingredients caused their cancer. John Wesley Boyd Jr. from the National Black Farmers Association and Ben Riensche from Crop Life America weigh in from different sides of the issue. And, lawmakers are divided on extending Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act before it expires Thursday. Former intelligence analyst Javed Ali explains the provision, which allows intelligence agents to surveil terrorism suspects abroad without warrants, even though some information about Americans is captured in the process. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

The rise of violence against Jews around the world has made armed security guards a common sight at synagogues. Rabbi Andy Green of Congregation Or Tzion in Scottsdale, Ariz., reflects. And, a recent analysis has found a sharp spike in anti-Muslim content online after the United States and Israel started a war with Iran. Bigotry and misinformation about Muslims has been promoted by senior Trump administration officials and members of Congress. Imam Omar Suleiman, Islamic scholar and president of Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research in Texas, talks about fighting back against Islamophobia. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

About 20,000 seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf as the U.S. and Iran remain in a standoff over the control of the Strait of Hormuz. John Canias of the International Transport Workers’ Federation explains the conditions these workers are facing. And, a revolutionary new drug could prolong and improve the quality of life for those suffering from pancreatic cancer. STAT News reporter Angus Chen shares more about the breakthrough. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Voters in Virginia narrowly gave the thumbs up to new congressional maps that could allow Democrats to pick up four seats in the House after President Trump aggressively pushed red states to redistrict to help Republicans. Semafor reporter David Weigel tells us more. Then, a wave of political controversies is back in the headlines, but not all scandals land the same way. Political scientist Brandon Rottinghaus talks about how politicians survive controversy. And, the Women’s Suffrage National Monument will be the first standalone monument on the National Mall dedicated to American women’s history. Patricia Taft, an ambassador for the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation and great-granddaughter of former President William Howard Taft, explains how you can be a part of it. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh is arguing the Federal Reserve should stay independent on interest rates and step back from roles that go beyond its core mission. Marketplace’s Kimberly Adams details the heightened political pressure on the central bank and what Warsh’s hearing has entailed. Then, Apple CEO Tim Cook will step down from his role in September, and John Ternus, senior vice president of hardware engineering, will take his place. Technology writer and podcaster Kara Swisher explains more. And, a newly discovered fossil from 250 million years ago offers proof that our mammal ancestors laid eggs. Paleobiologist Caroline Abbott shares more about the discovery. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Oil prices were up again on Monday after Iran once again shut down the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for President Trump's decision to extend a blockade of Iranian ships. Foreign affairs columnist Ishaan Tharoor says Trump's current headache echoes one of history’s most revealing strategic failures. He joins us. Then, the federal government just launched a portal where small businesses can apply for refunds from tariffs that the Supreme Court struck down earlier this year. Emily Ley, the owner of a small stationery business, talks about what the refund process may be like for her. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has a new exhibit tracing the rise, near extinction and recovery of the bison. Museum director Kirk Johnson talks about a prehistoric skull at the centerpiece of the story and why it's important for American history. And, NASA's Artemis II mission made history this month by sending four astronauts farther from Earth than any other humans have been before. But moments like this echo the earliest days of American spaceflight in 1962, when John Glenn orbited the planet three times in a cramped capsule called the Mercury Friendship 7. Mike Neufeld, curator emeritus at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, discusses the history and modern significance of the Friendship 7 See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Amid a shaky ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, six Americans detained in Iran are in danger, advocates say. Former U.S. hostage envoy Roger Carstens explains what it will take to bring them home. Then, stock traders are remaining optimistic about a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran. The S&P 500 hit a record high this week. MS NOW’s Ali Velshi offers an analysis of the market. And, living costs are rising across the board, and saving for retirement or emergencies is becoming increasingly hard for many Americans. Labor economist Kathryn Anne Edwards details what the government could do to create a nation of savers. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy