Jason Reynolds’ favorite thing is being alone
A note from Wild Card host Rachel Martin: I want you to think back to when you were a kid — was there an adult in your life who didn’t talk down to you? Someone who instantly just treated you like a person, with your own perspectives and life experiences?
Jason Reynolds has built his entire career around not talking down to kids. His best selling and award-winning young adult books include “Long Way Down,” “Ghost” and two Miles Morales Spider-Man novels. All of his stories come out of his own experience as a Black kid growing up outside of Washington D.C. Kids are complicated people, and Jason Reynolds treats them that way.
Jason won a MacArthur “genius” award in 2024. His most recent release is an original audio book called “Soundtrack.”
Aparna Nancherla is tapping into ancestral rage
Anxiety has always played a major role in Aparna Nancherla's comedy. She spoke with Rachel about growing into her rage and feeling godlike when she's alone.
I didn’t know I needed the new Billy Joel documentary
NPR critic Linda Holmes has been a Billy Joel fan since the '80s. HBO's new two-part documentary still taught her something new about his life — and provided a chance to consider the role of his music in her own.
Scientists are developing artificial blood that could save lives in emergencies
A research team has successfully tested a blood substitute in animals, and human trials may not be far off. The powdered blood could help medics respond faster in a crisis.
Trump’s EPA now says greenhouse gases don’t endanger people
The Trump administration wants to reverse a 2009 EPA finding that greenhouse gases endanger people. The finding is the basis for much of the United States' climate change regulations.
What borrowers should know about student loan changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill
Now that President Trump has signed Republicans' massive overhaul of the federal student loan program, we explain what's set to change.
State Dept. cuts China experts as administration says countering Beijing top priority
The State Department has shuttered the team involved in South China Sea security, getting rid of top experts on the subject at a time when the administration says security in the region is a priority.
