Joy Harjo believes in second chances
A note from Wild Card host Rachel Martin: Joy Harjo is one of the most revered poets in the United States, but there are all kinds of reasons why that didn’t have to happen. She studied pre-med in college. But, as if to hedge her bets on that particular career choice, she began taking creative writing classes. And in the end, the arts won out – stability be damned.
Joy grew up in Oklahoma as part of the Muscogee Creek Nation. But her step father forced Joy to suppress her creativity. She wasn’t even allowed to sing in the house. That creative spirit could have died inside her, but when she was finally out on her own she realized that making music, telling stories and writing poetry wasn’t just something she wanted to do — it was something she had to do.
Since then she has used her writing to capture the diverse experiences of Native people in this country. In 2019, she was named the first Native American Poet Laureate of the United States. And this spring she is releasing a new version of her book, For A Girl Becoming.
Why did university police chase a student and his baby across a graduation stage?
Jean Paul Al Arab and his 6-month-old led police on a brief foot chase during a University at Buffalo ceremony. The school said the grad violated rules about who can participate in the commencement.
MAHA Commission report paints a dark picture of U.S. children’s health
The Health Secretary's report blames environmental toxins, ultraprocessed foods and more for the poor state of kids' health in the U.S.
Why ‘Sell America’ is trending on Wall Street
Investors are worried about the ongoing trade war — and rethinking the safety and soundness of U.S. government debt.
Trump administration revokes Harvard’s ability to enroll international students
International students make up more than a quarter of Harvard University's student body. Harvard says the government's actions, which could cut off a major revenue stream, are "unlawful."
Congress moves to loosen toxic air pollution rules
The House and Senate both voted to loosen regulations on air pollutants like dioxin and mercury, which are associated with higher cancer risk.
In Sean Combs trial, Kid Cudi testifies about threats and violence
The musician Scott Mescudi, who records as Kid Cudi, told the court that after Combs discovered his relationship with Cassie Ventura, his house was broken into and his car was set on fire.
