Bob Odenkirk says he was never supposed to be an action hero, but he’s grateful for the way his career has turned out. Starting out as a sketch comedian, he never could have foreseen roles like Saul Goodman in “Better Call Saul” or Sheriff Ulysses in his newest film, “Normal.” He tells Rachel he takes none of it for granted, as he retraces his path from his humble Illinois roots.
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Indonesia’s capital of the future faces doubts in the present
Indonesia is racing to build a new capital, promising a greener, futuristic city. But many citizens aren’t convinced it will live up to the vision.
Jet fuel prices double, leading airlines to increase baggage fees, raise fares
Airlines are facing higher costs, and one airport group in Europe has warned of the risk of a “systemic jet fuel shortage” if traffic through the Strait of Hormuz doesn’t normalize by the end of this month.
‘Beef’ is less rare in Season 2, but still well done
The hit Netflix series brings in a new cast that includes Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan, and even more beef.
3 things to know about naval blockades as U.S. begins patrols in the Strait of Hormuz
The White House says it wants to choke off Iran’s oil export revenue. But experts say that blockades are often unpredictable and difficult to enforce.
We watched 2 focus groups of Georgia swing voters. They’re not happy with the Iran war
None of the 13 focus group participants — who all voted for President Trump in 2024 — said they would describe the military action in Iran as going well so far.
Thundercat talks about his new album, ‘Distracted’
The bass player known as Thundercat is cherished by fans of funk and jazz, and he recently revealed his love of “yacht rock” in a popular documentary. His new album is called “Distracted.”
Hungarian Americans say Orbán’s defeat could provide roadmap for countering Trump
Hungarian Americans say Viktor Orbán’s defeat in Hungary provides a blueprint for countering President Trump’s attempts to tilt the electoral playing field ahead of the midterms.
For her new novel about boy bands, Emma Straub took a page from New Kids on the Block
A few years ago, author Emma Straub saw a story about New Kids on the Block hosting a tropical cruise for their fans. That planted the seed for Straub, whose new novel, American Fantasy, is about a fictional, aging boy band called Boy Talk that sets sail for five days of nostalgia. In today’s episode, the author speaks with NPR’s Justine Kenin about the 50-year-old female fan at the center of the novel. Straub also shares her experience receiving feedback on a draft from New Kids member Joey McIntyre.
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French government seeking release of 86-year-old French widow detained by ICE
The French government is pressing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to release the 86-year-old French widow of a military veteran from immigration custody in Louisiana after she was detained earlier this month.


