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 and Scott Tong with help from Producer Chris Bentley and the team at NPR and WBUR.

Prices are rising at their fastest clip in three years, according to new data out Wednesday. What does this mean for interest rates? Loretta Mester, former president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, explains the likely economic impact.

Then, a new government report out this week found that unless Congress passes new laws soon, Social Security will not be able to pay out full benefits to all eligible seniors starting in 2032. Former Social Security commissioner Michael Astrue shares more.

And, Team USA will play its first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament on Friday against Paraguay. NPR’s sports correspondent Becky Sullivan gives more details from Los Angeles, where the game will take place.

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Why the Fed is trapped by inflation

New rules released by the Trump administration earlier this month will require Medicaid recipients with cancer and other conditions to prove they're too sick to work. The rule is part of new Medicaid eligibility requirements that take effect next year.  Colorado Medicaid director Adela Flores-Brennan explains how his state is preparing. 

Then, after decades of containment in the Central American tropics, the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating cattle parasite, has been detected in Texas and New Mexico. Veterinary entomologist Edwin Burgess explains what this means for U.S. livestock. 

And, a judge has temporarily restored the eligibility of Texas Tech University quarterback Brendan Sorsby after he acknowledged making thousands of impermissible bets worth at least $90,000 on college and professional sports. Front Office Sports reporter Amanda Christovich discusses the fallout from this decision.

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New rules could kick sick people off Medicaid

A new lawsuit argues that the White House UFC fighting event scheduled for next Saturday on President Trump's birthday violates the law. Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer, weighs in.

And, as Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference gets underway, it’s expected to focus on artificial intelligence, new products and partnerships. Ina Fried, Axios chief technology correspondent, checks in from the conference.

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Is the White House UFC fight legal?

Need help finding a job? We get career advice from career coach Judi Umali-Rajkumar and hear from listeners who share their stories about trying to find a post-graduation job.

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Tips for navigating a tough job market

Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) visited immigrants detained at Delaney Hall in Newark, N.J. Some detainees are alleging poor conditions and outside, protestors are clashing with police. Kim joins us to share what he saw inside the center.

And, on Wednesday night, four Republican voted with House Democrats to limit President Trump's ability to wage war in Iran, exposing a rift between Trump and his own party. Axios congressional reporter Kate Santaliz explains how other votes Thursday could further expand that rift.

Then, Iranian French author Marjane Satrapi, known for her "Persepolis" series of graphic novels, has died at age 56. We revisit her 2008 conversation with host Robin Young.

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What one senator saw inside Delaney Hall

This year's hurricane season begins with concerns that there are staffing issues at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, an agency that President Trump has targeted for overhaul. William Ray, the North Carolina director of emergency management, talks about his state's preparedness this year following widespread damage from Hurricane Helene in 2024. 

We also spoke with acting FEMA administrator Bob Fenton about the increasing number of severe storms, which may make it harder for the federal government to respond effectively to hurricanes this season, even in a year when fewer than normal hurricanes are expected. 

And, President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began the war on Iran together, and now the relationship is under strain, though both sides deny a major rift. We hear from Michael Koplow, chief policy officer of Israel Policy Forum.

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