Washington Post reporter Todd Frankel explains how the AR-15 was adapted from the M16 military combat automatic rifle, and how it became an icon of gun culture and a favored weapon for mass shooters. John Powers reviews the Apple TV+ series Drops of God.

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How the AR-15 became the bestselling rifle in the U.S.

Fresh Air from WHYY, the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues, is one of public radio's most popular programs. Hosted by Terry Gross, the show features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries.

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In a new Hulu docuseries, Jon Bon Jovi looks back on his career and his recovery after vocal surgery. He spoke with Terry Gross about his breakthrough hit "Runaway" and how he's evolved as a musician.  

Also, we'll hear from fantasy author Leigh Bardugo. She's best known for her YA series Shadow and Bone. Her new adult novel, The Familiar, set in 16th century Spain, is about a young woman who can perform miracles.

Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews a new collection of letters by Emily Dickinson.

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Best Of: Jon Bon Jovi / Fantasy Writer Leigh Bardugo

The New York Times described Paul Auster as the "Patron Saint of Literary Brooklyn." He died Tuesday of complications of lung cancer. He was 77.  We'll listen back to some of our interviews with him, including one about his early career when he was desperately trying to make a living as writer, and even tried writing porn.

Justin Chang reviews the new film The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt.

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Remembering Writer Paul Auster

Congress and President Biden say TikTok must shed its financial ties to China or face a ban in the U.S. But Washington Post tech reporter Drew Harwell says selling the company is complicated. 

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What Will Happen With The TikTok Ban?

In The Demon of Unrest, author Erik Larson chronicles the five months between the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and the start of the Civil War, drawing parallels to today's political climate.

Also, David Bianculli reviews the FX/Hulu spy thriller series The Veil, starring Elisabeth Moss.

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Erik Larson On The Dawn Of The Civil War

Leigh Bardugo is best known for her YA Shadow and Bone series. Her adult novel, The Familiar, centers on a young woman in 16th century Spain who must hide her identity as a Jew who converted to Catholicism. She spoke with producer Sam Briger. 

Also, jazz historian Kevin Whitehead looks at a reissue of Sonny Rollins. 

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How the AR-15 became the bestselling rifle in the U.S.

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