Short Wave

When lightning strikes the ground, it can leave behind a root-like rock called a fulgurite. Host Maddie Sofia talks with NPR science correspondent Nell Greenfieldboyce about what lightning and its funky rock creation can reveal about the origins of life.

To read more of the story, check out Nell's reporting here.

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South Dakota's governor Kristi Noem is a Republican rising star who signed two executive orders on Monday that bar transgender girls and women from participating in K-12 and college sports. It's just one of the moves Noem has made to gain favor ahead of the 2024 election. Plus, President Biden and his CDC director brace for a potential spike in coronavirus cases.

This episode: congressional correspondent Susan Davis, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, science editor Rob Stein, and South Dakota Public Radio's Lee Strubinger.

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Our colleagues at the TED Radio Hour introduce us to wildlife filmmaker Ariel Waldman. She says the coldest continent is brimming with invisible life that can only be seen through microscopes, including tardigrades (one of Maddie's favorite critters).

Listen to the full TED Radio Hour episode, Through The Looking Glass, here.

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A new Georgia law has become the center of the debate over voting rights with President Biden calling it "Jim Crow in the 21st century." Republicans argue the law helps restore faith in the electoral process, but civil rights advocates say it disenfranchises voters of color. Plus, Texas Republicans introduce new bills to restrict voter access.

This episode: congressional correspondent Susan Davis, congressional correspondent Kelsey Snell, WABE's political reporter Emma Hurt, and KUT's political reporter Ashely Lopez.

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NPR science correspondent Geoff Brumfiel takes us to IonQ, one of the companies betting on a quantum computing future. Along the way, Geoff explains what little researchers know about how we might actually use this technology. There are hints though quantum computing could change everything from discovering new drugs to developing advanced materials.

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Colorado is considering new gun control measures in the wake of this week's mass shooting in the state. But can those restrictions survive the scrutiny of the most conservative Supreme Court in decades?

And the heads of Twitter, Facebook, and Google appeared before Congress on Thursday to answer questions about disinformation on their platforms.

This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, Colorado Public Radio reporter Bente Birkeland, national justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, technology correspondent Shannon Bond, and political reporter Miles Parks.

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NPR climate correspondent Lauren Sommer explains how scientists are getting creative to deal with the hordes of urchins overtaking kelp forests in the Pacific Ocean — and why this kind of drastic ecological change may become more common as the climate gets hotter.

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In an hour-long briefing, Biden downplayed the role his election victory and messaging are playing in encouraging an influx of migrants to the border. He also said that he was working quickly to improve the conditions for children detained by the United States.

This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, White House reporter Ayesha Rascoe, and national political correspondent Mara Liasson.

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The cicadas are coming! After 17 years, Brood X is emerging this spring to mate. If you're in the eastern part of the United States, get ready to be surrounded by these little critters! Host Maddie Sofia talks with entomologist Sammy Ramsey, aka Dr. Buggs, about what cicadas are, where they've been for the last 17 years, and — of course — why they're so loud.

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Fearing base backlash, Republican lawmakers are unlikely to support gun control measures popular among the American public. And limiting Democratic margins in the suburbs is vital should the party hope to win back the levers of power in Washington.

This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional correspondent Susan Davis, and national political correspondent Don Gonyea.

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