While the public obsesses over mask mandates in schools, teachers are worried about how they’re going to catch students up from the lost pandemic year. Plus, why the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan is probably very bad news for women. And, the watermaster of the most prestigious water tasting competition in the world will tell us where to find the best tasting tap water in America. Also, on today’s show: the risky trade-off we make when you give Apple or Amazon your fingerprint or facial profile; the pandemic has seen us all becoming a little more socially awkward; the police should change up their approach when dealing with teenagers. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul, File)

Why CEOs made even more money in America last year – during a global pandemic. Then, how does the US care for the thousands of migrant children arriving at the southern border without a parent or legal guardian? And, how the government of Ecuador reduced its murder rate by legalizing the country’s most notorious gangs. Also, on today’s show: an international effort to stop zoonotic spillover; why robots need a dancer’s eye and choreography; giant, smoky thunderclouds are now forming more often over massive wildfires. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

The US Forest Service’s fire-fighting efforts have had the long-term effect of making wildfires bigger and harder to put out. The founder of Brooklyn Boy Knits teaches that it’s cool for men to knit. Humans are pushing the evolution of living species into overdrive. Also on today’s show: how toxic chemicals lower kids’ IQs and why nurses in the US are at especially high risk for suicide. (U.S. Forest Service via AP,File)

Homelessness is becoming a more visible problem along the West Coast. The Associated Press is making waves in media industry standards. Experts advise us on when to be skeptical of science and when to trust it. Also on today’s show: rest is an important part of learning and flowers are an important part of brightening up hospital rooms.

How extreme heat can affect the economy. And, the problem of burnout among doctors, especially female physicians. Plus, neurons in our brain give us that "hangry" feeling. Also, on today’s show: why Walmart is offering free college tuition to its employees; deaf people in poorer countries can’t access up-to-date cochlear implants; taking a closer look at the “school-to-prison pipeline.”

The historical significance of MacKenzie Scott’s big donations to black colleges and universities. Then, professional investors are very good at knowing when to buy stocks but not so good at knowing when to sell. Plus, a look at the emerging industry of upcycled food. Also, on today’s show: domestic violence incidents increased in severity during the pandemic; why it took public health experts some time to recognize that COVID-19 travelled through the air; what you need to know about cybersickness. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Republicans and Democrats alike agree that China poses a serious threat to our national security. Then, a deadly spider could actually save heart attack victims’ lives. And, communities are packing their bags and relocating as climate change turns them into disaster zones. Also, on today’s show: an acclaimed author provides a snapshot into the lives of Black boys in the 1940s; a paramedic explains why opioid overdose deaths were at an all-time high in the US last year; why minimum-wage workers are required to sign noncompete agreements. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

The effort to preserve the Cherokee language with conversation clubs on college campuses. Then, praising children can have a dark side. Plus, what wording you use can foretell if you’re going to break up with your partner—months before you actually decide to. Also, on today’s show: rent control laws backfire on renters; genetic cloning could save species from extinction; a better way to help college students get treatment for eating disorders.

After the condo collapse in Surfside, FL, should volunteer boards of condo owners really be responsible for ensuring the structural safety of buildings they live in? Then, many people with autism don't want to get rid of the disorder but to change the world to make it a more inclusive place. And, why Southern food’s reputation of being bad for your heart isn’t really fair. Also, on today’s show: a virtual reality game lets middle schoolers practice saying “no” to vaping; why the pandemic also created a scamdemic. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

If the COVID-19 vaccine is so effective, why are people who’ve had the shots being told to wear masks in public again? Then, artificial voices are becoming so natural-sounding they’re prompting all kinds of ethical questions. Plus, whistling as you’ve never heard it before. Also, on today's show: how chemists are designing an opioid that works for pain, but without the addictive side effects; how one worker bee in the 1990s managed to clone herself into an army that’s still taking over – and collapsing – healthy bee colonies in South Africa today; compelling Olympics stories date back to the ancient origins of the games. (Matt O’Brien/AP Photo)