As lawmakers iron out the state budget, wrinkles are deepening among Florida’s top government leaders; Florida has announced a criminal investigation into a major AI company for alleged involvement in violent crimes; A recent article from the New York Times says Florida’s immigrant detention center in the Everglades could close earlier than expected; Gas Prices are becoming a significant pocketbook issue for many Floridiana—especially those in rural communities who face longer commutes; Florida’s public-school students don’t need to go hungry during the school year; They can access free lunch in the school cafeteria; But in the summer, keeping kids fed who otherwise may go hungry becomes the job of nonprofits and volunteers; And America is preparing for a massive wave of adults nearing or entering retirement; On "Southwest Florida In Focus".

On tonight’s program: The first of what could be several special sessions of the Florida Legislature is over. This one focused on redistricting. Another, to pass a state budget, is next; A powerful member of the Florida Senate reacts to the speed with which the congressional redistricting took place; Governor DeSantis signs two education bills, although many teachers wish he hadn’t; Despite some state ordered pay increases for starting teachers, the bulk of Florida’s public school educators continue to lag behind most other states; Despite all of our connective technology, more people are now feeling more disconnected than ever. How do we get back to feeling like communities again? And as a drought continues in much of Florida, lakes and rivers are starting to dry up. Fixing that will require some heavy rainfall.

Drought conditions in Florida are so bad that some lakes are drying up and alligators are running out of room.

Drought conditions in Florida are so bad that some lakes are drying up and alligators are running out of room.

On tonight’s program: Florida lawmakers approve a new congressional district map for the state. Not everyone is convinced this is a good thing; And Florida, especially the state’s northern region, remains in the grip of a near historic drought. Even though some rain may be sweeping through the state this weekend, experts in the field warn that far more rainfall will be needed to mitigate the threat of wildfires that are already ravaging parts of the state. We have two pieces. The first describes the current wildfire situation and the second delves into the climactic circumstances that are making the fires more likely.

The map drawn by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis boosts President Trump's effort to reshape voting before the midterm elections. The GOP likely holds a slight edge over Democrats in redistricting now.

Gabbard is the latest in a series of Cabinet officials to leave the Trump administration.

Everlane's finances have faltered in recent years. But will the merger alienate Everlane's existing shoppers — or sway droves of Shein fans to trade up?

The national average for a gallon of gasoline is $4.55, as America heads into one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. What can you do to cut your costs?

Congressional Republicans left for recess without passing Trump's top immigration enforcement package. And, forecasters are predicting fewer storms than average for the 2026 hurricane season.

Analysts say a comparison of the readouts issued by the U.S. and China reveals "minor inconsistencies" on issues such as agriculture, tariffs and rare earths. But, experts argue, those differences are not significant.

The Commission of Fine Arts has given a design for a massive arch in Washington, D.C., its final approval, even though it's missing some visual components.

Republicans upended plans to pass a partisan bill to fund ICE after party infighting over unrelated issues snarled their progress.

NPR's Steve Inskeep asks Jeff Flake, a former Republican senator, about this week's GOP pushback against some of President Trump's priorities.

Jack Antonoff explores marriage, grief and the current moment in Bleachers' latest album, everyone for ten minutes.

Senate breaks for recess, delaying vote on ICE funding, DNC releases 'autopsy' of 2024 presidential election, a look at Trump's political -- and personal -- interest in Cuba.

Eli Lilly announced clinical trial results for retatrutide, its next gen obesity drug. The drug helped study participants lose 70 lbs over 80 weeks, making it more powerful than Zepbound and Wegovy.

Data centers are creating enormous demand for new electricity in Texas. But can the grid actually meet it?

When Pat Gentile began to grow out her hair after chemotherapy, she was nervous to go to work for the first time without a wig. An unexpected encounter with a convenience store stranger changed that.

After accidentally dispensing the wrong drug to a patient, former Tennessee nurse RaDonda Vaught was convicted of negligent homicide in 2022. She's now found redemption on the speaking circuit.

Inns and campgrounds in Maine are ready to welcome summer tourists. But many Canadians are staying away because of the beef between the two countries. And high fuel prices are an issue for everyone.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is accused by former security officers of appointing loyalists to lead Israel's two main intelligences agencies, the Shin Bet and the Mossad.

The indictment of Raul Castro is the latest move by the Trump administration to ratchet up pressure on the Cuban government.

The AI model Claude Mythos was so powerful that Anthropic decided not to release it to the masses. Then the company put out a security tool to address software vulnerabilities.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX just filed to go public, and OpenAI is expected to file in the fall. Both businesses have been around for over a decade — what was the hold up? In this episode, we explain the tradeoffs that come with an IPO. Plus: U.S. manufacturers struggle with climbing tungsten prices, Stellantis doubles down on affordable car models, and the authors of “How to Win a Trade War” make an optimistic case for our future global economy.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Affordable Care Act premiums are higher this year, after Congress declined to renew subsidies for the health insurance program. As a result, about a million fewer Americans enrolled for 2026 and even more are slated to drop by the year’s end. In this episode, why falling enrollment will raise premiums further. Plus: Bond yields hit record highs around the globe, businesses start to see tariff refunds ahead of schedule, and utility rates are about to get worse.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

The era of frequent public speeches given by Federal Reserve officials on monetary policy may be over. Incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh has expressed a desire to reform the central bank’s robust communication style, which has been the norm since the 1990s. In this episode, what do we stand to lose if the Fed zips its lips? Plus: Retailers weigh passing higher costs onto cash-strapped consumers, stateside EV sales don’t keep up with European surge, and cities make an economic case for planting more trees.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Cybersecurity was once the focus of a huge workforce development push. Job opportunities and training programs were abundant. But as artificial intelligence makes it easier for hackers to pull off sophisticated cyber crimes, it’s also replaced entry-level cybersecurity roles. In this episode, one corner of the AI-affected job market. Plus: What retail earnings could reveal about consumer spending, how homebuilders are feeling, and how the U.S. dollar became dominant.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

New consumer data shows alcohol sales were down over 5% in April. And, as you’ve probably noticed, gas prices were up. Is there any correlation? In this episode, why high fuel prices may exacerbate existing consumer trends — like cutting back on beer. Plus: Cerebras’ successful IPO signals hunger for AI stocks, Hollywood is buying more short stories, and we discuss the week’s economic headlines.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.