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.

This outbreak is being called "the perfect storm." How did it start, what are the characteristics of the strain that's causing it and how much of a threat is it to global health?

The former congressman was politically engaged until the end. As GBH reports, Even in hospice, Frank was actively working to spread the message of his forthcoming book, "The Hard Path to Unity: Why We Must Reform the Left to Rescue Democracy."

The Portland Clean Energy Fund has raised a billion dollars for climate change action via a retail tax on large corporations in the city. Other cities are starting to shape similar funds.

Trump-backed Ed Gallrein ousted Congressman Thomas Massie in Kentucky's Republican House primary. And, police have identified the victims in California's mosque shooting.

Survivor is a sport, a metaphor for society and yes, entertainment. As its 50th season ends, NPR critic Stephen Thompson ranked every season so far.

A Spanish court is investigating former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero for alleged influence peddling and other possible crimes tied to a government airline bailout.

Six states voted in primary elections Tuesday, with Republicans in Kentucky and Georgia voting on candidates that could reshape Congress in November.

President Trump once again proves his political strength in Republican primaries, helping to oust Congressman Thomas Massie, a frequent critic, in Tuesday night's elections.

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche is defending a new $1.8 billion Department of Justice fund for people who claim they were targets of politicized prosecutions.

Like many cities, Denver's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions is its buildings. Heating and cooling skyscrapers requires a lot of fossil fuels. Now, the city is trying a surprising solution.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford faces tough questions from lawmakers about the state of the nation's air traffic control system and its efforts to increase staffing.

States are phasing in major changes to food assistance. We hear from people who are feeling the impact and from Ty Jones Cox of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Bringing the Ebola outbreak under control in 2014 was largely due to the extensive involvement from the U.S., through USAID, the White House, the CDC, and the military.

A week out from the Texas Republican Senate runoff, President Trump endorsed Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, as early voting is underway.

The work of voice actor Tom Kane attracted fans across generations and genres, from Cartoon Network's The Powerpuff Girls to the Star Wars universe. Kane died this week at age 64.

After years of court battles, Israel will allow women to take the exams men take to become rabbis. It is a step toward expanding women's leadership roles in Orthodox Judaism.

A rock climber is using his skills to help those who are visually impaired to enjoy the sport as well.

A Kentucky primary will test whether Rep. Thomas Massie, who has clashed with President Trump, has enough support among GOP voters in his district. Trump is backing GOP primary candidate Ed Gallrein.

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.

President Trump arrived for trade talks in China this week with a gaggle of corporate CEOs in tow. One expert tells us Trump’s body language, tone, and the C-suite entourage all hint Chinese President Xi has the upper hand in any negotiations. In this episode, what we expect the two world leaders to discuss. Plus: Consumers and retailers show signs of caution, the EU rethinks fiber optic cable routes in conflict zones, and traditional TV comapnies try out AI-driven ad programming.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 cost of goods for the producers of this economy was up a whopping 6% in April, according to the latest PPI. That means consumers can expect more inflation down the road. Plus: Treasury yields are creeping up, the global oil stockpile is shrinking by about 4 million barrels a day, and diesel pickup truck drivers are shelling out at the pump. In this episode, it all goes back to President Trump’s war in the Middle East. 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.