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Summer is the height of the visitor season for the National Park Service. Last year, nearly 332 million people visited NPS sites, a record that is likely to be broken this year. That surge in visitors continues despite staff and budget cuts imposed by the Trump administration with no end in sight. Stephanie Sy discussed more with Theresa Pierno of the National Parks Conservation Association. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
In recent years, people have become more comfortable sharing their personal experiences about mental health, a sign that stigma around it is diminishing. On Instagram and TikTok combined, there are nearly 90 million posts with the hashtag “mental health.” But not all the information online is accurate. Stephanie Sy speaks with licensed psychologist Taisha Caldwell-Harvey to learn more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
In recent years, people have become more comfortable sharing their personal experiences about mental health, a sign that stigma around it is diminishing. On Instagram and TikTok combined, there are nearly 90 million posts with the hashtag “mental health.” But not all the information online is accurate. Stephanie Sy speaks with licensed psychologist Taisha Caldwell-Harvey to learn more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Broadcast TV’s highest-rated late-night talk show, "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," is being cancelled. Paramount called it a financial decision, but the timing is raising questions. Stephanie Sy discussed the cancellation of the show with NPR television critic Eric Deggans. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Broadcast TV’s highest-rated late-night talk show, "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," is being cancelled. Paramount called it a financial decision, but the timing is raising questions. Stephanie Sy discussed the cancellation of the show with NPR television critic Eric Deggans. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
In Syria, violence continued between rival factions even after a ceasefire deal. Government troops withdrew overnight from a region as Israel said it would not allow Syrian forces south of Damascus, extending its attempted control of the area. Stephanie Sy reports on the new nation's fragile stability. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
In Syria, violence continued between rival factions even after a ceasefire deal. Government troops withdrew overnight from a region as Israel said it would not allow Syrian forces south of Damascus, extending its attempted control of the area. Stephanie Sy reports on the new nation's fragile stability. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
The U.S. is demanding accountability amid a surge in Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians. On Friday, a 20-year-old Palestinian American was beaten to death in the West Bank. Saifullah Musallet is now the fifth American to be killed in the occupied West Bank by Israeli forces or settlers since the war in Gaza began. Stephanie Sy discussed more with Musallet's cousin, Nizar Milbes. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
The U.S. is demanding accountability amid a surge in Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians. On Friday, a 20-year-old Palestinian American was beaten to death in the West Bank. Saifullah Musallet is now the fifth American to be killed in the occupied West Bank by Israeli forces or settlers since the war in Gaza began. Stephanie Sy discussed more with Musallet's cousin, Nizar Milbes. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
President Trump’s big policy act on tax cuts, spending cuts and immigration also has a number of other key provisions that are getting less attention but include big changes. That includes what amounts to a new national school voucher program. Stephanie Sy discussed more with Laura Meckler of The Washington Post. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
President Trump’s big policy act on tax cuts, spending cuts and immigration also has a number of other key provisions that are getting less attention but include big changes. That includes what amounts to a new national school voucher program. Stephanie Sy discussed more with Laura Meckler of The Washington Post. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
California is home to the nation’s largest homeless population. Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose administration has spent more than $20 billion on the issue, recently urged cities and counties to pass laws that effectively ban “dangerous and unhealthy” encampments. While some welcomed the move, others worry about the health impacts of such measures on the state’s homeless population. Stephanie Sy reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Extreme heat is becoming a dangerous new normal that brings with it a number of health risks. From severe burns to accelerated aging, the effects of long periods of high temperatures on the human body are getting more attention in this time of rising climate change. Stephanie Sy reports from Phoenix, the epicenter of extreme heat in the United States, for our series, Tipping Point. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Extreme heat is becoming a dangerous new normal that brings with it a number of health risks. From severe burns to accelerated aging, the effects of long periods of high temperatures on the human body are getting more attention in this time of rising climate change. Stephanie Sy reports from Phoenix, the epicenter of extreme heat in the United States, for our series, Tipping Point. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
For decades, Native Americans and Alaskan Natives have experienced disproportionately high rates of murder, rape and other violent crimes. Experts say it's an outcome of generational trauma and systemic abuse. Stephanie Sy reports from New Mexico, where a lack of law enforcement resources is just one reason why so many of these cases are never solved. It's part of our series, Race Matters. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
For more on the dangers of extreme temperatures and key tips for dealing with the heat, Stephanie Sy speaks with Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Friday is the summer solstice and much of the U.S. is going to be baking in serious heat starting this weekend with a heat dome expected to keep temperatures soaring. Stephanie Sy reports on what you need to know about the days ahead. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
For more on the dangers of extreme temperatures and key tips for dealing with the heat, Stephanie Sy speaks with Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
As news about the murders in Minneapolis broke over the weekend, misinformation began spreading on social media instantly. And in an era of artificial intelligence and limited internal fact-checking, experts say rumors and disinformation are catching fire online in entirely new ways. Stephanie Sy sits down with experts to separate fact from fiction. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
As news about the murders in Minneapolis broke over the weekend, misinformation began spreading on social media instantly. And in an era of artificial intelligence and limited internal fact-checking, experts say rumors and disinformation are catching fire online in entirely new ways. Stephanie Sy sits down with experts to separate fact from fiction. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
President Trump threatened tariffs and sanctions against Mexico this year, claiming the country violated a treaty and is stealing water from Texas farmers. It's part of a dispute over shared water in the Rio Grande River and its tributaries. A fight exacerbated by higher temperatures and a greater demand for water. Stephanie Sy reports for our series on the impact of climate change, Tipping Point. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
On our mid-month check in for June 2025, we highlight some of the latest Asian American publishing announcements, and catch up on the latest book tea!Upcoming books mentioned in our publishing news:Stormraven by Kelsea YuMomma's Christmas Gift by Kao Kalia Yang; illust. by Jacqueline TamBlood of Silver by Allie NguyenWorth a Shot by Dora WangLion Dancer's Lost Lettuce by Michelle Jing Chan Leaf It to Me! by Katrina Moore; illust. by Biva NguyenFried Rice Surprise by Patricia Tanumihardja; illust. by Shiho PateMore Than What Eyes See by Miso Kwak; illust. by Thaís MesquitaKiri by Alice ChuThe Quest for the Longest Noodle by Stephanie Sy; illust. by Cindy WumeHunger Fighter by Jacqueline Chio-Lauri; illust. by Kristin SorraOh, My Affogato! by Daphne Ang and Donna GhorbanpoorPlanted by Niña MataToday Is Children's Day by Aram KimThe Shape of Love by Carren Jao; illust. by Corinne CaroShaping Ramadan by Mustaali RajBeneath the Same Round Moon by Jasmine Fang; illust. by Rồng Phạm & Vinh Nguyễn Book news mentioned on this episode:Chicago Sun-Times publishes a summer reading list filled with fake titles generated by AIBookToker given book deals despite having zero writing experienceBooks & Boba is a podcast dedicated to reading and featuring books by Asian and Asian American authorsSupport the Books & Boba Podcast by:Joining our Patreon to receive exclusive perksPurchasing books at our bookshopRocking our Books & Boba merchFollow our hosts:Reera Yoo (@reeraboo)Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh)Follow us:InstagramTwitterGoodreadsFacebookThe Books & Boba June 2025 pick is
President Trump threatened tariffs and sanctions against Mexico this year, claiming the country violated a treaty and is stealing water from Texas farmers. It's part of a dispute over shared water in the Rio Grande River and its tributaries. A fight exacerbated by higher temperatures and a greater demand for water. Stephanie Sy reports for our series on the impact of climate change, Tipping Point. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
President Trump's sweeping tariffs remain in place after a day of legal whiplash. Two federal courts, including a special court of international trade, ruled against many of the tariffs, saying that the president did not have the specific authority he cited for imposing them. But those decisions are on hold after a separate appellate court issued a stay. Stephanie Sy reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
President Trump's sweeping tariffs remain in place after a day of legal whiplash. Two federal courts, including a special court of international trade, ruled against many of the tariffs, saying that the president did not have the specific authority he cited for imposing them. But those decisions are on hold after a separate appellate court issued a stay. Stephanie Sy reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Tribal colleges and universities have endured decades of chronic underfunding, relying heavily on federal support to stay afloat. Now, the Trump administration’s broad cuts to federal programs are hitting Indian Country hard, posing a serious threat to the future of these vital institutions. Stephanie Sy reports for our series, Rethinking College. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
In the U.S., pharmaceutical companies set the prices of drugs with few restraints. In many cases, Americans pay a lot more compared to Canadians or Europeans. President Trump signed an executive order directing that Americans will pay the lowest price available worldwide on prescription drugs. Stephanie Sy discussed more with Stacie Dusetzina of Vanderbilt University Medical Center. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
The deep sea covers about two-thirds of the Earth’s surface, but according to a new study, humans are estimated to have observed less than .001 percent of the deep seafloor — an area roughly the size of Rhode Island. Stephanie Sy speaks with the study’s author, Katy Croff Bell, who is working to change that. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
The deep sea covers about two-thirds of the Earth’s surface, but according to a new study, humans are estimated to have observed less than .001 percent of the deep seafloor — an area roughly the size of Rhode Island. Stephanie Sy speaks with the study’s author, Katy Croff Bell, who is working to change that. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Congress is back in D.C. with plans to move forward on a budget framework that could include cuts to Medicaid. About one in three people with disabilities is enrolled in the program which helps them access health care and live independently in their communities. Stephanie Sy reports and we hear from people with disabilities and their caretakers about what Medicaid means to them. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Francis' 12-year papacy was a remarkable one, working in service to the church until the very day before he died. He sought to focus more explicitly on social justice, on climate change and addressing the most marginalized in society. But he was also criticized for actions that fell short of his public remarks, undercut commitments or went too far for some Catholics. Stephanie Sy reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Francis' 12-year papacy was a remarkable one, working in service to the church until the very day before he died. He sought to focus more explicitly on social justice, on climate change and addressing the most marginalized in society. But he was also criticized for actions that fell short of his public remarks, undercut commitments or went too far for some Catholics. Stephanie Sy reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
In a news conference on the rise in autism spectrum disorder, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made no mention of vaccines and instead emphasized the government’s plans to study potential environmental factors. To help put Kennedy's pledge in context, Stephanie Sy spoke with Christine Ladd-Acosta of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
In a news conference on the rise in autism spectrum disorder, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made no mention of vaccines and instead emphasized the government’s plans to study potential environmental factors. To help put Kennedy's pledge in context, Stephanie Sy spoke with Christine Ladd-Acosta of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Access to abortion services has shifted dramatically in the three years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Twelve states currently ban the procedure with limited exceptions, another four have bans after six weeks of pregnancy. Stephanie Sy discussed a new report that shows whether bans have led to a drop in abortions with Mary Ziegler, author of “Personhood." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
A blockbuster antitrust trial between Meta and the Federal Trade Commission is underway. The government alleges the company monopolized the social media market when it purchased Instagram and WhatsApp. The trial could have major implications for big tech. Stephanie Sy discussed the case with Rebecca Allensworth, a law professor at Vanderbilt University. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Just hours before major new tariffs are set to kick in, President Trump and his team said he remains open to deals but generally would not back down from levies on goods from more than 80 countries. That includes a 104 percent tariff on China set to take effect at midnight. That message helped kill an early stock market rally. Stephanie Sy reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Just hours before major new tariffs are set to kick in, President Trump and his team said he remains open to deals but generally would not back down from levies on goods from more than 80 countries. That includes a 104 percent tariff on China set to take effect at midnight. That message helped kill an early stock market rally. Stephanie Sy reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Recovery efforts from the earthquake in Myanmar are slow-moving. The country is grappling with the natural disaster plus an ongoing humanitarian crisis amid the civil war since 2021. The death toll has now risen past 2,700, with more than 4,500 people injured and at least 440 still missing. Stephanie Sy reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Recovery efforts from the earthquake in Myanmar are slow-moving. The country is grappling with the natural disaster plus an ongoing humanitarian crisis amid the civil war since 2021. The death toll has now risen past 2,700, with more than 4,500 people injured and at least 440 still missing. Stephanie Sy reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
President Trump again reiterated his desire to take over Greenland, which is a self-governed part of Denmark. Vice President Vance, along with his wife and the president's national security advisor, traveled to the U.S. military base there to again make their case. It has enraged the governments of Greenland and Denmark and driven another wedge between the U.S. and Europe. Stephanie Sy reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
The sprawling metropolis of Phoenix seems an unlikely place to build an apartment complex without parking for residents. Car dependency is just part of life for most people there. But a new development in the suburb of Tempe is providing a blueprint for car-free and more environmentally friendly living. Stephanie Sy reports for our Tipping Point series and our arts and culture coverage, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
A new report offers a troubling look at the latest digital threat to young people: deepfake nudes. These are realistic-looking photos and videos that have been altered using AI technology to depict subjects in sexually explicit situations and then spread online. Stephanie Sy speaks with Melissa Stroebel at Thorn, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting children online, to learn more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Significant changes will be coming for Social Security recipients. Millions will no longer be able to verify their identity over the phone, creating a challenge for older Americans and those with disabilities. Advocates are raising concerns about the burden this could place on an already vulnerable population. Stephanie Sy discussed more with Kathleen Romig. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
The Environmental Protection Agency announced what it called the ‘biggest deregulatory action in U.S. history.’ Administrator Lee Zeldin’s proposals include a call to upend the basis for the EPA's climate change actions and impact rules on emissions limits, wastewater regulations and air quality standards. Stephanie Sy discussed more with Zack Colman of Politico. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
The trade war between the U.S. and dozens of countries escalated yet again Wednesday. Canada and the European Union announced their own tariffs designed to inflict economic pain and pressure on America. But President Trump said he would not be deterred from his campaign. Stephanie Sy reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Punk music is known for its raw, aggressive sound, edgy fashion and mosh pits. It’s also known for being predominantly white, but that's changed a lot in recent years. Resurfaced music from its earliest days underscores that punk has always been influenced and shaped by Black artists as well. Stephanie Sy has the story for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Mexican officials argued at the U.S. Supreme Court that American gunmakers should be held liable for cartel violence in their country. The Mexican government estimates that 200,000 firearms are smuggled into the country from the U.S. each year. Chip Brownlee, a reporter with The Trace, a nonprofit news organization that covers gun violence, joins Stephanie Sy to discuss. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
The small-budget indie flick, "Anora", was the biggest winner at Sunday night’s Academy Awards, taking five Oscars including for best picture, best director and best actress. Mikey Madison won for her portrayal of the title character. Justin Chang, a film critic at the New Yorker who also reviews movies for NPR's “Fresh Air," joins Stephanie Sy for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
In the years since the Supreme Court overturned the right to abortion and since Texas instituted one of the country’s strictest abortion bans, the state has seen an increased rate of sepsis among women who lost their pregnancies in the second trimester. That’s according to a new investigation by ProPublica. Stephanie Sy discussed more with Lizzie Presser, a health reporter at ProPublica. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders