This week's Short Wave news roundup

NPR | By Angela Zhang,

Emily Kwong, Mary Louise Kelly

Published June 11, 2026 at 3:15 PM CDT

NPR's Short Wave team talks about how air pollution affects the brain, what ancient squirrel poop reveals about prehistoric fauna, and a whale graveyard on the ocean floor.

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All Things Considered

Angela Zhang

Emily Kwong

Emily Kwong (she/her) is the reporter for NPR's daily science podcast, Short Wave. The podcast explores new discoveries, everyday mysteries and the science behind the headlines — all in about 10 minutes, Monday through Friday.

See stories by Emily Kwong

Mary Louise Kelly

Mary Louise Kelly is a co-host of All Things Considered, NPR's award-winning afternoon newsmagazine.

See stories by Mary Louise Kelly

Advice on going back to work after parental leave

Andee Tagle

Heading back to work after parental leave? Life Kit has some advice on navigating schedules, managing expectations and finding support during a major life transition.
Why this moment matters so much to New York Knicks fans

Ailsa Chang, Jeffrey Pierre, Tinbete Ermyas

NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with Trent Simonian, creator of the SideTalk social media account, about Knicks fandom as they approach Game 5 of the NBA Finals, which, if they win, would make them champs.
The Teddy Bear Doctor treats stuffies in need of care

Hosts, Gabriel J. Sánchez, Sarah Handel

Ruth Hasman's home in British Columbia is known as the teddy bear hospital -- a place where stuffies in need of repair receive the TLC they need.
How companies can sneak new chemicals past the FDA — and into our food and supplements

Sarah Gonzalez

There's a sneaky way companies add new chemicals in our food, and it is there by design, and totally legal.
LA mayoral candidate says she's frustrated with current mayor's 'lack of urgency'

Ailsa Chang, Linah Mohammad, Justine Kenin

The votes have been counted, and the mayoral incumbent in Los Angeles -- Karen Bass -- will face fellow Democrat Nithya Raman. The City Council member speaks with NPR's Ailsa Chang.