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Fresh Air tech contributor Alexis Madrigal considers why people still jump on frustrating conference calls. While tech startups aim to kill the PIN, he says, the phone bridges generations.

What makes a good commencement address great? We read more than 300 speeches and singled out the qualities that made them rise to the top.

It may not be an Olympic sport, but Wisconsin teen Austin Wierschke was just named the fastest texter in America. The texting champion was awarded $50,000. Wierschke speaks with host Michel Martin about how he keeps his thumbs in shape.

Rain and storm surge from Hurricane Rita have sent water over and through breaches in patched levees around New Orleans. The lower Ninth Ward, which was completely flooded by Hurricane Katrina, is once again under water.

Linda Wertheimer speaks with Robert Wittman, senior investigator of the FBI's new Art Crimes Unit, about searching for -- and recovering -- stolen art and artifacts around the globe.

The Biden administration is encouraging U.S. oil companies to increase their production to help curb record-high gasoline prices. Turns out, however, that boosting output is easier said than done.

The soprano, known for her lustrous voice and irrepressible personality, has died. She's remembered for her roles on stage and as a successful, media-savvy arts administrator and advocate.

There was shock this week at the suggestion of a 70 percent tax rate. But law professor Dorothy Brown explains to NPR's Scott Simon that the U.S.'s marginal tax rate has been as high as 94 percent.

Gold -- like oil -- is crucial for Venezuela's government. NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with CNN journalist Isa Soares, who won an Emmy for her coverage of the gold trade in the country.

GOP House lawmakers want to amend the defense authorization bill. Twitter rival Threads wants to downgrade news and politics. The Hollywood actors union holds a strike vote this morning.