Daily Schedule

On today’s show: We’ll look into the history of covert operations, stretching all the way back to the Truman Administration. George Prochnik traces the life of Stefan Zweig, and tells us why this major literary star of the 1930s killed himself in 1942. Our series Strapped: A Look at Poverty in America series continues with former Labor Secretary Robert Reich on the economics of being poor and whether raising the minimum wage can actually help workers get out of poverty. And Mona Simpson talks about her latest novel, Casebook.

Your morning companion from NPR and the WNYC Newsroom, with world news, local features, and weather updates.

Navigating the city’s rental market requires pluck, luck and money. Lots and lots of money. Today’s show is devoted entirely to a family meeting about rent. First, give and get advice on rent-related dilemmas. Then: everything you’ve ever wanted to know about your rights as a tenant (like when can you withhold rent from your landlord?). Plus: Alicia Glen, the deputy mayor for housing and economic development, on the mayor’s affordable housing plan; how you feel about the home you rent; and your thoughts on how (new) tall buildings affect the character of your ‘hood. 

The Peabody Award-winning program features Terry Gross’ fearless and insightful interviews with big names in pop culture, politics and the arts.

A wrap-up of the day’s news, with features and interviews about the latest developments in New York City and around the world, from NPR and the WNYC newsroom.

A wrap-up of the day’s news, with features and interviews about the latest developments in New York City and around the world, from NPR and the WNYC newsroom.

In this episode: As usual, all of Europe is a-twitter about the annual Eurovision Song Contest, which this year takes place in Copenhagen and will undoubtedly feature a mixture of oddball acts, campy pleasures and bonafide talent. We get a preview of what our European friends can expect in this year’s competition.

Then: May marks 100 years since the Marx Brothers -- Groucho, Chico, and Harpo Marx -- received their now infamous nicknames. And in celebration, a full month of programming and film screenings is being planned. We talk to two of the participants in a special concert celebrating the music of the Marx Brothers about why music was such an important part of their schtick.

And: Hear the British art rock band These New Puritans perform songs from its beautiful new album in the Soundcheck studio.

At the junction of art and pop songs lies tonight's New Sounds program. Listen to a song by Clogs, featuring guest vocalists Sufjan Stevens and Shara Worden.  Also, listen to music from Sarah Kirkland Snider from her gorgeous work, "Penelope," with vocals again by Shara Worden.  There's music from How To Destroy Angels, which is Reznor's latest collaboration with Atticus Ross and Rob Sheridan, along with his singer wife Mariqueen Maandig.  Hear innovative songstress Katie Mullins, as she crafts melodies around the African thumb piano, the mbira.  Plus, songs from David Sylvian, Evelyn Glennie featuring Bjork, and Susanna and the Magical Orchestra.