NPR's Scott Simon speaks with former Poet Laureate of Mississippi Beth Ann Fennelly about "The Irish Goodbye," a book of micro-memoirs about childhood, marriage and the death of her sister.

NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Andrew Krivak, whose novel, "Mule Boy," is about the life of a child worker in a coal mine, and all the danger and trauma that he carried through his life as a result.

Singer and musician Willow released her seventh full-length album Petal Rock Black as complete surprise, continuing defy expectations with her music.

It’s “El Mal” from the 2024 film “Emilia Perez" won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2025.

The Academy of American Poets gives prizes to university and college students. One of them is Lauren Chumbley.

On his new album, the violinist completely rethinks The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and leans into old folk songs with the help of Sam Amidon.

Junot Díaz's The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao was removed from an English class at the public school. PEN America says it's part of a trend of scrubbing literature dealing with uncomfortable topics.

Featuring sultry standouts and heartbreak bops, plus some unreleased tracks, the British girl group doubles down on sisterhood and powerful vocals at the Desk.

Two albums released the same day — Jill Scott's return from a long absence, and Brent Faiyaz's play for a mid-career pivot — offer opposing visions of artistic advancement in the genre.

These days, the Super Bowl halftime show is a massive driver of the streaming, airplay and sales that fuel the Billboard charts. This week, Bad Bunny benefits from that influence.