Is Tom Cruise the essential movie star? On this installment of our Cineplexity series, NPR staffers discuss the films of actor Tom Cruise and whether or not he's the quintessential movie star. Marc Rivers
Fired Copyright Office head sues Trump administration over removal Shira Perlmutter's termination came shortly after the Copyright Office published a long-anticipated report on artificial intelligence. Andrew Limbong
Mission: Impossible's overblown 'Final Reckoning' still thrills The two hour, 49 minute conclusion to the seven-sequel franchise is self-congratulatory and inanely plotted. But, as always, it's fun to watch Tom Cruise, now 62, execute eye-popping stunts. John Powers
Remembering Broadway composer Charles Strouse Strouse, who died May 15, wrote the music for musicals like Bye Bye Birdie, Annie, Applause, It's a Bird ... It's a Plane ... It's Superman, and Golden Boy. Originally broadcast in 2002. Terry Gross
Why you should fight to keep old friends Nina Badzin, host of a friendship podcast, explains why staying friends with people from our past matters — and how to nurture relationships with old friends across time and distance. Marielle Segarra
Cheers to the bus driver! Seattle’s Nathan Vass turns his daily bus exchanges into a book When you board a Metro bus that Nathan Vass is driving, he’ll make a point of saying hello to you and every other passenger who climbs aboard. He’ll then be on the intercom announcing every single stop, and in between he’ll talk with people sitting at the front of the bus. And when you step off the bus, he says goodbye. Hans Anderson
One man's effort to bring 'Sinners' to residents of the town where it takes place The movie Sinners takes place in Clarksdale, Miss., but its residents can't watch it without leaving town. Now the movie is coming to them. Joseph King
Majority of Gen Z swipes left on dating people with opposite political views Everyone has a list of so-called "red flags" when they're dating. And for some, having the same political views is vital. Elena Moore
Walton Goggins on his path to Hollywood: 'I'm so grateful for the life that I have' Goggins talks about how his unconventional childhood and experiences growing up in poverty shaped his approach to acting, from Justified to The White Lotus and The Righteous Gemstones. Tonya Mosley
Paul Reubens steps out from behind his famous character in 'Pee-Wee as Himself' Before his death in 2023, Reubens filmed an HBO documentary in which he explained why he refused to be seen or interviewed as himself for the whole time Pee-Wee Herman was starring in TV and films. David Bianculli