Timely, smart and in-depth news, interviews and conversation from NPR & WBUR
Why James Carville is sure Harris will win
We get the view on the 2024 election from two veteran strategists. First, pollster and communications specialist Frank Luntz talks with us about why he thinks Vice President Kamala Harris has lost momentum. Then, famed Democratic political consultant James Carville tells us why he is certain Harris will win the presidential race. And, on election day, voters in 41 states will vote on more than 140 ballot measures. Ballotpedia's Ryan Byrne joins us to talk about the trends.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/24/2024 • 26 minutes, 50 seconds
Former chief of staff warns of a second Trump term
Less than two weeks before the election, Donald Trump's former White House Chief of Staff tells the New York Times that he believes the former president meets the definition of a fascist. The Washington Post's Philip Bump tells us more. Then, Matthew Broderick stars in a new adaptation of "Babbitt," the acclaimed Sinclair Lewis novel. Broderick talks about how the play brings the 1922 book into the present. And, more than 24 million Americans listen to noncommercial music stations each week. For Public Radio Music Day, we highlight two of those stations.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/23/2024 • 29 minutes, 10 seconds
Threats of political violence are rampant. What could happen after the election?
The upcoming election has brought threats of political violence against judges and election workers. Rachel Kleinfeld, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, joins us. And, new research suggests the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles may be linked to dementia. STAT's Megan Molteni explains. Then, Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro has a new album out called "Blues Experience." He teamed up with a founding member of Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood, on it and joins us to talk about his music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/22/2024 • 30 minutes, 1 second
How election deniers could disrupt the 2024 election
A watchdog group is warning about possible efforts by election deniers to disrupt the certification of votes this year. Noah Bookbinder, president of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, joins us. Then, what's next for the hostages still being held in Gaza? Former Israeli hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin talks about how to move toward a hostage release and the end of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. And, sea glass collecting has grown in popularity in the last 10 years. Host Robin Young goes glassing on Boston's Revere BeachLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/21/2024 • 24 minutes, 24 seconds
After Yayha Sinwar's killing, hostages' family members have new fears
What does the death of Oct. 7 architect Yayha Sinwar mean for the hostages still in Gaza? Sharone Lifschitz, whose father is being held hostage, joins us to talk about why she and other hostage families are pushing Israel to negotiate a deal. And, Fox News launched a Spanish-language news program called "Fox Noticias." Author Paola Ramos talks with us about how former President Donald Trump is making inroads in the Latino community. Then, Here & Now's resident games expert James Perkins Mastromarino breaks down some spooky, newly released games perfect for the Halloween season.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/18/2024 • 28 minutes, 53 seconds
Hamas leader killed in Gaza
Israel says a military operation in Gaza killed, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the architect of the Oct. 7 attack. We get the latest from Daniel Levy of the U.S. / Middle East Project. Then, what should voters know about mail-in ballots? Elections expert Wendy Underhill joins us, along with Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, who shares his concerns about the timely delivery of ballots by the U.S. Postal Service. And, the film "Hundreds of Beavers" was made on a low budget during two Wisconsin winters. Since then, the film has developed a cult following. We speak with co-writer Ryland Brickson Cole Tews.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/18/2024 • 27 minutes, 33 seconds
How Michigan's Arab American community could decide the 2024 election
The swing state of Michigan has a big Arab American population. Many Democrats in that community want to abandon their party over its support of Israel's war in Gaza. Host Deepa Fernandes traveled to Michigan to report on how voters are feeling. And, Vice President Kamala Harris did a town hall Monday night with popular radio host Charlamagne tha God, while Former President Donald Trump did an interview with Bloomberg News. NPR's Ron Elving joins us to talk about what those interviews revealed. Then, in his new book "Framed," John Grisham and his co-author Jim McCloskey write about people who were convicted of crimes because of poor policing and incompetent "expert witnesses." Grisham joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/16/2024 • 32 minutes, 14 seconds
Everybody thinks polling is broken. Here's what you should know.
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic Rep. Colin Allred will face off in a debate Tuesday night. KUT's Blaise Gainey tells us about the close Senate race. Then, how much do polls matter to the election? NPR's Domenico Montanaro discusses what people should look for in polling. And, aid trucks have made it into North Gaza after a customs dispute led to Israel blocking entry for relief agencies. UNWRA's Juliette Touma joins us. Plus, French singer Yseult stole the show at this year's Olympics closing ceremony when she sang "My Way" by Frank Sinatra. Now, she's out with a brand new album called "Mental." She joins us to talk about it.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/15/2024 • 33 minutes, 27 seconds
How Pennsylvania is ramping up security ahead of Election Day
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Elections departments across Pennsylvania are heightening security efforts and trying to tackle misinformation as the political climate heats up. Votebeat Pennsylvania's Carter Walker joins us. And, Asheville, North Carolina, was home to a thriving arts district before Hurricane Helene swept through. Fleta Monaghan, the founder of an art studio and school, tells us how the community is working to recover. Then, Monty Python founding member Eric Idle's new book, "The Spamalot Diaries," tells the story of how the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" became the Tony-winning Broadway musical "Spamalot." Idle joins us to talk about the book.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/14/2024 • 26 minutes, 7 seconds
Trump vows to 'save vaping'
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. We discuss the latest in politics with Jonathan Martin of Politico and Julia Terruso of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Then, former President Donald Trump is vowing to "save vaping." His promise comes after he reportedly met with a leading e-cigarette representative. Tevi Troy, author and former lobbyist for JUUL, joins us. And, Yom Kippur begins Friday night. Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of the Park Avenue Synagogue talks about the holiday, last year's Oct. 7 attacks, and what it means to be Jewish today.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/11/2024 • 29 minutes, 45 seconds
How politics divide an Arab American family in Michigan
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Florida is cleaning up after Hurricane Milton blew through the state, leaving millions without power. NPR's Greg Allen and Florida resident Tricia Rand join us to explain the impact of the storm. And, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule requiring all lead pipes to be replaced in a decade. Federal officials say it will improve public health. EPA Administrator Michael Regan joins us. Then, longtime Palestinian rights activists, Huwaida Arraf and Adam Shapiro, live in Michigan. Many Arab Americans there are divided on whether to vote for Democrat Kamala Harris or for a third-party candidate in the 2024 election. Here & Now's Deepa Fernandes reports from Michigan.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/10/2024 • 26 minutes, 24 seconds
The billionaires who control Texas GOP politics
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Florida's west coast Wednesday night or early Thursday. Rep. Jared Moskowitz talks about his bipartisan call for Congress to pass another $15 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster response. Then, an investigation by The New York Times and ProPublica finds that two billionaire preachers hold the keys to the Republican Party in Texas. Reporter Ava Kofman talks about two men, their influence and interests. And, Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras discuss this year's performances at El Tiny.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/9/2024 • 29 minutes, 9 seconds
How Tampa is preparing for Hurricane Milton
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Tampa General Hospital director of public safety Tony Venezia joins us to talk about how the hospital is preparing for Hurricane Milton. The hospital installed a temporary flood wall ahead of Hurricane Helene, but Milton is expected to be much stronger. And, the new book "Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment" profiles the video game developer's meteoric rise and the controversies that followed. Author Jason Schreier joins us. Then, Virginia-based singer and rapper Anees joins us to discuss his hit song "Sun and Moon," his family history, and his outspoken support for Palestinians.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/8/2024 • 29 minutes, 44 seconds
1 year of Israel-Hamas war: Palestinian family and Nir Oz resident tell their stories
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. The Supreme Court is beginning a new term, with cases about guns and transgender care on the docket. Slate's Dahlia Lithwick joins us. Then, Irit Lahav survived the Hamas attack on her kibbutz last year. Lahav describes how Nir Oz residents are doing and whether they want to return to their homes on the border with Gaza. And, Dr. Alaa Ali is a Palestinian American doctor in Dearborn, Michigan, who has a large family network in Gaza. Over the past year, he's lost more than 100 people in his immediate and extended family there. Ali tells the story of his relatives.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/7/2024 • 30 minutes, 5 seconds
For star Saoirse Ronan, filming 'The Outrun' filled her with gratitude
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Dockworkers have temporarily suspended their strike at ports along the East and Gulf coasts after reaching an agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance. Director of the National Economic Council Lael Brainard joins us. Then, one family tells their story of surviving the catastrophic flooding in the mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. Plus, Hurricane Helene unleashed devastating floods in East Tennessee. At least 11 people died. WUOT's Pierce Gentry reports. And, Saoirse Ronan about her new film "The Outrun." Ronan stars as a young woman struggling with alcoholism in the Orkney islands of Scotland.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/4/2024 • 29 minutes, 27 seconds
If you were going blind, what would you want to see?
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. The number of election deniers and conspiracy theorists is growing in official capacities related to the election. Marc Elias — one of the attorneys who helped overturn nearly every legal challenge related to the 2020 election — joins us to share his concerns. And, Najat Aoun Saliba, a member of Lebanon's parliament, joins us from Beirut for an update on the Israeli airstrikes Thursday. Then, after learning their children had a rare genetic disease that would eventually take their eyesight, a family from Montreal set off on a world journey. Parents Edith Lemay and Sébastien Pelletier say they want their children to see as much as they can while they have the time.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/3/2024 • 35 minutes, 23 seconds
A look inside Kyoto's new Nintendo Museum
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Israel is vowing to retaliate after Iran fired ballistic missiles into Israel on Tuesday. So how does Iran view the escalating conflict with Israel? Author Trita Parsi weighs in. Then, four previously unknown recordings of the late Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan have been rediscovered and released on a new album called "Chain of Light." Composer Michael Brook and scholar Hussein Rashid join us. And, the Nintendo Museum opens in Kyoto, Japan, on Wednesday. NPR's Anthony Kuhn reports.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/2/2024 • 25 minutes, 33 seconds
Jimmy Carter celebrates his 100th birthday
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Israel has launched its first ground invasion into Lebanon since 2006. NPR international correspondent Ruth Sherlock joins us. And, misinformation about the election is spreading online. Renee DiResta joins us to discuss the Stanford institution she helped lead that aimed to fight election disinformation until it also became the target of disinformation. Then, Oct. 1 is Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday. Longtime radio host Diane Rehm interviewed him more than 10 times and joins us to reflect on his legacyLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/1/2024 • 31 minutes, 46 seconds
Political films to watch as election season heats up
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. An Israeli strike Friday killed Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah, sending shockwaves through the region. Lawrence Freedman, emeritus professor of war studies at King's College in London, talks about Nasrallah's background and impact. Then, one under-the-radar item on Tim Walz's resume that may come up in Tuesday's vice presidential debate is his many trips to China. The Financial Times' Demetri Sevastopulo tells us about Walz's relationship with China. And, film critic and "Ty Burr's Watchlist" creator Ty Burr shares a list of films you might want to check out this election season if the real-life political drama isn't enough.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/30/2024 • 29 minutes, 11 seconds
Film footage of JFK assassination is now up for auction
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. New York Mayor Eric Adams has pleaded not guilty to federal bribery and conspiracy charges. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is second in line to be mayor if Adams should resign or be removed. Lander joins us to talk about why he's calling on Adams to step down. And, the footage from a man who filmed former President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963 is now up for auction after it was discovered decades later. Stephen Fagin, curator for the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, joins us. Then, Saturday Night Live celebrates its 50th anniversary this week. Ithaca College Professor Stephen Tropiano joins us to unpack the cultural impact of NBC's sketch comedy show.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/27/2024 • 28 minutes, 43 seconds
Breaking the Bond: What bail reform looks like across the U.S.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. The vast majority of people who are arrested in this country cannot afford to pay bail — which is why states across the U.S. have tried to change the system. Marc Levin, chief policy counsel for the Council on Criminal Justice, tells us about those efforts. Then, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on federal charges of bribery and fraud, allegations he denies. WNYC's Bahar Ostadan tells us more. And, about 7 million American adults are suffering from some form of problem gambling, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. Heather Hugelmeyer, senior director of behavioral health at Northwell Health in New York, talks about how to recognize and cope with gambling addiction.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/26/2024 • 28 minutes, 55 seconds
Breaking the Bond: Why bail reform hasn't made Houston's jail safer
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. According to legal experts, the end of cash bail for nonviolent misdemeanor offenses made the justice system in the Houston area more fair. But it hasn't made the city's jail complex any safer. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd and Houston Public Media's Lucio Vasquez report on the alarming trend of inmates dying while incarcerated. And, several election officials received packages containing white powder last week. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold was one of those officials. Though the powder was found to be harmless, Griswold joins us to discuss heightened safety concerns leading up to the election. Then, Scottish radio broadcaster Fiona Ritchie retires this month from the NPR program "The Thistle & Shamrock" that she's hosted since 1981. She joins us to talk about her career and her favorite music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/25/2024 • 31 minutes, 58 seconds
Breaking the Bond: Political backlash follows effort to reform cash bail in Texas
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Local governments around the country are reconsidering the use of cash bail. But those changes often lead to political backlash. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd continues his series from Harris County, which ended cash bail in 2019 for most misdemeanors. Then, we talk with Abbas Alawieh, a leader of the Uncommitted movement in Michigan. He has relatives in Lebanon who are trying to find safety from Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah. And, author Ann Patchett talks about her new children's book — called "The Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/24/2024 • 31 minutes, 36 seconds
Breaking the Bond: How bail reform changed Houston's criminal justice system
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. It's been nearly 5 years since cash bail was removed for most people charged with misdemeanors in Harris County, Texas, home to Houston. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd heads to Harris County for a special series on how bail reform has changed the criminal justice system there. And, North Carolina is a critical swing state in this year's presidential election. Democrat Kimberly Harding and Republican Dallas Woodhouse explain how they're organizing voters in the state. Then, in his new book, "Category Five: Superstorms and the Warming Oceans that Feed Them," author Porter Fox explores the vital role that oceans play in weather and climate change.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/23/2024 • 38 minutes, 2 seconds
WNBA playoff preview: What to expect from star teams and players
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Journalists Jesse Holland and Ron Elving discuss the week in politics, including the fallout from conspiracy theories Trump has spread about immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. Then, Microsoft may soon power its artificial intelligence with an unexpected source: Three Mile Island. The nuclear plant is infamous for the worst reactor accident in U.S. history back in 1979. The Washington Post's Evan Halper tells us more. And, the much anticipated WNBA playoffs get underway this weekend. SB Nation's Noa Dalzell shares a preview of the tournament.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/20/2024 • 24 minutes, 16 seconds
Halle Berry talks generational trauma and skinning squirrels in 'Never Let Go'
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Walkie-talkie and pager explosions have killed more than 30 people and wounded thousands in Lebanon. We get the latest on the attacks on Hezbollah members from NPR's Jane Arraf in Beirut. Plus, security analyst Jim Walsh talks about the implications of the attacks. Then, what are Trump and Harris saying about building more homes and making rent affordable? Dennis Shea of the Bipartisan Policy Center joins us. And, Halle Berry talks about surviving off the grid, filming in the woods with bears and bugs, skinning squirrels, and the impact of generational trauma. It's all part of her new film "Never Let Go," out this weekend.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/19/2024 • 31 minutes, 17 seconds
Why cynics earn less and die earlier — and how hope can help
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. In Kamala Harris' second high-profile national interview since becoming the Democratic nominee for president, she took questions from members of the National Association of Black Journalists. Politico's Eugene Daniels was one of the interviewers. He joins us. Then, in his new book "Hope For Cynics," Jamil Zaki tackles cynicism and how its rise might be eroding society. Zaki joins us. And, 25 years ago, Neo took the "red pill" and learned the true nature of his reality. New York Times film critic Alissa Wilkinson explains why "The Matrix" is more relevant than ever.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/18/2024 • 29 minutes, 41 seconds
Suicide after climate disasters is common. How can we prevent it?
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Schools are reopening in Springfield, Ohio, after bomb threats rocked the community. The city has become a center of anti-immigrant backlash after former President Donald Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance amplified racist falsehoods about Haitian immigrants. WYSO's Kathryn Mobley and Springfield NAACP chapter president Denise Williams give us a picture of Springfield. And, after losing everything in a climate-driven flash flood in 2022, screenwriter and actor Tony Calhoun took his own life. NPR's Rebecca Hersher joins us to remember Calhoun and explore how to prevent other deaths like his. Then, former President Jimmy Carter will turn 100 on Oct. 1. The Carter Center is organizing a concert to celebrate. Jimmy Carter's grandson Jason Carter talks about his grandfather's love for music and who will perform at the concert.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/17/2024 • 32 minutes, 59 seconds
California coastal erosion is sending homes into the ocean
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Police arrested Ryan Wesley Routh Sunday after what the FBI says was an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The New York Times' Thomas Gibbons-Neff talks about interviewing with Routh last year. Then, after a student collapsed and died during physical education, an inspection found 170 defibrillators in Houston Public Schools that aren't working. Houston Public Media's Adam Zuvanich tells us more. And, images from the Californian coastal city of Rancho Palos Verdes show homes precariously close to collapsing into the Pacific Ocean. Los Angeles Times reporter Rosanna Xia joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/16/2024 • 20 minutes, 11 seconds
Why is Friday the 13th considered so unlucky?
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Author and sociologist Arlie Hochschild shares stories of people facing poverty, the loss of jobs and the rise of the opioid epidemic in Appalachian Kentucky. And she explores what led to their allegiance to former President Donald Trump. And, "Inside Out 2" is out on digital, DVD and Blu-ray, and drops on Disney + on Sept. 25. Kensington Tallman plays Riley in both "Inside Out" and "Inside Out 2" and joins us to talk about the movie. Then, why do people have so many superstitions around Friday the 13th? Phil Stevens, the author of "Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft: Inherently Human," joins us to answer that question.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/13/2024 • 30 minutes, 41 seconds
The fight for Michigan's open Senate seat
Israel's attack on a school shelter in Gaza Wednesday killed 18 people, including six United Nations aid workers. We get the latest from the West Bank and Gaza from the Guardian's Julian Borger. Then, in our look at how eastern Kentucky went from blue to MAGA red, host Scott Tong traveled around the region with Republican activist Roger Ford. And, Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin and Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers are facing off to fill an open Senate seat, being vacated by Democrat Debbie Stabenow. Zoe Clark of Michigan Public joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/12/2024 • 25 minutes, 2 seconds
How the toxic air from 9/11 is still making former NYC students sick
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Voters say that the economy is one of the most important issues ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The Washington Post's Jeff Stein joins us to break down what former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris said about the economy in Tuesday's debate. And, Millennials are America's largest and most diverse generation. How are they thinking about the upcoming election? Author Stella Rouse joins us to talk about what's driving Millennial voters. Then, in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attack, students, teachers and other school staffers were sent back to buildings just blocks from the smoldering rubble of the Twin Towers before the area was considered safe. In the years since, exposure to the toxic air has sickened and killed thousands of people. Environmental epidemiologist Maayan Yitshak-Sade and former Stuyvesant High School student Lila Nordstrom join us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/11/2024 • 29 minutes, 53 seconds
How the 'collective shame' of addiction shapes politics in Appalachia
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Long COVID and chronic Lyme disease share similar symptoms and are often misunderstood. STAT's Isabella Cueto discusses how scientists are studying both conditions in the hopes of discovering new treatments. Then, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has a big decision to make: whether or not to sign the country's only major regulations on artificial intelligence. Axios' Ina Fried talks about the bill. And, Appalachian Kentucky has long been at the center of America's addiction crisis. Pike County resident James Browning tells his story of addiction and recovery.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/10/2024 • 26 minutes, 25 seconds
When coal mining dwindled in Kentucky, regional politics shifted
The Justice Department is investigating an alleged Russian disinformation campaign targeting the 2024 election. Bloomberg Business's Jeff Stone talks with us about that and other attempts at election interference. And, Republicans enjoy overwhelming support in rural, white America. But it wasn't always that way. Eastern Kentucky was once a solid Democratic stronghold. Host Scott Tong reports from Appalachian Kentucky about how that happened and what role coal mining played. Then, Jesse Dufton is an avid climber. He's also blind and relies on a headset and his wife Molly's guidance to climb. Jesse and Molly Dufton join us to talk about Jesse's career and his hopes for the 2028 Paralympics.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/9/2024 • 30 minutes, 43 seconds
In 'Soft Power,' playwright David Henry Hwang tackles anti-Asian racism
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. The U.S. ambassador to Israel has confirmed the death of an American citizen in the West Bank. CNN's Nic Robertson shares the latest. Then, a new study suggests pediatricians can play a role in gun safety. Rinad Beidas, the study's lead author, joins us. And, "Soft Power" is a gonzo musical about anti-Asian racism, U.S.-China relations, and the chaos of American democracy. We sit down with co-creator David Henry Hwang about how he wrote himself and his political anxieties into the show.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/6/2024 • 33 minutes, 36 seconds
NFL cheerleaders are still fighting for better pay
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Inflation is a big issue for many voters this year. And in some areas, inflation issues translate to food crises and lead to people visiting food pantries more often. Leslie Albrecht Huber from Way Forward Resources joins us. And, elections law expert Rick Hasen says the country is "in far better shape" to avoid the kind of election interference we saw in 2020. Then, the NFL season kicks off Thursday night as the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Baltimore Ravens. We preview the season with football journalist Dan Hanzus. Chabeli Carrazana, an economy and childcare reporter with The 19th, also joins us to talk about her investigation into pay transparency for NFL cheerleaders.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/5/2024 • 27 minutes, 44 seconds
The pecan pie that helped pass the Civil Rights Act
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have vastly different views on climate change. Time Magazine's Justin Worland tells us more. Then, the Wall Street Journal reports that the CEO of U.S. Steel is pushing back against mounting opposition to the sale of U.S. Steel to the Japanese company Nippon Steel. Reporter Bob Tita joins us. And, chef Anne Byrn's "Baking in the American South" mixes traditional Southern treats with history. Byrn talks about the new cookbookLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/4/2024 • 27 minutes, 23 seconds
Why Pittsburgh museum workers are unionizing
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. As college comes back into session, students face new rules about protesting after the pro-Palestinian encampments across campuses in the spring. Phi Beta Kappa Society CEO and former Brandeis University President Frederick Lawrence joins us. Plus, former Israeli hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin gives us an update on the massive protests in Israel. And, Pittsburgh has been at the center of an effort to unionize museum workers. President of the local United Museum Workers Jenise Brown joins us. Then, the U.S. Paralympics mixed-four crew won the silver medal in Paris over the weekend. MIT graduate student Emelie Eldracher, is on the team but not a para-athlete. Eldracher joins us to talk about how it feels to win silver.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/3/2024 • 27 minutes, 23 seconds
Why therapists are leaving insurance networks
Federal regulators are suing to block the merger of supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons. The AP's Dee-Ann Durbin tells us more. Then, it can be hard to find a therapist who accepts health insurance. A new investigation finds that's in part because insurers are making it hard for some mental health providers to stay on their plans. ProPublica's Annie Waldman joins us. And, we look back on summer movie season and ahead to the fall with longtime entertainment reporter John Horn.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/2/2024 • 28 minutes, 2 seconds
Worries and anxieties go up in flames at Zozobra ritual
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Vice President Kamala Harris gave her first interview since accepting the Democratic nomination. WABE's Rahul Bali and the Detroit Free Press' Emily Lawler join us to discuss how it's playing in swing states. And, Friday night marks the 100th anniversary of the burning of Zozobra, where a structure of Old Man Gloom, stuffed with peoples' worries, anxieties and gloomy thoughts, is set ablaze. Ray Sandoval, chair of the Zozobra committee, joins us. Then, Here & Now's James Mastromarino discusses some major video game releases from August, including "Black Myth: Wukong," a smash hit from Chinese developers better known for mobile games, and the comedy slapformer "Thank Goodness You're Here!"Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/30/2024 • 30 minutes, 1 second
How emotions play a role in elections
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. We explore issues of policing and policies Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump would pursue with the Washington Post's Robert Klemko. Then, we explore the role of emotions in political success with Indiana University political science professor Steven Webster. And, singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo has a new single "Sunlight To My Soul" with the Soweto Gospel choir. She's currently on a world tour. We caught up with her at this year's San Jose Jazz Summer Fest.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/29/2024 • 28 minutes, 18 seconds
'Fly' documentary shows beauty and peril of BASE jumping
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Swing states will determine the 2024 presidential election. Vice President Kamala Harris is taking a tour of Georgia as former President Donald Trump continues campaigning in Michigan. NPR's Domenico Montanaro joins us. And, Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, is facing intense legal scrutiny in Paris. French officials say the platform enables the spread of illegal drugs, child pornography and other criminal activity. The Wall Street Journal's Matthew Dalton answers some questions the case brings up. Then, the extreme sport of BASE jumping is the focus of the new National Geographic documentary "Fly." Two BASE jumpers featured in the film — Scotty Bob Morgan and Julia Botelho Morgan — join us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/28/2024 • 27 minutes, 9 seconds
What one supporter of the Vote Uncommitted movement wanted to tell the DNC
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. In a letter to Rep. Jim Jordan, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he regrets bowing to what he calls White House pressure in 2021 to take down some Facebook posts related to COVID-19. Bloomberg's Kurt Wagner tells us more. Then, at last week's Democratic National Convention, Palestinian American Ruwa Romman supported the Vote Uncommitted movement, backing an immediate ceasefire and an arms embargo to Israel. Romman talks about what she wanted to tell the DNC crowds about the movement's goals as the election approaches. And, "Yo Gabba Gabba" has been reimagined for a new generation of families. The beloved characters are back in a new series airing on Apple TV + called "Yo Gabba Gabbaland!" Co-creators Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz join us alongside the show's new 13-year-old host, Kamryn Smith.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/27/2024 • 29 minutes, 15 seconds
AI photo editing: What you see isn't what you get
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. The New Yorker's Dexter Filkins talks about Israel's preemptive missile strike on the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and what might follow. And, Google's new Pixel 9 comes with new artificial intelligence capabilities. Axios' Ina Fried joins us to talk about the ethical implications of AI photo editing. Then, political institutions aren't known for taking risks. But in his new book, election forecaster Nate Silver examines why the 2024 race is different.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/26/2024 • 25 minutes, 57 seconds
How DJ Cassidy turned the DNC roll call into a party
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. The Democratic National Convention is over, and now delegates head back to their home states to build support for Kamala Harris. Here & Now's Chris Bentley has been speaking with delegates in swing states about how they plan to do that. Then, performers who do stunts and behind-the-scenes body movements for video games say they want their work included in AI protections. NPR's Mandalit del Barco reports. And, at the DNC, roll call was set to music for the first time, with a different song played for each state. DJ Cassidy talks about turning a normally unexciting convention roll call into a party.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/23/2024 • 28 minutes, 56 seconds
Behind the scenes at the DNC
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Here & Now's Chris Bentley joins us to talk about what he's hearing at the Democratic National Convention ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris' acceptance speech. And, a study published in JAMA Oncology found that spouses of cancer patients were at a significantly higher risk of suicide and death compared to those married to people without cancer. Angus Chen, cancer reporter at STAT, joins us. Then, Netflix's "The Decameron" follows a group of aristocrats escaping to an Italian villa in the countryside to avoid the Black Plague in the mid-1300s. Creator and executive producer Kathleen Jordan joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/22/2024 • 30 minutes, 55 seconds
Author Carl Hiaasen on the TV adaptation of his book 'Bad Monkey'
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. The support of the country's Black voters — a diverse group that has carried the party in incredibly tight races — is crucial for Democrats this fall. We touch base with two Black voters from South Carolina. Then, when President Biden bowed out and ended his campaign for reelection, he put his own ambitions aside. The New York Times' Robert Draper discusses Biden's legacy. And, author Carl Hiaasen talks about the Apple TV+ adaptation of his book "Bad Monkey.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/21/2024 • 34 minutes, 30 seconds
How pro-Palestinian protests are impacting the DNC
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. The 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago is officially underway. KFF Health News' Julie Rovner and The 19th's Chabeli Carrazana talk about what Vice President Kamala Harris is proposing on health care, retirement and family support. Then, outside the DNC, protests are taking place over the war against Hamas in Gaza. For more on the protests and what impact they are having on the convention, Here & Now's Chris Bentley joins us from Chicago. And, it's corn season in many of parts of the country. Resident chef Kathy Gunst is celebrating with three new recipes.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/20/2024 • 24 minutes, 57 seconds
Who's really for the working class in the 2024 presidential race?
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. As the Democratic National Convention kicks off, political philosopher Michael Sandel talks about how Democrats can win back the trust of working Americans who have been hurt by decades of trade and economic policies that both parties have pursued. Then, a protest march against Israel's war in Gaza is taking place in Chicago on the first day of the DNC. Here & Now's Chris Bentley is in Chicago's Union Park, where the protesters are gathering. And, archaeologists recently discovered a 3,500-year-old clay tablet in Turkey that appears to be a shopping list. Ancient Assyria expert Jacob Lauinger joins us to discuss his work interpreting the tablet and the many questions it raises.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/19/2024 • 23 minutes, 34 seconds
Paralympic swimmer Jamal Hill is embracing a disability he didn't know he had
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Evan Gershkovich and others returned to the U.S. in a historic prisoner swap with Russia. But they face a long road to recovery, and Liz Cathcart, executive director for Hostage U.S., explains what it will take to reintegrate them. And, Dr. Adeline Goss is grappling with the best way to treat her mother's Alzheimer's disease. She explains how the disease is affecting her family. Then, Paralympic swimmer Jamal Hill has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder. But he didn't always know about his diagnosis, and he certainly didn't let it stop him from excelling at swimming — he took home a bronze medal at Tokyo, and is going for gold in the Paralympic Games in Paris.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/16/2024 • 32 minutes, 12 seconds
How to help seniors with mental health issues
Negotiations are underway in Doha to end the war in Gaza, but no one from Hamas is there. The Washington Post's John Hudson tells us more. Then, some Republicans are calling for former President Donald Trump's campaign to reset. Tim Miller, former communications director for Jeb Bush's 2016 presidential campaign, weighs in. And, grief and loss, chronic illness, isolation and dementia are all risk factors that can make seniors prone to depression. Patrick Raue of the University of Washington AIMS Center joins us to discuss how mental health issues show up in seniors and what we can do to help.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/15/2024 • 21 minutes, 5 seconds
Shining a light on solar panel installation scams
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Rep. Ilhan Omar just won her primary. But members of "The Squad" have taken some major hits. Rep. Cori Bush and Rep. Jamaal Bowman lost their primary races. Politico's Ally Mutnick joins us. And, the solar panel industry is booming. Despite the benefits, some consumers take issue with the sales tactics and misinformation around the financing terms for solar installation. NPR climate and energy correspondent Jeff Brady joins us. Then, Suzanne Flament-Smith talks with us about the bottle she found washed ashore after Hurricane Debby struck Florida. The enclosed letter seems to have been written by a sailor toward the end of World War II.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/14/2024 • 19 minutes, 22 seconds
Why some people go 'Chimp Crazy'
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Unlike when Hillary Clinton's emails were leaked in 2016, news outlets chose not to report on what was leaked from inside the Trump campaign. NPR media correspondent David Folkenflik joins us to discuss. Then, Waymo's robotaxis will soon be cruising on San Francisco's fastest and busiest roads. The San Francisco Chronicle's Ricardo Cano weighs in on what that means for the future of autonomous vehicles. And, a new HBO original documentary series explores the risks of trying to raise chimpanzees as members of the family. We speak with Eric Goode, producer and director of "Chimp Crazy."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/13/2024 • 23 minutes, 16 seconds
What's next for the Class of 2024
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. NPR's Eleanor Beardsley joins us in Paris to discuss how the city is recovering from the Olympics and the lasting impact of hosting the world's biggest sports event. Then, Judge Reed O'Connor in Fort Worth is presiding over two major lawsuits Elon Musk has filed. Financial records show the judge appears to be an investor in Tesla. NPR's Bobby Allyn reports. And, the Class of 2024 started their high school years in the thick of the pandemic, with lockdowns and online classes. We catch up with the graduates to hear what's guiding their decisions for the future.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/12/2024 • 22 minutes, 44 seconds
Reverse Course: Green living in New Mexico
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. In Taos, New Mexico, a community of people are living in self-sufficient Earthships made of recycled materials. Host Peter O'Dowd reports on how these off-grid refuges operate. And, that's not the only form of sustainable building in New Mexico. Here & Now's Chris Bentley reports on how sustainable systems combined with Indigenous building practices allow people to live in green homes. Then, O'Dowd catches up with Eric Mack, who moved his family into a half-built house outside Taos and devoted himself to going off the grid. Plus, heating and cooling American homes accounts for nearly 20% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. So some people are forgoing air conditioning to avoid making the planet even hotter, and O'Dowd shares their stories.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/10/2024 • 43 minutes, 6 seconds
How to see the Perseid meteor shower
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have agreed to debate on Sept. 10. Washington Post reporter Josh Dawsey and NPR senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montenaro join us to discuss that and the week in political news. And, the new "Memphis" box set includes 111 tracks that Elvis Presley made in the city. Author Robert Gordon, who wrote the box set's liner notes, talks about the collection and Presley's long history in Memphis. Then, the annual Perseid meteor shower will peak Sunday night into Monday morning. Sky & Telescope senior editor Kelly Beatty explains how people in some places could see 20 to 30 meteors per hour.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/9/2024 • 29 minutes, 51 seconds
'Uncommitted' leaders urge action from Harris on Gaza
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. During Michigan's primary this year, more than 100,000 people cast 'uncommitted' ballots to challenge President Biden's position on the war against Hamas in Gaza. Uncommitted movement leaders Layla Elabed and Abbas Alawieh discuss their Wednesday meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris. And, it's been one year since wildfire on Maui destroyed the town of Lahaina. Mindi Cherry talks about the year since she lost her family home and the school she taught at, and how the island is still recovering. Then, at the Paris Games, we saw world and Olympic records broken in many events. Athletes seem to be getting better and better each year, but how? Journalist David Epstein answers that question and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/8/2024 • 31 minutes, 45 seconds
How the military has influenced Tim Walz and JD Vance
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Stakes are high in Michigan as Democrat Elissa Slotkin and Republican Mike Rogers prepare to fight for an open Senate seat. Jessica Taylor, Senate and governors editor for The Cook Political Report, joins us. And, Rep. Cori Bush lost her Democratic primary in Missouri. Pro-Israel groups had been sharply critical of Bush's statements about Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza and financially backed her opponent. Politico's Kathy Gilsinan joins us to talk about the impact. Then, whether it is Gov. Tim Walz or Sen. JD Vance, the nation's next vice president will almost certainly be a military veteran. Military Times reporter Nikki Wentling discusses how they are being received by the military community. Plus, in Nick Estes' book "Our History is the Future," he tells stories of past Indigenous acts of resistance and how that resistance has lessons for the growing global water crisis.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/7/2024 • 30 minutes, 45 seconds
Why Democrats have Walz-mania
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Vice President Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate on the Democratic presidential ticket. Minnesota Reformer's editor-in-chief Patrick Coolican gives us a closer look at Walz. And, video game performers are entering their second week of a mass strike. What do they want from negotiations with video game producers? Chief contract negotiator Ray Rodriguez answers that and more. Then, 'tis the season for sweet, juicy, sun-ripened tomatoes. Here & Now resident chef Kathy Gunst shares three recipes that show off the seasonal fruit, including a salad, a cold soup and a fried tomato perfect for a sandwich.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/6/2024 • 21 minutes, 56 seconds
How researchers are using AI 'fin' recognition to track whales
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Astrid Puentes Riaño won a landmark case in Peru on behalf of families sickened by pollution. Now, she's defending everyone's right to a healthy environment as the United Nations' new special rapporteur for human rights and environment. And, archaeologists in Wisconsin discovered 11 canoes that Indigenous people made. One of them is 4,500 years old. Wisconsin State archaeologist Amy Rosebrough joins us. Then, artificial intelligence is helping researchers track whales and dolphins. Ted Cheeseman, founder of Happy Whale, talks with us about how he identifies individual whales.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/5/2024 • 28 minutes, 26 seconds
Olympic surfing: Danger, drama and huge waves
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Mesa, Arizona, Mayor John Giles — a Republican — is backing Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign. Giles discusses how the Biden-Harris administration has benefitted his city and why he thinks former President Donald Trump has led the GOP toward extremism. And, almost 10,000 miles from Paris, the Olympics surfing semi-finals will take place this weekend in Tahiti. Dashel Pierson, associate editor of Surfer, breaks down the competition. Then, Friday would have been writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin's 100th birthday. NPR's Walter Ray Watson shares remembrances from those who knew Baldwin.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/2/2024 • 28 minutes, 40 seconds
Meet the people who describe the Olympics for visually impaired fans
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. We get the latest on the prisoner swap between Russia, the U.S. and U.S. allies from investigative journalist Andrei Soldatov. Then, Paul Dans resigned as director of Project 2025, the conservative playbook he helped write for the next Republican president. Alec MacGillis, who has been writing about Project 2025 and its outgoing director, tells us what's next. And, there are announcers at the Olympics who specialize in describing the games to a visually impaired audience. Tony Ambrogio and Norma Jean Wick took time from calling the Olympics in Paris to tell us what it takes to do the job.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/1/2024 • 37 minutes, 31 seconds
Massive dragonfly swarm, explained
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Tensions are high in the Middle East after the death of a Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and a Hamas political leader in Iran. The Atlantic Council's Borzou Daragahi and security analyst Jim Walsh join us. Then, journalists Maya King and Jesse Holland talk about the latest from Vice President Kamala Harris' emerging presidential campaign and how former President Donald Trump's invitation to speak to the National Association of Black Journalists is dividing members. And, a massive swarm of dragonflies invaded a peaceful family beach in Rhode Island over the weekend. Biologist Virginia Brown talks about why it may have happened and what we should know about dragonflies.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/31/2024 • 31 minutes, 8 seconds
How the U.S. commits economic warfare
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. President Biden is pushing for term limits and an enforceable ethics code for the Supreme Court's nine justices, as well as a constitutional amendment to limit the court's recent decision on presidential immunity. But how much can he do in the last six months of his term? Law professor Bertrall Ross joins us. And, over the past four presidential administrations, the U.S. has slapped sanctions on nations around the globe. The Washington Post's Jeff Stein joins us to discuss whether those sanctions have worked. Then, the U.S. men's basketball team will face South Sudan on Wednesday at the Paris Olympics. The Washington Post's Ben Golliver gives us a preview of the game.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/30/2024 • 31 minutes, 47 seconds
What's next for Kamala Harris' campaign
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take this survey. Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign is off to a strong start, bolstered by a wave of enthusiasm from voters. But what happens after the honeymoon period ends? The Washington Post's Michael Scherer weighs in. Then, the Olympics are well underway and already U.S. stars are having success. NPR's Brian Mann shares more on the stories — and scandals — of the games so far. And, a new album of previously unreleased recordings is highlighting the genius of iconic flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía and his brother Pepe de Lucía. Music journalist Betto Arcos talks about "Pepito y Paquito."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/29/2024 • 24 minutes, 23 seconds
On Zeshan B's new album, Chicago Soul meet Indian Tradition
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take this survey. The son of infamous Mexican cartel boss "El Chapo" Guzman was arrested by FBI agents along with the alleged co-founder of the powerful Sinaloa cartel. The Washington Post's Mary Beth Sheridan has the latest. And, "Three Kings" tells the story of three swimmers who overcame discrimination and hardships and met at the 1924 Olympics. Author Todd Balf joins us. Then, Zeshan B joins us to talk about his new album "O Say, Can You See?" It spans many genres and influences of his youth and features singing in the Urdu language of his parents.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/26/2024 • 30 minutes, 50 seconds
Inside the 'Succession'-esque battle for the Murdoch media empire
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take this survey. Kamala Harris is trying to shore up support among unions as she seeks to become the next Democratic nominee for president. The Hill's Toby Burns talks about her efforts to win over labor support. Then, an estimated 700,000-plus Americans voted 'uncommitted' in the Democratic primaries to register dissatisfaction with President Biden's policies on the Israel-Gaza war. Organizer Layla Elabed and attorney Samer Khalaf talk about what it would take to convince the uncommitted to support Harris. And, Rupert Murdoch is attempting to change his family's irrevocable trust and hand over full control of his vast media empire to his eldest son Lachlan to preserve the company's conservative editorial direction. The New York Times' Jim Rutenberg tells us more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/25/2024 • 27 minutes, 2 seconds
Unpacking Kamala Harris' immigration record
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take this survey. After the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, Secret Service head Kimberly Cheatle resigned. The Washington Post's Carol Leonnig breaks down the history of the Secret Service and what may happen going forward. And, Vice President Kamala Harris' position on immigration could play a big role in the race for president. CBS News reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez breaks down Harris' record. Then, as soon as Harris announced her run for president, endorsements from prominent Democrats started rolling in. But WBUR's Anthony Brooks reports on why some Dems are hesitant to back her. Plus, have you felt unsatisfied at work? You're not alone. New York University psychologist Tessa West's book "Job Therapy" challenges readers to question whether they're truly happy at work.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/24/2024 • 30 minutes, 35 seconds
The memeification of Kamala Harris, explained
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take this survey. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington this week, where he will deliver a joint address to Congress on Wednesday. The Guardian's Andrew Roth discusses the visit and the state of the war in Gaza. Then, Joe Biden's departure from the presidential race is forcing Republicans to rethink their strategy. The Atlantic's Tim Alberta talks about what's next for the Trump campaign. And, what's the future of the Republican Party? We hear reporting from NPR's Asma Khalid, who asked Republicans about their thoughts at the RNC. Plus, is Vice President Kamala Harris ... brat? Or did she just fall out of a coconut tree? We explain the jokes that have taken the internet by storm with Vox's Rebecca Jennings.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/23/2024 • 31 minutes, 14 seconds
Biden drops out: What's next for Democrats, Kamala Harris
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take this survey. With President Biden out of the race, Vice President Kamala Harris is racing to shore up support for her campaign. Politico's Zach Montellaro tells us what's next for the Democratic Party. Harris' former communications director, Jamal Simmons, joins us to talk about what's next for his former boss. And The New York Times' Astead Herndon discusses Harris' political rise. Plus, colleagues are remembering Texas Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee for her determination to fight for her constituents, especially women of color. Rep. Al Green of Texas looks back at her life and legacy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/22/2024 • 27 minutes, 8 seconds
Why some people don't have an inner voice
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take this survey. The cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike says a global Microsoft systems outage is not due to a cyber attack, but a software glitch. Wired's Lily Hay Newman tells us more. Then, in his speech Thursday night at the RNC, Trump called for healing discord and division, but he also painted a dark picture of the country. The New York Times' Adam Nagourney joins us. And, young conservatives who want to get their party to engage on climate attended the RNC this year. NPR's Ximena Bustillo reports.Plus, do you have any inner voice or monologue? Chances are you do, but new research shows some of us might not have one at all. Lead researcher Gary Lupyan explains the findings.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/19/2024 • 24 minutes, 41 seconds
Remember Freedom Singer Bernice Johnson Reagon
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take this survey. We take the temperature on where Democrats are on President Biden staying in the presidential race with Sen. Peter Welch. He was the first Senate Democrat to call for Biden to withdraw after his "disastrous" debate performance. Then, as the Republican National Convention continues, we look at some of former President Donald Trump's policy proposals. The Wall Street Journal's Nick Timiraos and the Washington Post's Hannah Knowles join us. And, Bernice Johnson Reagon, founder of the Freedom Singers during the Civil Rights Movement, has died at 81. We remember her legacy with the Smithsonian's Krystal Klingenberg.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/18/2024 • 26 minutes, 31 seconds
Indigenous people in the Amazon fight to save the rainforest
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take this survey. Trump's vice presidential pick J.D. Vance has ties to Silicon Valley, where a growing number of entrepreneurs are backing the former president. The Washington Post's Cristiano Lima-Strong tells us more. Then, we speak with two voters from key swing states about the 2024 presidential election and who they plan to support. And, Indigenous communities in the Amazon rainforest are building a grassroots movement to fight deforestation. Inside Climate News' Katie Surma joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/17/2024 • 29 minutes, 7 seconds
Unpacking Trump's vice president pick
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take this survey. There was much anticipation leading up to former President Donald Trump picking Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate. Vox's Zack Beauchamp tells us about Vance and his ideology. History professor Julian Zelizer talks about how much the vice presidential pick matters to the election. Then, Foreign Policy's Ravi Agrawal discusses where Trump — if re-elected — might take the United States in trade with China, and relations with Russia and Europe. And, in a new memoir "The Lucky Ones," author Zara Chowdhary tells her deeply personal story of growing up in India during a period of anti-Muslim violence. She shares her story.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/16/2024 • 36 minutes, 1 second
Trump assassination attempt: Media coverage, place in history
Federal Judge Aileen Cannon on Monday dismissed the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump. NPR Greg Allen joins us to talk about why. And, former President Trump survived an assassination attempt over the weekend. Presidential historian Tim Naftali and NPR's David Folkenflik join us to talk about this moment in history and how the media is covering the shooting. Then, in "Get Met Through the Next Five Minutes: Odes to Being Alive," author James Parker writes odes to everyday life. He joins us to talk about how to find joy in the mundane.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/15/2024 • 36 minutes, 18 seconds
What makes the perfect potato chip?
After the first presidential debate, newspaper editorial boards across the U.S. called for Biden to end his campaign. The Philadelphia Inquirer instead called on Trump to leave the race. And, a number of Supreme Court decisions significantly weakened the authority of federal agencies. Slate's Mark Joseph Stern explains the far-reaching effects of these rulings. Then, what makes the ideal potato chip? WBUR staffers tried a variety and voted on their favorite ones. Here & Now's resident chef Kathy Gunst breaks down the top picks.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/12/2024 • 25 minutes, 11 seconds
Crisis pregnancy centers in TX, 'sister senators' unite over abortion in SC
A new investigation from ProPublica and CBS News found that contractors for crisis pregnancy centers are wasting millions of dollars of taxpayer money. ProPublica's Cassandra Jaramillo joins us. And, Republican state Sen. Katrina Shealy and Democrat state Sen. Margie Bright Matthews bonded over abortion rights despite party differences. They join us to discuss. Then, Dara Torres is among the most decorated female Olympians in American history. She discusses her long Olympic career and looks ahead to the Paris Games.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/11/2024 • 30 minutes, 43 seconds
NATO at 75: The alliance's second-in-command on war in Ukraine
NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană joins us to discuss the alliance's 75th anniversary and its support for Ukraine. And, the Gaza Health Ministry says an Israeli airstrike killed more than 25 people in southern Gaza as ceasefire talks are expected to resume. NPR correspondent Aya Batrawy joins us. Then, musician Arlo Guthrie turns 77 on Wednesday. We share a recent conversation we had with him about his life, work and legacy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/10/2024 • 30 minutes, 41 seconds
The rise of Christian nationalism
The United Nations Security Council meets Tuesday to discuss Russia's deadly missile strike on a children's hospital in Kyiv. Financial Times correspondent Christopher Miller joins us from Ukraine. And, following the first presidential debate, media coverage has largely focused on President Biden's age and competency. NPR media correspondent David Folkenflik explores whether it has been fair. Then, with some states now requiring bible instruction in public schools, Tim Alberta — staff writer at The Atlantic — talks about the rise of Christian nationalism in the U.S.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/9/2024 • 25 minutes, 22 seconds
Audiobooks to bring along on your summer travels
President Biden sent congressional Democrats a letter Monday reiterating he is in the 2024 presidential race to the end. NPR's Ximena Bustillo joins us for the latest. And, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold has been receiving threats since the beginning of her state's lawsuit to remove former President Donald Trump from its ballot. She talks about threats to election workers and other secretaries of state. Then, a left-wing coalition won the most seats in this weekend's parliamentary elections in France, but there's still the prospect of a hung parliament. The Sunday Times' Peter Conradi joins us for more on the election and what's to come. Plus, Traci Thomas of "The Stacks" podcast joins us with some audiobook recommendations perfect for this summer.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/8/2024 • 24 minutes, 47 seconds
Best eats of summer 2024: Salads, Indian-Caribbean fusion
Lord Maynard Llera of the restaurant Kuya Lord has been crowned this year's James Beard Award winner for Best Chef in California. He joins us to talk about the achievement. And, Here & Now's resident chef Kathy Gunst shares recipes to help you spruce up classic summer salads. Then, in his new cookbook "Mad Love," chef Devan Rajkumar shares dishes that merge his roots in Guyana, South America and the Caribbean.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/5/2024 • 25 minutes, 20 seconds
Red, white and purple: 40 years of Prince's 'Purple Rain'
Author Boyce Upholt's new book "The Great River" tells the story of the river, the Indigenous people who lived alongside the Mississippi and the white settlers who came along to claim it. Then, Here & Now's Scott Tong takes a trip to a Delaware Beach to see horseshoe crabs mating. The undignified process takes on a new resonance amid considerable concern about a decline in population, as the crabs are harvested for their blood and as bait. And, Minneapolis music writer Andrea Swensson talks about her book commemorating the 40th anniversary of Prince's "Purple Rain" album, which regularly ranks as one of the greatest albums of all time.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/4/2024 • 32 minutes, 43 seconds
The trouble with air conditioning as the planet gets hotter
Following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, history professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat joins us to break down how that decision could lead to authoritarianism. And, air conditioning can be a matter of life and death. But some people in the U.S. are turning it off to limit their environmental impact. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports. Then, breaking, known to many as breakdancing, will make its Olympic debut in Paris. Longtime b-boy and breaking competition judge Donnie "Crumbs" Counts joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/3/2024 • 31 minutes, 47 seconds
Civil Rights Act turns 60: Activist Elaine Lee Turner reflects
The Caribbean nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is assessing the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. Ernesto Cooke of the St. Vincent Times shares a first-hand account of the storm. Then, President Biden is forcefully criticizing the Supreme Court's ruling that gives former presidents broad immunity from prosecution for official acts. Andrew Desiderio of Punchbowl News tells us more. And, how might that decision alter the balance of power in the U.S.? Former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade weighs in. Plus, Elaine Lee Turner and her sisters were called "the most arrested family in the Civil Rights movement." She joins us to reflect on the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/2/2024 • 28 minutes, 23 seconds
Supreme Court rules Trump has some immunity from prosecution
As the Supreme Court's term comes to an end, law professors Kim Wehle and Louis Virelli join us to break down the recent court decisions. And, professor Caroline Le Pennec explains her research that shows presidential debates have little effect on voters' decisions. Then, New York City is planning to announce a ban on cell phones in the city's public schools. Chalkbeat New York's Amy Zimmer joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/1/2024 • 27 minutes, 38 seconds
The hottest games of the summer
The Supreme Court issued several major decisions Friday on homelessness, government agency power and the Jan. 6 attack. The New York Times Magazine's Emily Bazelon and Slate's Mark Joseph Stern tell us more. Then, we discuss the political fallout from the first 2024 presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. We're joined by NPR's Ron Elving, USA Today's Francesca Chambers and Chad Pergram of Fox News. And, Here & Now's James Perkins Mastromarino discusses June's gaming news, including the hotly anticipated add-on to Elden Ring.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/28/2024 • 34 minutes, 35 seconds
3 big Supreme Court decisions on abortion, pollution, opioids
The Supreme Court released a decision temporarily allowing abortions for medical emergencies in Idaho. The Court also blocked a multibillion-dollar settlement with Purdue Pharma and put an EPA smog rule on hold. Rewire News Group's Imani Gandy, Columbia Law School's Camille Pannu and NPR's Brian Mann join us. And, Here & Now's Chris Bentley and Peter O'Dowd spent a night staying in an Earthship in Taos, New Mexico. They unpack the stay and the other forms of sustainable living they learned about.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/27/2024 • 28 minutes, 20 seconds
What it takes to live off the grid
The Supreme Court rejected a Republican-led effort to restrict the government's ability to communicate with social media companies to combat what it considers misinformation. Slate's Mark Joseph Stern tells us more. Then, in the early days of the pandemic, journalist Eric Mack took his home in Taos, New Mexico, completely off the grid. Mack talks about the personal costs and broader environmental benefits. And, Indigenous teens led a battle for climate justice in Hawaii — and won. Two of the plaintiffs join us alongside Grist's Anita Hofschneider.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/26/2024 • 22 minutes, 22 seconds
Turning to the past for the sustainable homes of the future
Extreme heat has caused major disruptions in transit services across the Northeast, from warped train tracks to mechanical malfunctions. Roben Farzad, host of Public Radio's "Full Disclosure" explains why climate change is wrecking your commute. And, many people moved to Taos, New Mexico in the 1970s to break free from modern architectural conventions. Today, that tradition continues, with architects and builders pioneering the latest green building trends. Here & Now's Chris Bentley reports. Then, in "The Connection Cure," author Julia Hotz tells stories of doctors who prescribe referrals for activities such as biking, museum visits and volunteering as a way to improve physical and mental health.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/25/2024 • 29 minutes, 33 seconds
Live in an Earthship, an off-grid refuge made from beer cans and tires
In Taos, New Mexico, architect Michael Reynolds's off-grid Earthships recycle rainwater and produce their own electricity. But critics argue the homes may not be as sustainable as promised. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd visited the community. Then, the Boeing Starliner remains docked at the International Space Station after another delay to returning home. LIVE Science's Ben Turner tells us more. And, family child care offered in a provider's home is a vital choice for working parents, but it's declining. Some states, including Massachusetts, are now reversing the trend. Here & Now's Ashley Locke reports.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/24/2024 • 25 minutes, 17 seconds
For Black Music Month, Tiny Desk spotlights women artists
Lake Street Dive is releasing their eighth record, "Good Together." Two of the band's founding members, singer Rachael Price and drummer Mike Calabrese, join us. And, every year, NPR's Tiny Desk holds a month of performances by Black musicians. This year, the series focuses on Black female artists. Bobby Carter, host and series producer of NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts, talks about it. Then, a new "Legend of Zelda" game due out in September will put the titular Princess Zelda front and center as the game's main character. It's a first for the series, and Polygon Deputy Games editor Maddy Myers explains the significance.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/21/2024 • 28 minutes
A star is born: Scientists predict explosion will spawn new celestial body
As the Supreme Court prepares to wrap up its current term in the next week, it still has to issue a series of big decisions, including on presidential immunity. Slate's Mark Joseph Stern breaks down the cases. Then, a nonprofit digital news site faces a defamation lawsuit by a former Mississippi governor over a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation. Mississippi Today's editor-in-chief Adam Ganucheau discusses what's at stake for national news gathering. And, astronomers predict that a new star will appear in the constellation Corona Borealis in the next few months. Astronomer David Wilson tells us what to watch for in the night sky.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/20/2024 • 20 minutes, 12 seconds
Celebrate Juneteenth with recipes and meditations on freedom
What drives Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu? Israel Public Broadcasting's Nathan Guttman explains what makes Israel's longest-serving and most conservative prime minister tick. And, Willie Mays died at the age of 93. He's considered to be the greatest all-around baseball player ever. KQED's Brian Watt reports on his legacy. Then, Juneteenth is the newest national holiday in the U.S. Chef and author Klancy Miller joins us with some recipes and reflections on what freedom means.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/19/2024 • 28 minutes, 47 seconds
How jazz icon Duke Ellington helped change America
President Biden is announcing a new plan that protects undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens from deportation. NPR's Sergio Martínez-Beltrán tells us more. Then, Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, is a central figure in the war and in peace talks. We explore his motivations with the New York Times' Julian E. Barnes. For additional coverage of the Middle East, go to npr.org/mideast. And, this year marks the 125th anniversary of the birth of bandleader, composer and pianist Duke Ellington. We remember the man and his music with his granddaughter Mercedes Ellington and biographer Larry Tye.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/18/2024 • 29 minutes, 40 seconds
How Black male voters could influence the 2024 election
Israel's military announced a daytime pause in fighting along a humanitarian aid corridor in southern Gaza. Fighting will continue in the Rafah area in southern Gaza. NPR international correspondent Daniel Estrin joins us. And, the 2024 election is expected to come down to a small margin between President Biden and former President Donald Trump. How could Black voters influence the outcome? Democrat advisor Basil Smikle Jr. and long-time Republican operative Shermichael Singleton join us. Then, "The Outsiders" won Best Musical at the 77th annual Tony Awards on Sunday and NPR contributor Jeff Lunden breaks down who took home wins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/17/2024 • 27 minutes, 4 seconds
How Joni Mitchell changed popular music
The Supreme Court on Friday struck down the federal ban on gun add-ons known as bump stocks. The Trace reporter Chip Brownlee tells us what the decision means. Then, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas is known as the "last stand" for a grassland that once covered vast swaths of North America. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd visited the preserve. And, singer Joni Mitchell has reinvented herself throughout her career. NPR music critic Ann Powers' new biography "Traveling" follows Mitchell's wanderings and delves deep into the influences that paved her longer-than-60-year journey.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/14/2024 • 27 minutes, 54 seconds
Dine like a Dane on Copenhagen-inspired eats
The Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the Food and Drug Administration's rules for prescribing and dispensing the abortion pill mifepristone, preserving access to it. Slate's Dahlia Lithwick joins us. And, Chiquita Brands International must pay more than $38 million to the families of eight men killed during Colombia's civil war. Lawyer Marco Simons of Earth Rights International joins us. Then, our resident chef Kathy Gunst lays out some recipes for smørrebrød, or open-faced sandwiches from Denmark.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/13/2024 • 22 minutes, 26 seconds
How online pirates transformed the music industry
Latinos will be a driving force in the upcoming election, but they don't vote in lockstep. GOP consultant Mike Madrid and Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha talk about the priorities of Latino voters in 2024. Then, the FDA rejected MDMA as a treatment for PTSD. STAT's Olivia Goldhill joins us. And, the music industry hit its peak in 1999, making $39 billion in global profits. After that, everything changed when people began sharing copyrighted music online for free. Alexandria Stapleton, director of the new "How Music Got Free" documentary, tells us more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/12/2024 • 33 minutes, 2 seconds
Hunter Biden convicted on all felony gun charges
NPR's Ryan Lucas explains the outcome of Hunter Biden's felony gun trial in Delaware. And, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is calling on Hamas to accept the ceasefire plan that the United Nations Security Council has approved. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he supports it. International correspondent for The Independent Borzou Daragahi joins us. Then, the new book "Roctogenarians: Late in Life Debuts, Comebacks, and Triumphs" spotlights people who found success later in life. CBS Sunday correspondent and author Mo Rocca and author talks about it.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/11/2024 • 24 minutes, 6 seconds
Diddy's downfall: 'Vibe Check' weighs in
The far-right made gains in European Union parliamentary elections this past weekend. The Washington Post's Emily Rauhala analyzes what the results mean. Then, the Supreme Court still has more than a dozen major cases outstanding with less than three weeks before its typical July 1 deadline for announcing decisions. Law professor Stephen Vladeck explains why the court is saving the biggest opinions until the end. And, the empire that hip-hop mogul Diddy, or Sean Combs, has built since the 1990s is crumbling. "Vibe Check" hosts Sam Sanders, Zach Stafford and Saeed Jones, talk about the allegations surrounding Combs.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/10/2024 • 23 minutes, 54 seconds
Former 'Apprentice' producer Bill Pruitt tells all on Trump
For 20 years, a TV producer couldn't say what he saw former President Donald Trump do on the set of The Apprentice. Now, he's talking. Bill Pruitt joins us. Then, Samia Halaby is a Palestinian American painter, sculptor and activist who's been an outspoken critic of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. We visit her Manhattan studio. And, every year, one song dominates the charts and perfectly encapsulates the vibes of the summer. Kelsey Weekman of Yahoo News talks about this year's top contenders.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/7/2024 • 34 minutes, 49 seconds
The legacy of D-Day, 80 years later
Longtime asylum officer Michael Knowles talks about the challenges agents are facing in the days after President Biden signed an order to largely shut down asylum processing if the number of border crossings gets too high.Then, after six years and nearly $1 billion, Detroit's historic Michigan Central Station is reopening as an innovation hub, anchored by Ford. WDET's Quinn Klinefelter tells us about what the renovation means Detroit.And, 80 years ago Thursday, allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, breaking through the German army's defensive lines. Historian Garrett Graff talks about what happened on D-Day and how it's being remembered.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/6/2024 • 22 minutes, 15 seconds
Cookbook adapts Indian recipes for American palates and pantries
It's been two years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. New York Times correspondents Lisa Lerer and Elizabeth Dias join us to talk about their investigation looking into the past decade leading up to the Dobbs decision. And, nearly one in three Americans is working and falls above the poverty line, but still struggles to make ends meet. One group has dubbed this population ALICE, or Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. National director of United for ALICE Stephanie Hoopes and working single mother Jessica Fernandez join us. Then, food writer Khushbu Shah joins us to talk about her new cookbook "Amrikan: 125 Recipes from the Indian American Diaspora." The recipes incorporate American ingredients into Indian recipes and Indian spices into traditional American dishes.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/5/2024 • 30 minutes, 37 seconds
Uncovering one town's history of slavery
President Biden issued an executive order on Tuesday aimed at restricting asylum at the U.S. southern border with Mexico. Clea McCaa, the mayor of Sierra Vista, Arizona, weighs in. Then, initial results suggest India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be elected to a third term. Journalist Aakash Hassan talks about what the results mean. And, what happened when a museum in tiny Brownsburg, Virginia worked with descendants to uncover slavery in the town's history? Here & Now's Robin Young reports.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/4/2024 • 25 minutes, 57 seconds
What the federal government is doing to feed kids during the summer
After being found guilty of 34 felony counts, former President Donald Trump is falsely calling the trial rigged. Donald Ayer, a former deputy attorney general under President George H.W. Bush, explains the impact Trump's rhetoric could have on the judicial system. And, Claudia Sheinbaum is Mexico's president-elect. Journalist Jared Olson joins us to talk about the history-making election. Then, Nebraska is one of just a handful of Republican-led states to participate in a new federal program to help parents keep their kids fed during the summer months. Community organizer for Nebraska Appleseed Megan Hamann joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/3/2024 • 21 minutes, 4 seconds
Grill up seafood, vegetables and fruit at this year's summer barbecues
A jury found former President Donald Trump guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to conceal another crime. Attorney Matthew Galluzzo and Washington Post reporter Sarah Ellison weigh in on the verdict. Then, Here & Now's James Perkins Mastromarino reviews some new video games released in May, from Nintendo's "Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door" to indie releases "Animal Well" and "Hades 2." And, resident chef Kathy Gunst shares three new recipes to kick off grilling season.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/31/2024 • 30 minutes, 25 seconds
Why retired lab chimps are living out their final days in cages
Major League Baseball has officially added the stats of Negro League players to its records. One of the players is Norman "Turkey" Stearnes. His granddaughter Vanessa Ivy Rose explains what it means to her family. And, Ukrainian border guard Roman Hrybov told a Russian warship, "Go f*** yourself," and it became a heroic moment in Ukraine. Hrybov talks about that moment and his time as a Russian prisoner of war after he refused to surrender. Then, a federal judge ruled in 2022 that the National Institutes of Health had to move retired lab chimpanzees to a sanctuary in Louisiana. But the agency says it has no plans to do so. Chimp Haven sanctuary president and CEO Rana Smith joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/30/2024 • 21 minutes, 41 seconds
'Freeway fighters' want to reclaim cities for people
Polls show many Americans feel pessimistic about the economy. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers joins us to discuss why. Then, the documentary "The League" goes back to the 1890s to tell the story of Black Americans playing baseball. Director Sam Pollard tells us more. And, a new generation of "freeway fighters" wants to reclaim land occupied by urban highways for transit and walkable neighborhoods. Megan Kimble talks about her book "City Limits: Infrastructure, Inequality, and the Future of America's Highways."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/29/2024 • 31 minutes, 55 seconds
Extreme heat will strain power grids in Western U.S.
Academic workers at the University of California's Los Angeles and Davis campuses are on strike in protest of the school's response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The New York Times' Shawn Hubler joins us. And, riots broke out this month in the French territory of New Caledonia. Professor of peace and conflict studies Nicole George and Doriane Nonmoira, a member of an Indigenous group in New Caledonia, join us to explain. Then, research shows that longer and stronger heat waves by mid-century are predicted to compromise the power grid in the western U.S. Professor and power grid expert Michael Webber explains.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/28/2024 • 28 minutes
Andrew Bird's 'Sunday Morning Put-On' revisits a golden age of jazz
Gold Star father Chris Board talks about his son Cody and how he remembers him. Cody was in the Army and died in 2010 in Afghanistan. Then, Saturday marked four years since the police murder of George Floyd. Host Jane Clayson looks at what has happened since. And, Andrew Bird's new album is his take on nine jazz standards from a bygone era of jazz. He talks about the album.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/27/2024 • 34 minutes, 47 seconds
The impact of AI
The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to stop its attacks in Rafah. Professor John Quigley joins us. Then, ABC's Rick Klein and NPR's Ron Elving discuss the week in politics, including concerns about Justice Samuel Alito's homes as the Supreme Court rules on whether former President Donald Trump has immunity from prosecution. And, we hear from longtime tech journalist Kara Swisher about the latest news on artificial intelligence, including the spate of recent developments with generative AI.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/24/2024 • 31 minutes, 32 seconds
Trauma specialist offers tips for recovery
The Supreme Court upheld a map drawn by South Carolina legislature that challengers said was a racial gerrymander. Law professor Spencer Overton joins us. And, though it's often difficult to prosecute those who harass or threaten election officials, a few people have been sentenced for targeting the same election official in Arizona. Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer joins us. Then, trauma specialist Karesten Koenen joins us to offer tips on how people who have experienced trauma and violence can overcome it.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/23/2024 • 29 minutes, 1 second
Elmo wants to know how you're feeling this Mental Health Awareness Month
A new Florida law will delete most references to climate change from state policy come July. Grist's Jake Bittle tells us more. Cancer 'super tests' screen for more than 50 cancers with a single finger prick. But are they saving lives? Dr. Benjamin Mazer talks about the Galleri test. Then, for Mental Health Awareness Month, Sesame Workshop released new emotional well-being resources for parents and kids. Elmo and Sesame Workshop's Kama Einhorn join us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/22/2024 • 25 minutes, 46 seconds
How drought put the Panama Canal in troubled water
A lack of rain in the Panama Canal has snarled cargo ships traveling through the crucial global shipping route and set off water concerns in Panama. Here & Now's Scott Tong reports. And, AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, is the most prominent pro-Israel lobbying group in U.S. politics. Politico's Nicholas Wu explains where the group is spending its money this election season. Then, anthropologist Jason De León spent seven years embedded with a group of smugglers moving migrants across Mexico. He joins us to talk about his new book "Soldiers and Kings," which tells their stories.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/21/2024 • 32 minutes, 56 seconds
What we can learn from 'American Divas'
The International Criminal Court's prosecutor is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, among others. The Washington Post's Louisa Loveluck joins us. As 17 American doctors evacuated Gaza late last week, three stayed behind. We talk with one of them, Dr. Jomana Al-Hinti, about her decision to stay.And, a new HPV test where patients can self-collect samples is designed to make screenings for cervical cancer more accessible and prevent it early. OB/GYN Dr. Jessica Shepherd joins us.Then, in her new book "American Diva: Extraordinary, Unruly, Fabulous," author Deborah Paredez tells stories of great divas, including Tina Turner and Venus and Serena Williams. Paredez joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/20/2024 • 30 minutes, 40 seconds
How one school has changed, 70 years since Brown v. Board of Education
Tuesday marked 76 years since Israel's creation. Aaron David Miller, of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, explores Israel's history and how the the day was observed amid the ongoing war in Gaza. At the same time, Palestinians across the world commemorated Al Nakba, which directly translates to "The Catastrophe." Brown University's Beshara Doumani joins us. And, West Charlotte High School was seen as a model for how schools could integrate in the 1970s. But in the 1990s, a federal judge ruled that bussing was no longer needed. Ella Dennis, historian for the school's Alumni Association, Rev. Joe B. Martin, and student government president Malachi Thompson join us. Then, 20 years ago, David Wilson and Rob Compton were one of the first same-sex couples to be married in the U.S. They join us to reflect on the anniversary.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/18/2024 • 35 minutes, 25 seconds
Birds are migrating north. Here's how you can help them
The Supreme Court ruled that a map that draws a second majority-Black congressional district in Louisiana can be used in this year's elections. Law professor Spencer Overton explains its impact. And, patients in Gaza with conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson's and cerebral palsy are uniquely challenged by the ongoing violence. Dr. Jomana Al-Hinti talks about the need for neurologists in Gaza. Then, the Department of Health and Human Services has barred disability discrimination in health care. Disability Scoop's Michelle Diament breaks down the new rule and how it relates to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Finally, this week is peak time for bird migration in the northern part of the U.S. But lights and windows can make their journey tougher. Scientist Andrew Farnsworth explains how people can help.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/16/2024 • 27 minutes, 47 seconds
How AI is changing the music industry
Republicans in Nevada are suing the state over election rules. Journalist Jon Ralston tells us more. Then, the Biden administration is moving forward with a $1 billion arms transfer to Israel after holding up a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs last week. The Washington Post's John Hudson joins us. Plus, AI is changing the music industry. Berklee College of Music professor Ben Camp explains how.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/15/2024 • 26 minutes, 42 seconds
The WNBA's big moment
The Biden administration is boosting tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles to 100%. InsideEV's Kevin Williams joins us. Then, American doctors are stuck in Gaza after the Rafah border closed ahead of an impending invasion from Israel. Dr. Majdi Hamarshi of the Palestinian American Medical Association talks about efforts to bring them home. And, the WNBA's regular season tips off Tuesday night. Connecticut Sun President Jen Rizzotti talks about the recent success of the league and how her team is preparing to face all-star Caitlin Clark.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/14/2024 • 21 minutes, 18 seconds
'Never Enough': How toxic achievement culture does damage
With the Rafah border closed as the region faces an impending invasion from Israeli forces, hospitals in Gaza are struggling to function with the limited supplies they have left. We hear from Dr. Mahmoud Sabha in Gaza and John Ramming Chappell, a fellow at the Center for Civilians in Conflict, who talks about a new State Department report on Israel's conduct in the war. Then, Florida is on the verge of banning balloon releases. We talk with Jon Paul "J.P." Brooker of the Ocean Conservancy about how the ban could reduce plastic pollution. And, author Jennifer Wallace explores the dangers of what she calls "toxic achievement culture" in her new book, "Never Enough." She joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/13/2024 • 31 minutes, 23 seconds
Early childhood: Preschool inequality, child care wages and emotional health
The inequality gap is getting worse between the children who have access to preschool and those who don't, a new study finds. Researcher Allison Friedman-Krauss talks about the report. Then, many early educators struggle to get by on low wages. Here & Now's Ashley Locke reports on a new program that aims to help. And, psychotherapist Martha Heineman Pieper explains why she advocates for preschools to take a different approach to supporting young children'sLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/11/2024 • 26 minutes, 15 seconds
How Steve Albini changed music
Bird flu has recently sickened dairy cows in several states. Epidemiologist Jennifer Nuzzo says more widespread testing is needed to ensure that H5N1 does not spread more easily among humans. And, remembering legendary rock music producer Steve Albini. NPR's Neda Ulaby reflects on Albini's legacy. Then, Diana Winston, director of mindfulness at UCLA Mindful, joins us to discuss meditation and how it can help ease stress and anxiety.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/9/2024 • 32 minutes, 28 seconds
How a 'Klansman's Son' became anti-racist
The Israeli military entered Rafah on Tuesday, and the U.S. paused weapons shipments to Israel citing concern over the invasion. The Global Empowerment Mission's Emily Fullmer and the Washington Post's John Hudson join us. And, Palestinian American comedian Atheer Yacoub uses humor to tell the story of her life as a Muslim woman, but she doesn't delve into the ongoing war in Gaza. Then, as the child of a former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard, J. Derek Black grew up promoting white nationalism but now works as an anti-racist. They discuss their new memoir "The Klansman's Son: My Journey from White Nationalism to Anti-Racism."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/8/2024 • 36 minutes, 4 seconds
Is there such a thing as biological age?
Adult film actress Stormy Daniels testified on Tuesday at former President Trump's hush money trial. NPR's Ximena Bustillo shares the latest. Then, Alzheimer's researcher Yudong Huang talks about newly published research that indicates that one in six cases of Alzheimer's may be inherited through the gene APOE4. And, the wellness industry is booming with products that purport to measure one's biological age. But scientists can't even agree on what it is. STAT's Angus Chen tells us more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/7/2024 • 21 minutes, 31 seconds
Indigenous climate activists honored for defeating offshore drilling effort
Israel's government raided Al Jazeera's office in Jerusalem this weekend and shut down the outlet's broadcasting within the country. Al Jazeera's Mohamed Moawad joins us. And, National Guardsmen fatally shot Jeffrey Miller at Kent State during an anti-Vietnam War protest in 1970. Russ Miller joins us to remember his brother and the violence at Kent State. Then, Sinegugu Zukulu and Nonhle Mbuthuma are two of this year's Goldman Prize winners. They're from South Africa's indigenous Wild Coast community and banded together to defeat an offshore drilling effort.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/6/2024 • 27 minutes, 10 seconds
A musical journey to Havana Jazz Festival, Nonesuch catalogs and a new game
The record label Nonesuch turns 60 this year. The label's president David Bither showcases artists including Rhiannon Giddens and Hurray for the Riff Raff. And, the 39th annual Havana Jazz Festival took place this year, and NPR's Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre report Cuba's musical culture is thriving. Then, "Tales of Kenzera: ZAU" is based on the culture of Africa's Bantu people explores the many emotions of grief. Composer Nainita Desai brings indigenous mythology to life with a globe-spanning musical ensemble.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/4/2024 • 34 minutes, 42 seconds
How Reno, Nevada, is tackling homelessness
Northwestern University President Michael Schill talks about how the university and pro-Palestinian protestors reached a deal this week. And we hear from Brenda Maldonado, a registered nurse who was volunteering in Gaza. Then, Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve talks about how her city is addressing homelessness. And, music journalist Betto Arcos takes us along on his first-ever trip to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/2/2024 • 32 minutes, 40 seconds
Police break up college anti-war protests
Police descended on pro-Palestinian protests at the University of California Los Angeles, Columbia University and City College of New York. At Brown University, protestors reached a deal with the college. Reporters Steve Futterman, Owen Dahlkamp and Gwynne Hogan join us. And, satire publication The Onion is under new leadership with former disinformation reporter Ben Collins stepping into the role of CEO. Then, former Cigna insurance group employees are blowing the whistle on the company, saying it cares more about being fast than right, and is quick to deny claims. ProPublica's David Armstrong joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/1/2024 • 33 minutes, 2 seconds
More Chinese asylum seekers are crossing the U.S. southern border
What are college presidents getting right and wrong as campus protests over Israel's war in Gaza grow? Former Brandeis University president Frederick Lawrence explains. Then, the number of Chinese migrants crossing into the United States at the southern border has been growing. Documented reporter April Xu joins us. And, Here & Now's James Perkins Mastromarino looks back on April's most exciting video game releases.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/30/2024 • 29 minutes, 54 seconds
Anti-war protesters from California to Israel
Over the weekend, hundreds of students were arrested in campus protests over Gaza. In Isreal, police arrested author and essayist Ayelet Waldman. Waldman, Cal Poly Humboldt dean Jeff Crane and senior Zachary Meyer join us. And, states are protecting officials ahead of the 2024 election with legislation. Public Citizen's Jonah Minkoff-Zern joins us. Then, in her new memoir, Doris Kearns Goodwin shares her late husband's contributions to history.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/29/2024 • 33 minutes, 28 seconds
Why birth rates hit a record low in the U.S.
What does Congress' TikTok ban mean for 170 million users in the U.S.? Researcher Dean Ball weighs in. Then, Americans are having children at a historically low rate, according to new data from the CDC. Demographer Alison Gemmill tells us more. And, newspapers are shuttering every week across the country. Reporter Todd Melby went to Welch, West Virginia, to find out what is lost when a town doesn't have local news.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/27/2024 • 26 minutes, 53 seconds
'Road of the future' wirelessly charges electric vehicles
A jury in Arizona indicted Trump allies in a so-called 'fake electors' scheme and the Arizona House voted to repeal the 1864 abortion ban. Reporter Jeremy Duda joins us to discuss the big developments. And, a road in Detroit can charge electric vehicles as they park or drive on it. Justine Johnson at Michigan's Office of Future Mobility and Electrification joins us. Then, when parents see their children struggling with mental health, they often want to help. Richard Weissbourd at Harvard's Graduate School of Education explains how they can.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/25/2024 • 30 minutes, 4 seconds
Shipbuilders harness the wind to clean up global shipping
Bloomberg's Emily Birnbaum explains the FTC's decision to ban employers from using noncompete clauses to prevent employees from going to work for rival companies. Then, some companies are using wind power as a cleaner alternative for moving cargo. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd profiles a company in Costa Rica building a massive wooden schooner from scratch. And, scientists have restored the Voyager 1 space probe and are making sense of its signals from interstellar space. NPR's Nell Greenfieldboyce reports.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/24/2024 • 23 minutes, 50 seconds
Cleaning up the aviation industry with electric planes
Protests against the war in Gaza have been surging on college campuses around the country. Professor Katherine S. Cho of Loyola University joins us. Then, commercial airlines are one of the fastest-growing sources of pollution on the planet. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd and Chris Bentley report on how the industry is trying to solve that problem with sustainable aviation fuels. And, Wall Street Journal reporter Dana Mattioli's new book "The Everything War" explores how Amazon grew to be worth more than $1 trillion.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/23/2024 • 35 minutes, 55 seconds
Battery-powered rigs could clean up the trucking industry
The Supreme Court weighs whether punishing homeless people for sleeping outside amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. Slate's Mark Joseph Stern joins us. And, big-rig trucks spew almost a quarter of the climate pollution from the U.S. transportation sector. Battery-powered alternatives could be a climate solution, Here & Now's Chris Bentley reports. Then, how much do you need to save to retire? Jill Schlesinger, host of "Jill On Money" and CBS business analyst, breaks down how to figure it out.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/22/2024 • 23 minutes, 27 seconds
How cities are addressing record-high homelessness
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations are growing around the U.S. Hatem Abudayyeh of the Chicago-based U.S. Palestinian Community Network joins us. Then, the number of people experiencing homelessness reached a record high in 2023. We speak with local officials from Burlington, Vermont, and Bakersfield, California, working to end the crisis. And, video game creator Jordan Mechner talks about his new graphic novel, "Replay," which interweaves his personal history with the story of how his family escaped the Nazis.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/19/2024 • 36 minutes, 13 seconds
Trump's alleged 'hush money' scheme, explained
Russia launched airstrikes on the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv on Wednesday, killing 18 people. The Washington Post's Siobhan O'Grady shares the latest. Then, Georgetown law professor Mary McCord explains Trump's criminal trial in New York. And, author Lissa Soep talks about her new book, "Other People's Words," where she reflects on how the voices of people who have died continue to speak through their loved ones and her.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/18/2024 • 29 minutes, 51 seconds
Grift cards: The gift card fraud scheme costing consumers millions
Workers at a Tennessee Volkswagen plant are voting on whether to unionize. Michael Martinez of Automotive News shares the latest. Then, are we in a new era of drone warfare? RAND political scientist Caitlin Lee weighs in. And, ProPublica's Craig Silverman talks about a coordinated gift card scam that totals hundreds of millions of dollars.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/17/2024 • 25 minutes, 28 seconds
He escaped Sudan in 1999. But his family is still trapped there
We look at how Israelis are reacting to Iran's attack with Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas. Kerem Navot founder Dror Etkes talks about Israeli settlers in the West Bank attacking Palestinian villages. Then, one year into Sudan's civil war, we hear from one Sudanese-American whose family is trapped in Khartoum. And, NBA columnist A. Sherrod Blakely talks about the league's Play-In tournament and Caitlin Clark's WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/16/2024 • 30 minutes, 5 seconds
Runners Kara Goucher and Des Linden talk women in sports, doping
We discuss Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel with journalist Borzou Daragahi and security analyst Jim Walsh. Then, PolitiFact's Lou Jacobson breaks down the facts of Trump's hush money trial. And, distance-running legends Des Linden and Kara Goucher talk about their new podcast "Nobody Asked Us," the future of women's running and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/15/2024 • 30 minutes, 26 seconds
Do I need therapy? Why one psychologist says maybe not
After fleeing the war in Gaza with the help of the American government, a family of four is denied entry into the U.S. Then, Dr. Neha Lalani tells us why popular diabetes and weight loss drugs like Ozempic may be impacting fertility. And, does everyone really need therapy to cope? Clinical psychologist Emily Edlynn explains why she says no. Ask your mental health questions here.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/12/2024 • 26 minutes, 44 seconds
Oregon drumline follows the rhythm to national competition
NPR's Deepa Shivaram breaks down the Biden Administration's new rule requiring anyone who sells guns to run background checks. Then, OJ Simpson has died at 76. Laurie Levenson, who was an analyst for CBS during Simpson's murder trial, joins us. And, director René Ormae-Jarmer and snare drummer Grant Lord tell us how the Kingsmen Thunder Drumline from Milwaukie, Oregon, is preparing for one of the biggest competitions of their lives.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/11/2024 • 24 minutes, 56 seconds
How Arizonans are reacting to state's near-total abortion ban
A doctor who provides abortion care in Phoenix discusses the court ruling that allows an almost total abortion ban to go into effect in the state. Republican state Rep. David Cook, who supported the state's 15-week ban, explains why he thinks the court got this ruling wrong. Then, Will Freeman, fellow for Latin American Studies at the Council for Foreign Relations, explains what Ecuador's raid of a Mexican embassy means for diplomatic norms in the future. And, Democrat Dakota Adams — the son of Stewart Rhodes, founder of the far-right extremist Oath Keepers — tells us about his campaign for a seat in the Montana state Senate.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/10/2024 • 31 minutes, 24 seconds
After earning his bachelor's degree behind bars, he's heading to law school
Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, spiritual leader of the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, reflects on the end of Ramadan. Then, Benard McKinley talks about his journey from earning his bachelor's degree in prison to attending law school. And, famed soprano Renée Fleming dives into the new book she edited, "Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/9/2024 • 30 minutes, 35 seconds
Look up and get down: A soundtrack for your solar eclipse
Allyson Bieryla, a creator of the LightSounds project, explains how a small device that translates light into sound can help blind people and people with low vision experience the eclipse. And, Silvia Piccinotti, who's taking her kids to Texas to see the eclipse, gives advice on keeping children safe and explaining the phenomenon to them. Then, Here & Now's Mike Moschetto shares his soundtrack for watching the moon cover the sun.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/8/2024 • 23 minutes, 24 seconds
Conductor Kwamé Ryan takes the baton at Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
The Washington Post's Patrick Marley and CBS News' Weijia Jiang discuss how the politics of abortion and Israel played out on the 2024 campaign trail this week. Then, military analyst Michael Kofman shares insights from the front lines in Ukraine. And, conductor Kwamé Ryan talks about his debut as music director designate of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in North Carolina.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/5/2024 • 35 minutes, 13 seconds
'The Cemetery of Untold Stories' unearths unfinished tales
Palestinian American Dr. Thaer Ahmad joins us to explain why he walked out of a White House meeting over Gaza with President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Muslim-American community leaders. And, Dr. Leonardo Riella from Massachusetts General Hospital discusses the world's first living recipient of a pig kidney transplant. Then, author Julia Alvarez joins us to talk about her latest novel "The Cemetery of Untold Stories."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/4/2024 • 31 minutes, 5 seconds
'Cowboy Carter': What critics are saying about Beyoncé's new album
Activist Guy Hirschfeld talks about protests in Israel over the war in Gaza. Then, Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks discusses the future of "Dungeons & Dragons," which just turned 50 years old. And, Rolling Stone's Mankaprr Conteh explores the critical response to Beyoncé's new album, "Cowboy Carter."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/3/2024 • 32 minutes, 35 seconds
Tulsa Race Massacre survivors fight for reparations
USA Today Network reporter Douglas Soule joins us to talk about abortion rights and recreational marijuana on Florida's 2024 ballot. And, Shaina Low, spokesperson for the Norwegian Refugee Council, reacts to the Israeli airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza. Here & Now security analyst Jim Walsh explains how the attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria could reverberate throughout the Middle East. Then, Oklahoma Eagle reporter Deon Osborne discusses the court battle involving the last two survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/2/2024 • 31 minutes, 51 seconds
How Big Tech influences trade agreements
As Wisconsin voters head to the polls for primaries, two students discuss who they support and why. Then, trade expert Lori Wallach tells us why she's sounding the alarm over the quiet push by Big Tech companies to influence global trade agreements. And, Dr. Mohammad Subeh shares some of the creative ways he served patients with little resources in a Gaza field hospital.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/1/2024 • 28 minutes, 28 seconds
Earth is moving faster, and clocks may need to keep up
Barak Ravid from Axios and Yasmeen Abutaleb from the Washington Post join us to talk about U.S.-Israel relations and an impending delegation visit. And, Here & Now's Scott Tong reports on the future of Washington D.C.'s beloved cherry blossom tree, Stumpy. Then, Duncan Agnew joins us to talk about a recent study he authored that found we might have to subtract a second from our clocks to account for a faster-spinning earth.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/29/2024 • 28 minutes, 23 seconds
Faith leaders reflect on holy days amid Israel-Hamas war
Terrorism expert Daniel Byman talks about ISIS-K, the group that claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall last week. Then, Rabbi Josh Franklin, Pastor Henry Brinton and Muslim elder Hussein Rashid reflect on a holy season made tense by the Israel-Hamas war. And, resident chef Kathy Gunst celebrates the onion family with three new recipes and onion tips.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/28/2024 • 26 minutes, 39 seconds
Ibogaine might cure addiction. But the drug is illegal in the U.S.
The Baltimore Business Journal's Melody Simmons talks about the economic impact expected from the Baltimore bridge collapse. And, the Washington Post's Cristiano Lima-Strong explains a new law in Florida that seeks to prevent children under 14 from joining social media. Then, New York Times reporter Andrew Jacobs discusses the renewed interest in the drug ibogaine to cure addiction as the number of opioid deaths in the U.S. continues to rise.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/27/2024 • 25 minutes, 59 seconds
'Quad God' Ilia Malinin breaks figure skating record
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy's Salvatore Mercogliano joins us to unpack what investigators are looking into amid a Baltimore bridge collapse. And, Slate's Dahlia Lithwick explains how a Supreme Court case could impact access to the abortion pill mifepristone. Then, figure skating analyst Jackie Wong talks about how figure skater Ilia Malinin landed six quadruple jumps and took the world championship title.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/26/2024 • 20 minutes, 6 seconds
Spring cleaning tips for your finances
Law professor Will Thomas talks about an appeals court reducing the amount of bond Trump is required to come up with now in his New York business fraud case. And, financial planning guru Jill Schlesinger shares tips for financial spring cleaning. Then, "The Stacks" host and creator Traci Thomas about book clubs: why to start one, how to select books and tips on keeping it running smoothly.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
The Washington Post's Isaac Arnsdorf and NBC's Scott Wong join us to talk about Congress' race to avoid government shutdown and the 2024 election. And, author Yara Asi talks with us about starvation in Gaza caused by Israel's restrictions in the region and how it compares to historical wars. Then, Here & Now's Kalyani Saxena breaks down a sci-fi series and romance novel she's been loving.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/22/2024 • 28 minutes, 39 seconds
Trump hired Ken Block to investigate election fraud. He didn't find anything
Diego Piña Lopez of the Tucson-based Casa Alitas migrant aid agency talks about funding cuts he and other nongovernmental organizations are facing. And, John Helliwell, lead author of a new report that found Americans feel decidedly less happy than in previous years, explains the trend. Then, Ken Block talks about his new book, "Disproven: My Unbiased Search for Voter Fraud for the Trump Campaign, the Data that Shows Why He Lost, and How We Can Improve Our Elections."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/21/2024 • 25 minutes, 6 seconds
'Attachment science' separated foster kids and birth families. Does it hold up?
Widlore Mérancourt, editor-in-chief of Ayibo Post, gives us the latest on what's happening in Haiti. And, Daniel Morales, a professor of law at the University of Houston, explains the continued confusion over Texas immigration law. Then, ProPublica reporter Eli Hager reports on the controversy over Diane Baird, a prominent social worker whose testimony has helped separate foster children from their birth families.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/20/2024 • 25 minutes, 44 seconds
How to get food in to Gaza, with northern region on the brink of famine
Jamie McGoldrick, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Palestine, discusses what needs to be done to get more food into Gaza. And, The Gist's Lauren Tuiskula previews March Madness — the NCAA's famous basketball tournament that tips off Tuesday night. Then, Here & Now's James Perkins Mastromarino talks about the video games he's been playing lately.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/19/2024 • 30 minutes, 3 seconds
Maui residents lost a lot in last year's Lahaina fires. So did their pets
Jeannelle Teves from Bugaboo explains why she's closing her business Monday in a call for action for federal paid leave. And, journalist Declan Walsh and senior photo editor Mona Boshnaq at the New York Times talk about The Times' "Portraits of Gaza" series and the importance of wartime photography. Then, when fires swept through Laihaina, Maui, 3,000 animals lost their homes. Host Robin Young recently traveled to Hawaii and volunteered to walk shelter dogs.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/18/2024 • 29 minutes, 25 seconds
'Beyond All Repair' chapter 1: Boxes
In the first episode of "Beyond All Repair," reporter Amory Sivertson dives into a dark chapter of Shane Correia's life: his older sister being accused of murdering her mother-in-law in 2002, when he was 13 years old. Find out more about the new series from WBUR Podcasts here.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/16/2024 • 25 minutes, 45 seconds
'Beyond All Repair' chapter 2: The case
In the second episode of "Beyond All Repair," reporter Amory Sivertson learns more about Marlyne Johnson, Sophia Johnson's late mother-in-law, and her murder is explored through footage of Sophia's 2003 murder trial. Find out more about the new series from WBUR Podcasts here.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/16/2024 • 33 minutes, 27 seconds
Women have a history of beer. These groups are helping reclaim their place
Semafor's Shelby Talcott and the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Tia Mitchell talk about the latest in politics. And, the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees talks about the consequences of the organization's potential collapse. Then, KJZZ's Jill Ryan reports on the push to bring women back into the beer brewing industry.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/15/2024 • 27 minutes, 55 seconds
How the U.S. election could impact countries in conflict worldwide
Armed Conflict Location And Event Data Project President Clionadh Raleigh talks about the heightened violence the group expects worldwide as U.S. elections get underway. And, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi discusses the bill the House passed that would force TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company or face a ban in the U.S. Then, Cole Brauer shares her experience of becoming the first American woman to complete the Global Solo Challenge, sailing solo nonstop around the world.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/14/2024 • 25 minutes, 56 seconds
How Kenya is closing in on 100% renewable energy
Sen. Jeff Merkley talks about signing a letter calling on President Biden to stop giving offensive weapons to Israel until Israel lets in more humanitarian aid to Gaza. And, journalist Jared Olson discusses the guilty verdict in the case of Honduras' former President Juan Orlando Hernandez. Then, journalist Peter Muiruri talks about how Kenya is using geothermal power to reach its goal of running on only renewable energy sources by 2030.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/14/2024 • 22 minutes, 34 seconds
Miami is breaking up with spring breakers
STAT's Lev Facher talks about two medications that help stop opioid overdoses and why medical professionals don't use them more. And, WLRN's Verónica Zaragovia explains why Miami has announced new restrictions to keep spring break under control. Then, Sir Anthony Hopkins talks about his role in the new film "One Life." Hopkins plays the real-life character Nicholas Winton.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/12/2024 • 26 minutes, 8 seconds
How Muslim Americans are marking Ramadan amidst the war in Gaza
Journalist Harold Isaac explains the situation in Haiti as the U.S. evacuates nonessential embassy personnel. And, Dearborn, Michigan, Mayor Abdallah Hammoud talks about how the largest Muslim and Arab-American communities in the U.S. are celebrating Ramadan. Then, Pandemic Journaling Project co-founder Katherine Mason discusses what the project tells us about the pandemic and how important it is to have a record of this time.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/11/2024 • 26 minutes, 17 seconds
Oregon de-criminalized drug possession in 2020. Lawmakers just walked it back
NPR's Michele Kelemen breaks down President Biden's announcement that the U.S. military is going to build a pier off the coast of Gaza to deliver more humanitarian aid. And, Oregon Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber and Health Justice Recovery Alliance's Tera Hurst join us to talk about a new bill in Oregon that re-imposes criminal penalties for drug possession. Then, David Rennie, Beijing Bureau Chief for the Economist, explains how Beijing's oldest quarters are disappearing.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/8/2024 • 30 minutes, 2 seconds
'Oscar Wars' book looks behind the scenes at the award show
The City reporter Gwynne Hogan talks about how New York officials are handling a housing crisis as migrants arrive in the city. And, NPR's Jackie Northam breaks down the Houthi missile attack that killed three people on Wednesday. Then, New Yorker writer Michael Schulman talks about his book "Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/7/2024 • 24 minutes, 20 seconds
Munch on 'Barbie' meringue and 'Poor Things' tarts during the Oscars
NPR's Ron Elving talks about Nikki Haley's decision to suspend her campaign, making Donald Trump the presumptive Republican nominee. And, iconic New York Chef Eric Ripert talks about his latest cookbook, "Seafood Simple." Then, resident chef Kathy Gunst shares three recipes inspired by movies nominated at Sunday's Academy Awards.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/6/2024 • 27 minutes, 12 seconds
Welcome to sponge city: How LA is soaking up rain and runoff
The University of Texas's Stephen Vladeck joins us to unpack the Supreme Court's ruling that no state can disqualify a candidate running for national office. And, Art Castro from Los Angeles' Department of Water and Power, explains how sponge city infrastructure is repurposing rainwater. Then, reporter Mark Olalde talks about a ProPublica investigation into abandoned oil and gas wells that are leaking methane.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/5/2024 • 25 minutes, 53 seconds
What motivates voters with a 'need for chaos'?
Miami Herald reporter Jacqueline Charles joins us with the latest from Haiti after armed gangs freed inmates from prisons this weekend. And, The Atlantic's Derek Thompson unpacks research about American voters' "need for chaos." Then, actor Paul Giamatti talks about his role in "The Holovers." Giamatti is nominated for a Best Actor Oscar and the film is up for Best Picture.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/4/2024 • 23 minutes, 10 seconds
These romance authors know the magic of a love story
Dr. Fozia Alvi just got back from Gaza and talks about those killed by Israeli forces at a food aid truck and the worsening hunger crisis there. And, anti-war activist and veteran Ramon Mejia joins us to discuss Aaron Bushnell's self-immolation. Then, authors Beverly Jenkins, Jasmine Guillory and Ali Hazelwood talk with Kalyani Saxena about the romance genre, their writing processes and the joys of telling love stories.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/1/2024 • 30 minutes, 2 seconds
Why do we have leap years?
Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance joins us to explain the implications of the Supreme Court hearing arguments in former President Donald Trump's immunity case. And, the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft's Anatol Lieven explains his doubts that Ukraine will be able to win the war against Russia even with U.S. support. Then, Jackie Faherty from the American Museum of Natural History joins us to explain why we have leap years.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/29/2024 • 23 minutes, 45 seconds
The threat hackers pose to U.S. infrastructure
NPR's Eric McDaniel talks about Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's announcement that he will step down from party leadership in November. And, political strategists Jamal Simmons and Jason Cabel Roe discuss the latest in politics. Then, cybersecurity expert Karim Hijazi about the threats to U.S. infrastructure from hackers. Plus, Here & Now's James Perkins Mastromarino reports on the new "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth" game.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/28/2024 • 32 minutes, 28 seconds
Election deniers are on 2024 ballots. How are they campaigning?
States United Action CEO Joanna Lydgate joins us to talk about the messaging election deniers are using as they campaign in 2024. And, Kelly Beatty, senior editor of Sky and Telescope, explains how solar flares affect Earth. Then, journalist Kieran Press-Reynolds talks about the trend of songs speeding up and getting shorter, largely to gain popularity on social media.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/27/2024 • 26 minutes, 27 seconds
IVF: A former patient in the South tells her story
The Washington Post's Cat Zakrzewski talks about two Supreme Court cases concerning whether tech companies can remove certain posts. And, former Republican political consultant Shermichael Singleton explains what Trump's win in South Carolina says about the strength of his support. Then, Belle Boggs discusses her experience undergoing in vitro fertilization in North Carolina.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/26/2024 • 25 minutes, 54 seconds
Soup's on: 3 recipes perfect for late winter
Axios' Margaret Talev and AP's Darlene Superville discuss the week in politics from frozen embryos to Russia. And, Daniel Posada, one of the students who worked on a camera that's on the Odysseus spacecraft, tells us about the landing. Then, resident chef Kathy Gunst shares three new soup recipes.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/23/2024 • 25 minutes, 31 seconds
How should high schoolers navigate financial literacy?
Carnegie Endowment for International Peac's Dara Massicot joins us about long-term strategy in the war in Ukraine. And, Dr. Brett Davenport at the Fertility Institute of North Alabama explains how Alabama's ruling on embryos being regarded as people would impact in-vitro fertilization in the state. Then, high school seniors Aaron Ton and Jimmy Merino and Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary discuss how high schoolers should be thinking about financial literacy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/22/2024 • 24 minutes, 59 seconds
Carrying a pregnancy to term after denied abortion: Mayron Hollis' story
I. Glenn Cohen talks about the medical ethics questions raised by the Alabama Supreme Court's ruling that frozen embryos are people. And, American Society of Civil Engineers' Darren Olson explains the state of our water systems and how the Biden administration's new investment could help. Then, after the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Mayron Hollis was denied an abortion in Tennessee. ProPublica's Stacy Kranitz and Kavitha Surana share Hollis' story.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/21/2024 • 24 minutes, 42 seconds
Native Americans built AZ's first irrigation canals. Now they're going solar
The Texas Newsroom's Julián Aguilar talks about a new military base underway in Texas along the border. And, the Gila River Indian Community is installing solar panels over an irrigation canal. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports on the project's impact. Then, RealClear Pennsylvania's Charles McElwee explains why some Latino voters in the state are leaning Republican this year.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/20/2024 • 24 minutes, 39 seconds
Principals weigh in on school cell phone policies
Russian-American journalist Masha Gessen discusses Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's legacy. And, Courthouse News' Erik Uebelacker recaps the civil corruption trial against the NRA and former CEO Wayne LaPierre. Then, two high school principals talk about their different approaches to cellphone policies in their schools.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/19/2024 • 30 minutes, 5 seconds
How Grateful Dead archivist David Lemieux finds gems in live shows
The Washington Post's Mary Ilyushina joins us to discuss the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. And, NPR's Ron Elving and NBC's Scott Wong talk about Vice President Kamala Harris' strong defense of NATO and condemnation of Russia. Then, archivist David Lemieux shares his experience listening to thousands of hours of live Grateful Dead shows searching for gems.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/16/2024 • 32 minutes, 1 second
Flight attendants strike: Union president on contract talks
The Washington Post's Arelis Hernandez explores why the number of migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border dropped by 50% in January. And, Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, discusses contract negotiations after Alaska Airlines flight attendants voted to authorize a strike. Then, we reconnect with a Palestinian-American translator who got his family out of Gaza and into Cairo, Egypt. Plus, historian Wafa Ghnaim talks about tatreez, a traditional Palestinian embroidery art form.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/15/2024 • 28 minutes, 5 seconds
United CEO explains airline's plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby talks about the airline's plan to be net-zero by 2050. And, Grist's Jake Bittle explores the environmental impact of liquefied natural gas. Then, WBUR's Andrea Shea reports on why Valentine's Day was about being sour and salty in the Victorian era. Plus, Berkley editorial director Cindy Hwang talks about trends in the romance novel genre.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/14/2024 • 28 minutes, 4 seconds
Israeli soldier's mother calls for ceasefire
NPR's Greg Myre joins us to talk about ceasefire negotiations and deteriorating conditions in Gaza. And, Michal Brody-Bareket talks about a group of Israeli mothers with sons fighting in the war who are calling for ceasefire. Then, author Gene Luen Yang and illustrator Leuyen Pham discuss their new graphic novel "Lunar New Year Love Story."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/13/2024 • 25 minutes, 9 seconds
Meet BYD: The Chinese electric car company beating Tesla
Inside Election's Nathan Gonzales talks about former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan's unexpected entry into the Senate race. And, automotive expert Tu Le talks about how Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has overtaken Tesla in sales of electric cars. Then, Zach Woods and Brandon Gardner talk about their new satire series "In the Know," which parodies NPR.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/12/2024 • 24 minutes, 57 seconds
Super Bowl: Chiefs and 49ers will be on the TV. What will be on your table?
Fox News's Chad Pergram and Nevada Independent's Jon Ralston join us to talk about Trump's win in Nevada and the decision not to charge Biden with mishandling of documents. And, University of Baltimore professor Kim Wehle joins us to break down Supreme Court justices' skepticism over the case to ban former President Donald Trump from the Colorado ballot. Then, The Ringer's Lindsay Jones explains what's at stake for the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers on Super Bowl Sunday. Our resident chef Kathy Gunst also shares recipes for Super Bowl snack favorites including ribs and artichoke dip.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/9/2024 • 30 minutes, 18 seconds
Housing Secretary Marcia Fudge is confronting a 'racist' system
The New York Times Magazine Emily Bazelon talks about the Supreme Court hearing arguments over whether Trump can stay on Colorado's primary ballot. And, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge talks about addressing a gap in Black homeownership amid a jump in homelessness. Then, we hear from a Palestinian man in California, who got stuck there when the war broke out.
2/8/2024 • 23 minutes, 17 seconds
Faulty sleep apnea machines were a nightmare for users. Now they're off the market
Strategists Alice Stewart and Bill Press join us to talk about the latest political news. And, NPR's Domenico Montanaro joins us to talk about the new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll that found immigration is a key issue for voters. Then, ProPublica's Debbie Cenziper has been investigating faulty sleep apnea machines for years. She joins us to talk about the recall of devices linked to cancer, respiratory disease and death.
2/7/2024 • 29 minutes, 35 seconds
When war broke out, one displaced Gazan moved her bakery to a tent
Former U.S. attorney Barbara McQuade talks about the expected decision on allegations against Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis related to the election interference case against former President Donald Trump. And, STAT's Lev Facher talks about the first major update to methadone treatment regulations for more than two decades. Then, with bakeries closed in Gaza due to the scarcity of electricity and flour, 26-year-old Nisreen Shehade has been baking bread for her family and other displaced Gazans in a tent.
2/6/2024 • 24 minutes, 16 seconds
Why do so many evangelicals support Donald Trump?
KUNR's Lucia Starbuck joins us to talk about the primary and caucus coming up this week in Nevada. Nevada voter Zoila Sanchez weighs in too. And, The Atlantic's Tim Alberta discusses his new book about and personal experiences in an evangelical community that overwhelmingly supports former President Donald Trump. Then, filmmaker Matt Moyer talks about his latest documentary "Inheritance," which follows generations of poverty and addiction in one family from Appalachian Ohio.
2/5/2024 • 33 minutes, 40 seconds
Tenn. laws denied Allie Phillips an abortion. Now she's running for office
South Carolina voters Rev. Leo Woodberry and ex-Democrat Chris Saley talk about the first Democratic primary taking place on Saturday. And, Allie Phillips discusses her campaign for a seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives and how the state's abortion restrictions impacted her. Then, singer Darius Rucker talks about his Hollywood Walk of Fame star, country album "Carolyn's Boy, and upcoming summer with Hootie & the Blowfish.
2/2/2024 • 32 minutes, 38 seconds
Todd Minor's son died from a TikTok trend. Now he's pushing for social media safety
Semafor's Joseph Zeballos-Roig joins us to talk about a House bill expanding business and child tax credits. And, business analyst Jill Schlesinger joins us to break down the changes taxpayers may encounter this filing season. Then, Todd Minor, whose son died as a result of a TikTok challenge, shares his experience fighting to address safety on social media platforms at a recent Senate hearing.
2/1/2024 • 28 minutes, 35 seconds
How schools are using AI — and what students think about it
CBS's Camilo Montoya-Galvez and the Washington Post's Arelis Hernandez talk about what lawmakers are proposing to do to stop a huge wave of immigration and how people at the southern border feel about those measures. And, Juliette Touma, director of communications for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, joins us to discuss what the pause in funding by the U.S. and other nations means for Palestinians in Gaza and the allegations against 12 of the agency's employees accused of participating in the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. Then, the use of artificial intelligence technology in schools is on the rise. Chalkbeat's Michael Elsen-Rooney explains how teachers are utilizing this technology in classrooms. And two high school seniors share their thoughts on AI helping them understand assignments.
1/31/2024 • 30 minutes, 46 seconds
Lack of paid leave is a systemic issue for working parents
Illinois lawmakers proposed a food additive ban that would eliminate substances such as titanium dioxide. Food policy writer Helena Bottemiller Evich joins us to discuss. And, the baby clothing brand Kyte Baby has faced backlash on social media for not accommodating an employee's request to work remotely while her newborn was in intensive care. It's indicative of a larger issue around lack of paid leave in the U.S. Dawn Huckelbridge, the founding director of the nonprofit "Paid Leave for All," joins us. Then, Ohio State University professor César Cuauhtémoc García Hernández joins us to talk about his new book "Welcome the Wretched: In Defense of the 'Criminal Alien,'" which explores the history of U.S. immigration policy.
1/30/2024 • 26 minutes, 16 seconds
Gender pay gap persists, 15 years after Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
Human rights attorney Noura Erakat for her thoughts following the International Court of Justice's preliminary ruling on South Africa's genocide case against Israel. And, Brian Katulis, senior fellow and vice president of policy at the Middle East Institute, talks about what the U.S. response to the Iranian-backed militia attack could mean for the wider conflict in the Middle East. Then, new data analysis indicates that voters under 30 hold increasingly polarized political views depending on their gender. Young women have moved sharply to the left in the past decade, while young men tilted more conservative. The Atlantic's Derek Thompson discusses the implications. Plus, 15 years ago, former President Barack Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law to bolster strengthened worker protections against pay discrimination. Equal pay activist Lilly Ledbetter and the National Women's Law Center Fatima Goss Graves, talk about how pay transparency laws and other policies can help close the gender pay gap.
1/29/2024 • 32 minutes, 17 seconds
Jamie Oliver's new cookbook uses simple ingredients to make delicious meals
As former President Donald Trump moves closer to securing the GOP nomination after winning the New Hampshire primary, Senators are reconsidering an emerging bipartisan deal to stop the flow of migrants into the country. NPR's Ron Elving and Politico's Eugene Daniels join us. And, Mexico is suing American gun manufacturers. Julian Aguilar, breaking news reporter and producer for The Texas Newsroom, joins us to explain why. Then, chef, restauranteur and cookbook author Jamie Oliver's new cookbook is called "5 Ingredients Mediterranean." In it, Oliver shows readers how to use limited ingredients to make simple, delicious meals. He joins us to talk about the book.
1/26/2024 • 31 minutes, 18 seconds
The consequences of jailing parents over kids' truancy
The Dana Farber Cancer Institute, affiliated with the Harvard Medical School, has been accused of publishing studies that contain data manipulation. STAT's Angus Chen tells us more. And, more than three months after the start of the war, the question remains: what is next for Gaza? Khaled Elgindy, senior fellow and director of the program on Palestine and Palestinian-Israeli Affairs at the Middle East Institute, shares some perspective. Then, in some states a child's truancy results in parents — often single mothers — being prosecuted and jailed. Johns Hopkins University School of Education professor Robert Balfanz talks about the criminalization of absenteeism and the consequences for students and parents.
1/25/2024 • 30 minutes, 52 seconds
After Trump's win in NH, should Haley stay in the race?
Former President Donald Trump beat former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley by 11 points in the New Hampshire primary. But Haley says her campaign is far from over. Political strategists Jamal Simmons and Matt Mackowiak join us to discuss whether Haley should stay in the race. And, Boeing says that loose bolts caused the door plug blowout on the Alaska Airlines 737. It's caused distrust between Boeing and airlines. Here & Now transportation analyst Seth Kaplan joins us. Then, legendary CBS newscaster Charles Osgood died on Tuesday at age 91. Osgood was best known for hosting CBS Sunday Morning for 22 years. Humorist and CBS correspondent Mo Rocca, worked with Osgood and joins us.
1/24/2024 • 23 minutes, 33 seconds
How politics can corrupt nonpartisan election mapmaking
Texas Democratic Rep. Vicente Gonzalez talks about why he thinks President Biden is not doing enough to stop the flow of migrants into the country. And, Cameroon became the first country in Africa to launch a new vaccine campaign to inoculate hundreds of thousands of children against the deadly disease. Malaria killed more than 600,000 people across the world in 2022. The vast majority of those deaths occurred in Africa in children under the age of 5. STAT's Andrew Joseph tells us more. Then, to avoid gerrymandering, 22 states have some kind of independent commission to handle map drawing every ten years. But a new investigation from ProPublica has some insight into how politics can corrupt nominally nonpartisan mapmaking. ProPublica's Marilyn Thompson joins us.
1/23/2024 • 25 minutes, 4 seconds
How voters feel about Trump and Haley ahead of New Hampshire primary
After Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis dropped out of the 2024 presidential face, former President Donald Trump faces off against former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. Three voters in New Hampshire share how they're feeling before heading to the polls. And, the state of Washington is suing to stop the takeover of Albertsons — the owner of Safeway, Acme and Tom Thumb — by rival Kroger. State Attorney General Bob Ferguson joins us to talk about how the merger would impact Washington. Then, Husband and wife Chris and Julie Ramsey drove an electric vehicle from the North Pole to the South Pole. The pair joins us to talk about how the car and electric vehicle infrastructure held up throughout the journey.
1/22/2024 • 25 minutes, 2 seconds
Chicago mayor talks immigration as city shelters reach breaking point
Mayors from all over the country are meeting in Washington D.C. this week to discuss immigration and other pressing issues in their cities. We get the latest from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. And, ABC's Rick Klein and USA Today's Francesca Chambers discuss hy GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley may be seeking to lower expectations on how she'll do in the New Hampshire primary next week and whether lawmakers will agree on an immigration deal next week. Then, after the stadium was buried in snow, the Buffalo Bills paid volunteers $20 an hour to help shovel it out. Del Reid, co-founder of Bills Mafia, as the team's fans are called, talks about why they did it.
1/19/2024 • 25 minutes, 2 seconds
We store a lot on the cloud. But how safe is it?
Pakistan and Iran are launching airstrikes on each other, raising tensions in the Middle East. Here & Now security analyst Jim Walsh joins us. And, many of us save important information from banking passwords to family photos on the cloud. But our growing dependence on cloud technology comes with risks. John Pendleton of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace joins us to talk about it. Then, Dr. David Hasan was a member of the first medical team to enter Gaza since Oct. 7. He joins us to talk about what he experienced while in Gaza. And, more than 100 people are still believed to be held hostage by Hamas. Their relatives are pushing for their release. Maya Roman is calling for the release of Carmel Gat. Roman's cousin is Gat's sister-in-law.
1/18/2024 • 31 minutes, 28 seconds
Carbon capture projects in Louisiana spark pushback from activists
President Biden invited top Republican and Democratic congressional leaders to the White House Wednesday to discuss the aid package for Ukraine and Israel that he proposed last year. We get the latest from NPR's Mara Liasson. And, the Supreme Court is considering a case involving herring fishing, but the implications could ripple across federal agencies. Ryan Mulvey, a lawyer at Cause of Action who has worked with the fishing company at the center of the Supreme Court case, and Kate Shaw, professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, join us. Then, Grist's Lylla Younes talks about the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to let Louisiana approve new carbon capture projects.
1/17/2024 • 24 minutes, 30 seconds
'Make Way for Ducklings' sculptor depicts the brutality of Ukraine war
The Biden administration issued strikes against Houthi militants in Yemen. Some progressive lawmakers in the U.S. think he should have consulted Congress before launching the attacks. California Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna joins us. And, former President Donald Trump won the Iowa Caucus, especially capturing the votes of evangelicals. Prominent Iowa evangelical Bob Vander Plaats and Julian Zelizer, professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, join us. Then, Nancy Schon is best known for her beloved "Make Way for Ducklings" sculpture in Boston. But much of the 95-year-old sculptor's other work deals with darker themes. A new piece depicts the brutality of Russia's war in Ukraine, and Schon joins us to talk about her life and work.
1/16/2024 • 30 minutes, 44 seconds
Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter says his teachings are more important than ever
Record-cold temperatures in Iowa mark the start of a historic election season. The Des Moines Register's Stephen Gruber-Miller joins us. And, in Washington D.C., the streets were flooded this weekend with voices demanding the United States stop sending aid to Israel and ensure a permanent pause in the fighting. USA Today's Cybele Mayes-Osterman was at the protest. Then, Rand Corporation Yemen expert Alexandra Stark about the dangers posed as Houthi rebels in Yemen and the U.S. and its allies trade air strikes. Plus. Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter Bernice A. King Says her father's teachings are more important than ever. WABE's Julien Virgin hears from her about celebrating MLK's 95th birthday.
1/15/2024 • 24 minutes, 44 seconds
Meet the school counselor bringing free college classes to her high school students
The U.S. and UK with the support of many allies struck Houthi rebels late Thursday night in retaliation. Yemen scholar Stacey Philbrick Yadav joins us to talk about this major escalation in the Middle East. And, as his civil trial plays out, former President Donald Trump spoke out of turn in court during the closing to verbally attack both the judge presiding over the case and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Jonah Bromwich, a New York Times reporter covering the trial, joins us. And, a high school counselor in rural Alabama with little resources is getting creative to help her working-class students get a taste of college. National School Counselor of the Year Diana Virgil joins us to talk about her efforts. Then, only about 2% of teachers in Arizona are Indigenous. But a program at the University of Arizona seeks to get more Native teachers in classrooms. Noor Haghighi, who has been writing about this in the publication Arizona Luminaria, and Valerie Shirley, co-director of the Indigenous Teacher Education Program at the University of Arizona, join us.
1/12/2024 • 25 minutes, 25 seconds
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on where the economy stands as inflation falls
Some parts of the government will start to run out of money on Jan. 19 if Congress doesn't agree on government spending. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat from Connecticut, discusses the looming deadline for lawmakers to fund the government. And, proceedings began Thursday at the International Court of Justice for South Africa's case accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians. The Guardian's Chris McGreal breaks it down for us. Then, new inflation data shows consumer prices continue to cool. Still, prospective voters in this year's election tell pollsters they feel anxious about the economy. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen us for an in-depth conversation on what all this economic data means for Americans.
1/11/2024 • 25 minutes, 7 seconds
Librarian finds social media fame in showing the joy of local libraries
Advisors and strategists say that President Biden should be concerned about losing Black voters. Political strategists Jamal Simmons and Matt Mackowiak join us to talk about support for the president as caucuses in Iowa and New Hampshire approach. And, NASA has delayed the first attempt to put Americans on the moon in five decades. The first Artemis mission to the moon was scheduled for early this year, but is now pushed back to 2025. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer director of the Fels Planetarium at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, joins us. Then, Mychal Threets joins us to talk about the social media audience he's garnered by sharing content that highlights the joys and opportunities of a local library.
1/10/2024 • 30 minutes, 38 seconds
2023 marked the hottest year on record
Climate scientists from the European Union are raising the alarm about a new report that finds 2023 was the warmest year on record. Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, joins us. And, about 170 Boeing 737 Max 9 planes are grounded after a door latch blew out on an Alaska Airlines flight over the weekend. Bloomberg News' Peter Robison explains what this incident means for the reputation of Boeing. Then, an Israeli airstrike killed journalist Hamza al-Dahdouh and a colleague on Jan. 7. Hamza is the son of Wael al-Dahdouh, Gaza's bureau chief for Al Jazeera. MSNBC's Ayman Mohyeldin knows the family and talks about the dire conditions for reporters in Gaza.
1/9/2024 • 23 minutes, 43 seconds
Are phones making kids dumber? A new study says so
The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered airlines to ground more than 170 Boeing 737 Max 9 aircrafts after one of the planes had a 4-foot panel blow out mid-flight. Here & Now transportation analyst Seth Kaplan joins us. And, some residents on Lahaina are still recovering from the wildfires over the summer. Protesters demand Hawaii Democratic Gov. Josh Green do more to provide long-term housing for displaced families. Green and grassroots organizer Jordan Ruidas join us. Then, students' test scores have been falling for years across many developed nations, including the U.S. New data suggests screen time might be to blame. The Atlantic's Derek Thompson joins us.
1/8/2024 • 26 minutes, 49 seconds
Is Smokey Bear's message outdated? Burnie the Bobcat thinks so
The United States is amid another COVID-19 surge. This time a new variant, JN.1, is the dominant strain. Dr. Michael Osterholm discusses the new strain and the importance of vaccinating against COVID-19. And, NBC's Sahil Kapur and the Washington Post's Isaac Arnsdorf talk about President Biden putting Jan. 6 front and center in his re-election campaign, and how former President Donald Trump is too as he fights lawsuits stemming from his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Then, since 1944, The U.S. Forest Service has used Smokey Bear as a symbol to encourage wildfire prevention. But a new exhibit in California asks the public to envision an alternative fire message and what a new mascot could look like. Curator Emily Schlickman tells us more.
1/5/2024 • 26 minutes, 14 seconds
It's time to break up with glittery makeup
The Washington Post's Nick Miroff joins us to give an update on the Southern border. A record level of migrants crossed it in December and pressure on the Biden administration is mounting. And, beauty journalist Jessica DeFino says it's best to leave glitter in 2023. Even though its sparkle is alluring and it's been increasingly showing up in the makeup world in recent years, glitter is rich with dangerous microplastics. Then, energy and energy transition received a lot of attention throughout 2023. Amid COP28 promises and war in the Middle East and Ukraine, what's the forecast on energy stories in the new year? Energy expert and vice chairman of S&P Global Daniel Yergin joins us to answer that.
1/4/2024 • 23 minutes, 26 seconds
Why one Ohio therapist changed her mind about gender-affirming care for kids
Tensions between Lebanon and Israel run high after Hamas confirmed that one of their top leaders died in an attack in Beirut. While Israel has not claimed responsibility, the blast has stoked fears of a widening regional conflict. The Washington Post's Sarah Dadouch tells us more. And, the hacking of the small public water authority in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, is making people pay a little more attention to warnings about the vulnerability of all U.S. utilities to international cyberattacks. Cybersecurity lawyer Stewart Baker joins us. Then, Carey Callahan is a therapist in Ohio who detransitioned. She previously said she was against gender-affirming care for kids, but is now advocating against bans on trans health care. She tells us more about her story.
1/3/2024 • 30 minutes, 51 seconds
Drink less and reduce your risk for cancer, new study says
A Coast Guard airplane and a passenger jet collided at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. The Coast Guard plane was headed to Japan's west coast to provide aid following the devastating New Year's Day earthquake. Tokyo bureau chief for the Washington Post Michelle Ye Hee Lee joins us. And, the Israel Supreme Court struck down a provision to weaken the judiciary. And Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the war against Hamas will continue for "many more months." NPR's Daniel Estrin joins us. Then, new findings show that reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption decreases the risks of certain type of cancers. STAT cancer reporter Angus Chen joins us.
1/2/2024 • 20 minutes, 50 seconds
How to rebuild Gaza with dignity and agency for Palestinians living there
"Open Gaza," which brings together environmentalists, planners, and scholars from Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, the U.S., the UK, India and beyond to share their visions for creating a better place for Gazans and Palestinians. Co-editor Dean Shariff Sharp tells us more. And, KPMG economist Diane Swonk shares her economic outlook for 2024. Then, copyright law expert Jennifer Jenkins talks about the thousands of recordings, lyrics, novels and movies from the 1920s that emerged from copyright protection on Jan. 1, 2024.
1/1/2024 • 34 minutes, 8 seconds
2023 in review: Top films, songs and food over the past year
Film critic Ty Burr joins us to break down his picks for the top movies of 2023. His list includes blockbuster hits like "Barbie" along with newer releases such as "Poor Things" and "The Holdovers."And, our resident chef Kathy Gunst spent 2023 eating in cities across the world. She joins us to round up the best dishes she tried throughout the year and offers recipes for some of her own recipes for dishes inspired by restaurant fares. Then, the hosts of NPR's Alt.Latino, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras join us to share their top songs of 2023, including music from Rawayana, Maria José Llergo and more.
12/29/2023 • 35 minutes, 36 seconds
2023 saw extreme weather events — and their normalization
University of Michigan law professor Barbara McQuade talks about efforts in states such as Maine, Wisconsin, Michigan and Colorado to remove former President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot based on the 14th Amendment's insurrection ban. And, by all accounts, a year of weather extremes: the most powerful storms, the hottest recorded temperatures, the deadliest wildfires. New York Times writer David Wallace-Wells says it was also a year of normalization — where events that once would have terrified us have simply become part of the landscape. He talks about the year's most important climate stories, including a few that bring hope. Then, NPR's Neda Ulaby remembers the musicians who passed away this year, including Sinead O'Connor, Tina Turner and Tony Bennett.
12/28/2023 • 29 minutes, 12 seconds
Voting rights in 2023: Some states expanded access, others restricted it
Indigenous teens traumatized by years of flooding and fire in Hawaii are leading a legal battle for climate justice. Two of the plaintiffs join us to reflect on a year of tragedy and hope. And, in 2023, voting was a fraught topic. Residents of some states saw increased measures to make voting more accessible, but those in others saw restrictions like bans on ballot drop boxes which served to restrict voting access. Liz Avore of the Voting Rights Lab joins us. Then, the cultural reach of video games has never been greater than in 2023. But working conditions for the people who make games have been dire, too. Here & Now's James Perkins Mastromarino unpacks the top games that came out this year along with the state of the gaming industry.
12/27/2023 • 33 minutes, 25 seconds
Want to read more 2024? Start with this year's best books
The Supreme Court is deliberating over whether to greenlight a controversial agreement that would force the Sackler family to pay $6 billion to communities, hospitals, and families harmed by the opioid epidemic Massachusetts mother Cheryl Juaire, who lost two sons to overdose, and Pennsylvania's Cynthia Munger, whose son is recovering from substance abuse disorder, join us. And, CBS News business analyst and host of "Jill on Money" Jill Schlesinger has some timely advice to start the New Year strong and smart with your finances. Then, "The Stacks" podcast host Traci Thomas talks about some of her favorite books of 2023 as well as the importance of year-end lists.
12/26/2023 • 27 minutes, 14 seconds
Our resident chef breaks down her picks for the best cookbooks of 2023
The news headlines this year were dominated by conflict, from Gaza to Ukraine to Myanmar. The Washington Post's Ishaan Tharoor joins us to unpack the year in global news stories. And, Here & Now resident chef Kathy Gunst joins us to break down her favorite cookbooks that came out in 2023. Among her top picks are "Ever-Green Vietnamese" by Andrea Nguyen, "Veg-Table" by Nik Sharma and "Love is a Pink Cake" by Claire Ptak. Then, music journalist Betto Arcos joins us to sample some of the best music from around the world.
12/25/2023 • 33 minutes, 16 seconds
How new federal money for solar power could help Puerto Rico's energy grid
Radio Iowa's Kay Henderson and Semafor's Shelby Talcott talk about how the Supreme Court could shape the 2024 race with a ruling on presidential immunity and whether Colorado can exclude former President Donald Trump from the ballot. And, the recent death of a 5-year-old in a Chicago migrant shelter is highlighting a serious and growing crisis in the city. Chicago Sun-Times reporter Michael Loria joins us. Then, new federal money aims to install solar panels on 40,000 low-income households in Puerto Rico. Since Hurricane Maria devastated the island's power grid in 2017, many people who can afford it have switched to solar seeking more reliable electricity. David Ortiz, Puerto Rico program director for Solar United Neighbors, talks about the work his group has been doing.
12/22/2023 • 27 minutes, 58 seconds
Let the good times — and dice — roll with the best board games of 2023
Homelessness is up 12% nationwide. And cities around the country are holding memorials to honor people who died this year while experiencing homelessness. Niki Wattson, who helps unhoused people in Indianapolis, joins us. And, this year is expected to see record spending on holiday gifts, and a big chunk of that spending goes toward gifts for children. University of Virginia Professor Allison Pugh joins us to talk about raising kids who aren't materialistic in a world defined by consumerism. Then, looking for a board game to play over the holidays with friends or family? NPR's gaming lead James Perkins Mastromarino breaks down the best releases of the year.
12/21/2023 • 21 minutes, 19 seconds
Cook up homemade food gifts for everyone on your list this holiday
The Colorado Supreme Court has decided that former President Donald Trump is ineligible to hold office again because he encouraged the Jan. 6 insurrection. ABC News' Rick Klein talks about the political implications. And, new reporting by ProPublica shows a flurry of activity after Clarence Thomas told a congressman that U.S. Supreme Court justices need to make higher salaries. Joshua Kaplan is covering the story. Then, ACLU attorney David Donatti talks about his group's decision to sue over the measure signed by Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday, which allows for state troopers to arrest migrants. Plus, are you still looking for holiday gifts? Resident chef Kathy Gunst shares three new recipes for food gifts.
12/21/2023 • 27 minutes, 34 seconds
Male birth control: A new drug focuses on Vitamin A, not hormones
As negotiations to overhaul the current immigration system continue, Congressional Hispanic Caucus chair Rep. Nanette Barragan says that Hispanic lawmakers must be included in talks about the U.S.-Mexico border. And, a small trial is underway for a new form of male birth control. For years, scientists have known that a deficiency of vitamin A causes male infertility. And this new method focuses on Vitamin A instead of hormones. Annalisa Merrelli, a reporter for STAT, joins us. Then, Cuban jazz pianist Harold Lopez Nussa just wrapped up his U.S. tour. He joins us to talk about his latest album, his influences and how homesickness colors his work.
12/19/2023 • 24 minutes, 23 seconds
Is regifting taboo? Not if you follow this etiquette
The trial of media billionaire and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai is getting underway in Hong Kong. Critics of the Chinese Communist Party have rallied to his defense since his arrest in 2020. The Washington Post's Shibani Mahtani joins us. And, as the pressure to find the perfect holiday present for your loved ones mounts, you may be considering repurposing something that someone else gave you as a new and shiny gift. But is regifting a rude thing to do? Michelle Singletary, personal finance columnist for the Washington Post, says no, as long as you follow some rules of etiquette. Then, "ONEFOUR: Against All Odds" tells the story of the Australian-Samoan drill rap group ONEFOUR and their charged relationship with the police. ONEFOUR manager Ricky Simandjuntak and filmmaker Gabriel Gasparinatos talk about the Netflix documentary.
12/18/2023 • 25 minutes, 29 seconds
Major pharmacies are sending medical records to police. They don't need a warrant
CVS, Kroger and Rite Aid are among major pharmacies sending patient records to law enforcement agencies without a warrant or contacting a lawyer. Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) joins us to talk about the congressional inquiry she was part of that unearthed this revelation. And, Israel is pumping sea water into tunnels underneath Gaza as part of its campaign to eradicate Hamas. The Wall Street Journal's national security correspondent Nancy Youssef joins us. Then, the Associated Press's Darlene Superville and Fox News' Chad Pergram join us to talk about the week in politics, including the GOP's impeachment inquiry of President Biden and the pressure to pass a border deal before the lawmakers' holiday break.
12/15/2023 • 26 minutes, 42 seconds
The Alliance Defending Freedom helped overturn Roe. Mifepristone is its next target
The Alliance Defending Freedom is challenging the use of mifepristone, a commonly used abortion pill. The group also worked to overturn Roe v. Wade. David Kirkpatrick, staff writer at the New Yorker, joins us to talk about the group. And, at COP28, world leaders agreed to triple renewable energy by 2030 and move away from fossil fuels. What does that mean for the energy sector of our economy? MSNBC's Ali Velshi joins us to answer that. Then, a large Confederate monument is set to be removed from Arlington National Cemetery by the end of the year. Historian Leslie Rowland joins us to talk about the significance.
12/14/2023 • 24 minutes, 38 seconds
COP28 takeaways: Moving away from fossil fuels using carbon capture
Global leaders agreed to a deal at Dubai's COP28 climate conference that would transition away from fossil fuels. Carbon capture and removal technology is one way to do that. But critics say the agreement doesn't go far enough. Grist's Naveena Sadasivam and Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd join us. And, Coast Guard agents off the coast of Florida are intercepting and detaining thousands of migrants including children traveling alone. Most of them are from Haiti. Seth Freed Wessler investigated this for ProPublica and joins us. Then, keep your eye to the sky on Wednesday and Thursday nights for the peak of the Geminid meteor shower. Sky & Telescope senior editor Kelly Beatty joins us to explain what to look for.
12/13/2023 • 25 minutes, 10 seconds
A Texas woman's fetus has a fatal condition. She still can't get an abortion
The Texas Supreme Court blocked a woman seeking an abortion after she learned her fetus had a condition that is almost always fatal. Professor of law at Rutgers Law School Kimberly Mutcherson joins us. And, Historian Andrew Bacevich writes that the Israel-Hamas War will end in failure for both sides, and he warns that the U.S. should not become enmeshed in the conflict. Bacevich joins us to discuss. Then, Kinnan Abdelhamid was one of the three students of Palestinian descent shot in Vermont last month. Abdelhamid joins us to talk about the lasting trauma of the attack.
12/12/2023 • 28 minutes, 35 seconds
'How to Dance in Ohio' spotlights autistic Broadway actors
Israeli forces are detaining civilians in Gaza. The Israeli military says these detainments are necessary to find Hamas militants hiding in Gaza, but provided no evidence that those they've detained are fighters. Washington Post reporter Miriam Berger joins us for more. And, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell took a trip to COP28 to talk about how her city is adapting to threats of climate change. Cantrell joins us to talk about it. Then, "How to Dance in Ohio" opened on Broadway on Sunday and stars seven autistic actors. The show is based on a documentary of the same name and follows the leads navigating the excitement and nerves before their first formal dance. Actors Desmond Luis Edwards and Conor Tague join us alongside director Sammi Cannold.
12/11/2023 • 25 minutes, 41 seconds
Carbon removal technology: How far have we come and what does the future hold?
Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd and Chris Bentley visited locations across the U.S. to understand how carbon removal technology is working to reverse some effects of climate change. They unpack the promising future of this technology and the limitations of it. And, O'Dowd reports on carbon capture technology that sucks CO2 directly from the air and stores it in concrete used to make buildings, roads and more. While it's certainly helpful in the fight against climate change, critics say it doesn't go far enough. Then, Israeli airstrikes killed Palestinian poet and writer Refaat Alareer on Wednesday along with 6 members of his family. Yousef Aljamal, a fellow Palestinian writer and a close friend of Refaat, joins us to talk about Refaat's life and work.
12/8/2023 • 24 minutes, 30 seconds
A 'concrete' solution to climate change; Depths of Wikipedia
A new direct-air-capture plant in Tracy, California, will pull up to 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide directly out of the air each year. The company that built it says the removed carbon will be permanently sequestered inside concrete. As part of our Reverse Course series, Peter O'Dowd went to a concrete plant in San Jose to understand how it works. And, Grist's Jake Bittle talks about the Marshall Islands' plan to adapt to the effects of climate change. Then, writer Annie Rauwerda makes a habit of getting lost among the seemingly endless digital archives of Wikipedia. She created an Instagram account to document some of the best facts she's found. Rauwerda tells us about the weird and wonderful world of Wikipedia.
12/7/2023 • 29 minutes, 18 seconds
These machines suck climate-warming carbon right out of the air
Scientists are looking toward carbon removal or ideas to pull greenhouse gasses right from the atmosphere. NPR's Camila Domonoske joins us to talk about direct air capture, or machines that can pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. And, as Democrats and Republicans go back and forth over border funding, The Washington Post's Arelis Hernández joins us to talk about what's really going on at the U.S.-Mexico border. Then, a new study published by the American Psychological Association found that keeping a joyful secret, like a promotion at work or plans for a marriage proposal, can make you feel better than sharing the news right away. One of the study's authors, Katie Greenaway, joins us.
12/6/2023 • 23 minutes, 15 seconds
Carbon capture startups dive for climate solutions in the ocean
As money pours into companies promising to take greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere, there's a small but fast-growing sector of startups that want to leverage one of the world's biggest carbon sinks to clean up humanity's climate pollution: the ocean. For our series Reverse Course, Chris Bentley reports on some of the scientists and entrepreneurs developing ways to enhance the ocean's natural ability to take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. And, researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Lab are also looking into how native eelgrass could fight ocean acidification, and how algae could offset carbon emissions in the construction industry. Bentley tells us more. Then, NPR's Aya Batrawy shares the latest from the COP28 summit in Dubai.
12/5/2023 • 25 minutes, 40 seconds
How spreading rock dust on farms could be a climate solution
Enhanced rock weathering can help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and instead store it deep within the Earth where it remains for eons. Numerous companies are tapping into this process. Here & Now's Chris Bentley reports and investigates other land-based carbon capture methods. And, Israel is using artificial intelligence to strike non-military targets in Gaza. Israeli investigative reporter Yuval Abraham joins us.
12/4/2023 • 30 minutes, 21 seconds
What war means for future Palestinian and Israeli political leadership
Palestinian journalist and storyteller Maram Humaid joins us from Gaza to talk about the end of the seven-day ceasefire. And, as Israel restarts its war against Hamas in Gaza, international political consultant Alon Pinkas talks about the political forces at play in Israel. Tahani Mustafa, senior Palestine analyst at the International Crisis Group, weighs in on what the war means for Palestinian political leadership in Gaza and the West Bank. Then, when the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan two years ago, the militant regime deemed music morally corrupt and banned it. But, as Kabul fell, pianist and composer Arson Fahim found refuge at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Massachusetts. WBUR's Andrea Shea reports.
12/1/2023 • 28 minutes, 46 seconds
Oil production dominates international climate conversations
This year's COP climate summit begins Thursday in Dubai. Nigel Purvis, a former U.S. climate negotiator and current CEO of Climate Advisers, joins us to talk about the controversy that will likely ensue when the summit gets underway. And, Oil production is expected to be a central point of discussion both at COP28 and the latest meeting of the OPEC+ group of oil-producing nations. MSNBC anchor and chief economic correspondent Ali Velshi joins us. Then, Henry Kissinger died on Wednesday at age 100. He had an instrumental role in forging relations between the U.S. and China in the 1970s. He also played a heavy role in the carpet bombing of Cambodia from 1969 to 1973. Journalist James Mann and professor at Harvard University Fredrik Logevall join us.
11/30/2023 • 25 minutes, 27 seconds
On college campuses, Israel-Hamas war spotlights free speech concerns
Juliette Touma, director of communications for the United Nations Palestine Refugee Agency, talks about what is going on inside Gaza as the temporary ceasefire continues between Israel and Hamas. And, college campuses across America are reeling from heightened tensions, protests and polarizing views in light of the Israel-Hamas war. CEO of PEN America Suzanne Nossel explains the discord that's playing out on university campuses and how higher academia can address and resolve concerns over free speech on their campuses. Then, scientists, including those at NASA, are interested in studying UFOs. But there's a big challenge; it's difficult to collect the data to draw scientific conclusions. Alan Tu of WHYY's The Pulse reports.
11/29/2023 • 23 minutes, 19 seconds
How religious lobbyists made sure abortion bans stayed as strict as possible
During an extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, White House officials expect more hostages to be released. Christoper O'Leary, the U.S. government's former director of hostage rescue and recovery, about tactics and strategies to release Americans and others still held. And, Amazon has become the top shipper in the U.S. surpassing the UPS. The feat has only heightened concerns about Amazon and monopolization. Roben Farzad, host of public radio's "Full Disclosure," joins us. Then, there have been debates in many states about what constitutes an exception to strict abortion bans. Very few exceptions have been granted, largely because of successful lobbying by anti-abortion religious activists.
11/28/2023 • 25 minutes, 52 seconds
One economic hurdle people with disabilities face? A limit on savings
As Palestinian prisoners return as part of the hostage exchange with Israel, The Washington Post's Louisa Loveluck tells us about it. And, Hagai Levine, head of the medical and resilience team for the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, talks about working with the freed hostages. Then, it's been decades since the government set how much money someone with a disability can keep in savings and still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits. Now a bipartisan proposal in the Senate seeks to raise asset limits from $2,000 to $10,000. Disability rights advocate Patrice Jetter is supportive of the change, but says it's complicated.
11/27/2023 • 27 minutes, 34 seconds
'The Gun Machine' Ep. 8: Accounting for the true cost of gun violence
This final episode features a conversation about what it means to survive a shooting. And, host Alain Stephens discusses the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and how the federal government can better support survivors. Find the full podcast on Here & Now Anytime.
11/24/2023 • 46 minutes, 5 seconds
Make Thanksgiving leftovers taste even better the second time around
After spending much of Thanksgiving day cooking, you've probably got some leftovers taking up space in the fridge. From a vanilla pudding to a frittata, our resident chef Kathy Gunst offers recipes to transform those leftovers into something possibly even better than the first time you ate them. And, it's been 10 years since Kevin Kwan's novel "Crazy Rich Asians" hit bookstore shelves. The author joins us to break down the inspirations behind the book, the film adaptation that came after and Asian representation in media. Then, there are thousands of wild horses running free on Native American reservations. Tribal governments are left in charge of managing them. On the Spokane Reservation, one woman is working to rehome the animals. Ashley Ahearn reports.
11/24/2023 • 30 minutes, 44 seconds
Feast your ears on Dwight Garner's memoir about eating
Mark Kurlansky's new book "The Core of an Onion" includes the history, interesting facts and recipes including the allium. He tells us about it. And, if ever a book was meant to be savored, it's Dwight Garner's new memoir"The Upstairs Delicatessen: On Eating, Reading about Eating, and Eating While Reading." In it, the New York Times literary critic takes readers on a journey through his food and book-obsessed childhood. Then, "Magic: the Gathering" released a huge new product inspired by Aztec, Mayan, and Olmec history. Guatemalan-American art director Ovidio Cartagena explains how he incorporated Mesoamerican cultures into "Lost Caverns of Ixalan."
11/23/2023 • 33 minutes, 27 seconds
Have we lost empathy amid war in the Middle East?
How does climate change shape wildfires? That's the question John Vaillant's book "Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World" seeks to answer. He joins us to talk about fire and the warming planet. And, the war between Israel and Hamas has become increasingly polarized, leading some to question whether we've lost empathy altogether. Jamil Zaki, a psychologist who's devoted his career to studying empathy, joins us to discuss. Then, the new book "Critical Hits: Writers Play Video Games" features essays about video games from acclaimed writers. Authors and "Critical Hits" editors Carmen Maria Machado and J. Robert Lennon join us.
11/22/2023 • 35 minutes, 6 seconds
How eSims are helping thousands in Gaza stay connected amid blackouts
New reporting from STAT says the nation's largest insurer, UnitedHealth Group, pushed staff to limit insurance payments by strictly following calculations by an algorithm. It meant some Medicare patients didn't get the rehabilitative care they needed. STAT's Casey Ross talks about the investigation. And, Qatar is mediating hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The country is a U.S. ally, but also home to a Hamas office and a number of Hamas leaders. Professor Gregory Gause talks about Qatar's balancing act. Then, at least 33,000 people in Gaza have stayed connected thanks to the grassroots efforts of people donating electronic sim cards. Egyptian writer and activist Mirna El Helbawi has been leading efforts to get people across Gaza connected to their loved ones and the rest of the outside world.
11/21/2023 • 22 minutes, 44 seconds
UN warns of 'hellish' climate warming; Show-stealing Thanksgiving sides
The United Nation's latest Emissions Gap Report reveals that inadequate policies could lead to three degrees Celsius of global warming this century, a scenario described as "hellish." Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry joins us. And, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter died at age 96 on Sunday. Historian and biographer Scott Kauffman joins us to talk about Carter's life and work, including mental health advocacy and international humanitarian efforts. Then, starting to prep for Thanksgiving? These show-stealing slides will complete your holiday table and even outshine the bird. Our resident chef Kathy Gunst offers recipes for a bright salad, stuffed squash and olive breadsticks.
11/20/2023 • 29 minutes, 48 seconds
'The Gun Machine' Ep. 7: Why it's so hard for the ATF to do its job
This episode of "The Gun Machine" looks at the agency charged with regulating guns, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, known as the ATF. Find the full podcast on Here & Now Anytime.
11/18/2023 • 45 minutes, 47 seconds
Fuel shortages in Gaza; 'Latingrass' duo combines bluegrass, Venezuelan music
Amid fuel shortages and blackouts in internet access, Palestinians in Gaza are disconnected from much of the world, and aid organizations cannot get in contact to help. NPR international correspondent Aya Batrawy joins us. And, the Wall Street Journal has named Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport the best airport this year. Wall Street Journal travel reporter Allison Pohle joins us to break down the rankings. Then, Larry Bellorín and Joe Troop, also known as Larry & Joe, are combining bluegrass music with traditional Venezuelan music in a sound they call 'Latingrass.' The duo joins us to talk about and perform some of their music.
11/17/2023 • 26 minutes, 52 seconds
'Time has not been exhausted yet' hostages taken by Hamas; U.S. ambassador to China
U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns joins us to discuss President Biden's four-hour meeting with President Xi Jinping of China on Wednesday. And, peace activist Gershon Baskin is called Israel's most famous hostage negotiator. He talks about a deal that's said to be in the works for the release of some hostages being held by Hamas. Then, in NBC's "Found," one woman makes it her job to find missing people who have slipped through the system. We hear from creator and showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll.
11/16/2023 • 24 minutes, 22 seconds
Palestinian-American family escapes Gaza; Remembering Israeli activist Vivian Silver
Helal Kaoud spent over a month pleading with American officials to help her father, brother and uncles — all American citizens — get back home after they were trapped in Gaza when the war broke out. She talks about the struggle to get her family back home and how they're doing now. And, Yael Braudo-Bahat, co-director of the group Women Wage Peace, remembers her mentor Vivian Silver, who dedicated her life to building bridges between Israelis and Palestinians. Silver was believed to have been taken hostage on Oct. 7 by Hamas, but was confirmed dead this week. Then, Iceland has thousands of active volcanoes and seismic activity is common there. But over the past few weeks, there have been thousands of small earthquakes, a town had to be evacuated and scientists believe an eruption could happen at any moment. Volcanologist Thorvaldur Thordarson joins us.
11/15/2023 • 25 minutes, 51 seconds
National Climate Assessment warns of sickness, death; Maui tourists return after fire
The fifth annual National Climate Assessment was released and reveals that climate change is already making people sick in the U.S., and sometimes killing people. Grist's Zoya Teirstein joins us. And, a new investigation from ProPublica and The Desert Sun found that just 20 farming families in California's Imperial Valley use more water than some Western states. Janet Wilson, senior environment reporter with The Desert Sun who worked to identify those families, joins us. Then, after devastating wildfires on Maui killed at least 97 people and leveled whole towns, the island is reopening to tourists. Brandon Chu, general manager of the Paia Inn on Maui's North Shore, joins us to talk about recovery efforts.
11/14/2023 • 24 minutes, 15 seconds
Gaza hospitals go dark amidst fuel shortage; Denver mayor on migrant crisis
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen as hospitals struggle to maintain operations with little fuel and dwindling medical supplies. We speak The Washington Post's Sarah Dadouch and Dr. Tanya Haj Hassan about the latest from Gaza as conditions deteriorate inside the area's two largest hospitals. And, Florida Democratic Rep. Angie Nixon faced condemnation from post parties after introducing legislation last week calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. Then, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston talks about the challenges the city is facing from large numbers of migrants seeking asylum.
11/13/2023 • 25 minutes, 55 seconds
'The Gun Machine' Ep. 6: How the NRA gained the power and influence it has
This episode of "The Gun Machine" looks at how the National Rifle Association grew to have the power and influence it has, and helped ensure the firearm industry's unique legal protections. Find new episodes every Saturday on Here & Now Anytime.
11/11/2023 • 43 minutes, 47 seconds
Abortion at center of politics; 'The Race to Be Myself' by Olympian Caster Semenya
Abortion wins on election day are at the heart of many political debates. Additionally, the third GOP presidential candidates debate took place this week, with frontrunner former President Donald Trump absent. Politico's Eugene Daniels and Axios' Margaret Talev join us. And, the National Women's Soccer League final will see OL Reign and NY/NJ Gotham FC face off in San Diego on Saturday. The Gist's Ellen Hyslop joins us. Then, two-time Olympic gold medalist Caster Semenya joins us to talk about her new memoir "The Race to Be Myself." Because of Semenya's elevated testosterone levels, she fought to be recognized as a woman and compete in women's races.
11/10/2023 • 29 minutes, 5 seconds
Gaza aid worker calls for ceasefire; Black voters and abortion rights in Ohio
Pediatrician Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan, who is with the humanitarian aid organization Doctors Without Borders, joins us to talk about the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel has agreed to have daily, 4-hour humanitarian pauses in fighting in areas of northern Gaza in order to allow civilians to move to safer areas in the south. William Booth, London bureau chief at The Washington Post, joins us. And, Ohio saw wins for abortion rights on election day. Progressive community organizers are reflecting on the role of Black voters, who they've been working to engage and register to vote. Prentiss Haney, co-executive director of the nonprofit Ohio Organizing Collaborative, and his colleague Pastor Lesley Jones join us. Then, November is the time to see some exciting space phenomena. Streaks of light from the Taurid and Leonid meteor showers will be visible this season and the Euclid space telescope is sending its first images from a million miles away. Kelly Beatty, senior editor at Sky and Telescope, joins us.
11/9/2023 • 28 minutes, 41 seconds
UAW's Shawn Fain on successful strikes; 5 years after The Camp Fire
On Tuesday, Democrat Andy Beshear won re-election in a deep-red Kentucky's governor race. Ryland Barton, the managing editor of Kentucky Public Radio, joins us to break down the result. And, the United Auto Workers union scored major victories in tentative contracts with Detroit's Big Three automakers. Union president Shawn Fain joins us to talk about the six weeks of strikes that scored the successes. Then, it's been five years since The Camp Fire in Paradise, California, decimated close to 19,000 structures. Though recovery efforts have been steady, there's still a long way to go as residents continue to bounce back. Here & Now's Ashley Locke reports.
11/8/2023 • 20 minutes, 38 seconds
Utah's Great Salt Lake in crisis; Families of Israeli hostages plead for safe return
Host Scott Tong speaks to Merav Raviv and Itay Raviv, who came to Washington D.C. from Israel to plead for international action to negotiate the safe return of family captured by Hamas in the Oct. 7 attacks. And, prolonged drought and overuse have brought the Great Salt Lake in Utah to the brink of collapse, threatening the lives of the animals and the people who live there. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports. Then, Robert "Mack" McCormick's massive and closely held collection of blues music and research from the 1950s and 60s is seeing the light of day. Susannah Nix, McCormick's daughter, and John Troutman, curator of music and musical instruments at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, join us.
11/7/2023 • 37 minutes, 3 seconds
U.S. life expectancy falls; Hear Lera Lynn's music in new space-western video game
One month into the Israel-Hamas war, Isreali air strikes have killed more than 10,000 people in Gaza. NPR's Lauren Frayer joins us to discuss. And, after steadily climbing for decades, life expectancy in the U.S. has fallen, largely due to chronic illness. Reporter Akilah Johnson contributed to the Washington Post's series "Dying Early: America's Life Expectancy Crisis" and joins us. Then, singer-songwriter Lera Lynn has lent her talents to an unlikely source: a video game. Even though the game "Endless Dungeon" is set on a fantastical space station, players can hear Lynn's new music serenade them at a Western-style saloon. She joins us to talk about it.
11/6/2023 • 24 minutes, 32 seconds
'The Gun Machine' Ep. 5: The police are one of the gun industry's biggest customers
This episode of "The Gun Machine" looks at the rise of military-style weapons, like the Glock pistol, in police departments and federal law enforcement, and the corresponding rise in the budgets of those departments. Find new episodes every Saturday on Here & Now Anytime.
11/6/2023 • 33 minutes, 50 seconds
Phoenix closes major encampment; Romney's path from GOP candidate to pariah
We hear the latest on the war between Israel and Hamas from the Washington Post's Susannah George. And, KJZZ's Katherine Davis Young talks about the closure of The Zone, an encampment of unhoused people that Phoenix officials finished clearing out this week. Then, journalist McKay Coppins about his new book "Romney: A Reckoning," a profile of the senator and former presidential candidate Mitt Romney done with Romney's full cooperation.
11/3/2023 • 39 minutes, 4 seconds
Rabbi interrupts Biden with call for ceasefire; The Beatles release 'final song'
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby joins us to talk about the Biden administration's response to Israeli strikes on Gaza, calls for ceasefire and how Americans in Gaza are faring. And, Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg interrupted a speech by President Biden to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. We talk with Rosenberg about it. Former hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin joins us to talk about why he's breaking contact with a Hamas member he's known for 18 years. Then, The Beatles have released their 'final song' called "Now and Then." It's been 45 years in the making, with John Lennon writing the first bars in 1978. Author and Beatles aficionado Tim Riley joins us.
11/2/2023 • 28 minutes, 58 seconds
Free tattoo removal for former gang members; Teens talk cyberbullying and fake news
A new study says we have between six to 12 years to get to zero greenhouse gas emissions — a critical goal to keep the planet from warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and beyond. Co-author Robin Lamboll joins us. And, gang members and victims of sex trafficking are often forcibly branded by pimps and gang leaders, making it difficult to escape. At the Radiance Clinic, dermatologists provide free tattoo removal. Dr. Shadi Kouroush and nurse practitioner Rachel Niemiec tell us more. Then, social media has proven to be detrimental to the physical and mental well-being of children, especially teenagers. High school seniors An'Davantae Bussey and Leanne Nasser talk about how they're navigating the vast digital landscape.
11/1/2023 • 30 minutes, 44 seconds
'The Exorcist' turns 50; 'Alan Wake 2' offers uniquely frightening gameplay
The United Autoworkers Union has reached a tentative agreement with the Big Three automakers: General Motors, Ford and Stellantis. Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton and final assembly worker at the Ford plant in Wayne, Michigan, Tiffanie Simmons, join us. And, 1973 horror classic "The Exorcist" turns 50 this year. It's had a profound impact on the horror genre since it came out. Author Nat Segaloff joins us to talk about the enduring legacy. Then, it took Remedy Entertainment 13 years to develop the sequel to the cult horror classic video game "Alan Wake." The sequel blends filmed acting and gameplay for uniquely scary scenes. Here & Now's James Perkins Mastromarino reports.
10/31/2023 • 30 minutes, 13 seconds
Psychological impact of witnessing a mass shooting; Fall in love with pumpkin recipes
Israeli tanks and troops are reportedly moving further into Gaza. The Health Ministry in Gaza reports that the Palestinian death toll from the war has surpassed 8,300 people. Reuter's Emily Rose joins us. And, Dr. Sandro Galea talks about the mental health toll of witnessing a mass shooting on kids and teenagers. Then, resident chef Kathy Gunst has come up with three new recipes using fresh pumpkin.
10/30/2023 • 24 minutes, 20 seconds
'The Gun Machine' Ep. 4: Many guns on the streets of the U.S. are illegal
In the fourth episode of the WBUR and Trace podcast, "The Gun Machine," we look at the problem of urban violence and get a snapshot into the types of guns available on the street. These days those include military-grade weapons. Find new episodes every Saturday on Here & Now Anytime.
10/28/2023 • 37 minutes, 30 seconds
What's ahead for new House Speaker; Books offer context to Israel-Palestine history
Rep. Mike Johnson has been elected as Speaker of the House. Chad Pergram of Fox News and Darlene Superville of the Associated Press join us to talk about what is next for him in this role and more in recent political news. And, a 43-foot railroad spike arrived at the steps of the Utah state capitol in Salt Lake City this week. It was commissioned to honor the laborers, mostly of Chinese or Irish descent, who risked their lives building the transcontinental railroad. Max Chang, a leader of the Spike 150 organization, joins us. Then, as the crisis in Israel and Gaza wears on, creator of "The Stacks" podcast Traci Thomas turns to books about the ongoing regional conflict for more context. She shares her picks for fiction and nonfiction books on the subject.
10/27/2023 • 30 minutes, 18 seconds
Who is new House Speaker Mike Johnson?; 'The Persian Version' makes Sundance history
Israel's war with Hamas after the Hamas attack is causing a devastating humanitarian toll in Gaza. Much less importantly, the war also raises questions in Israel about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his past actions toward Palestinians. The New York Times' Roger Cohen joins us. And, Louisiana politics reporter Greg Hilburn about how Rep. Mike Johnson rose to the speakership and his conservative agenda, which includes work as general counsel for a group that supported hardline stances on LGBTQ rights. Then, writer-director Maryam Keshavar won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival for a second time — a first for the festival. Deleted: Now, her film "The Persian Version" is coming out in movie theaters in a rolling national release.
10/26/2023 • 33 minutes, 15 seconds
What's inside Colorado's lawsuit against Meta; Fuel shortage in Gaza
Relief efforts in Gaza may end Wednesday night without renewed fuel deliveries, according to the United Nations Relief Agency. Reuters Jerusalem correspondent Emily Rose talks about the latest in the crisis. And, Colorado is leading a joint federal lawsuit along with dozens of other states against Meta. The states allege Meta intentionally uses features designed to get children and teens addicted to social media sites. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser shares more details. Then, author Joanna Ho talks about her latest picture book, "Say My Name," and the importance of celebrating names and pronouncing them correctly in order to form meaningful connections with people. Plus, groundbreaking actor Richard Roundtree has died at the age of 81. We remember his life and legacy.
10/25/2023 • 26 minutes, 40 seconds
Grandson of Israeli hostages; Why U.S. allows food additives banned in EU
Palestinian authorities say Israeli attacks have killed at least 5,300 people since the war started after Hamas' attack on Israel, which killed around 1,400 people. The Washington Post's Steve Hendrix shares the latest. And, Daniel Lifshitz, grandson of released hostage Yo-Have-Ed Lifshitz, talks about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and his hope of still making peace with Palestinians. Then, some food additives that have long been banned in the European Union are still in use in the United States. A report by STAT explains why the Food and Drugs Administration has been slow in banning those potentially harmful additives. STAT's Nicholas Florko joins us. Plus, a new toy certification called MESH embraces mental, emotional and social health. Two members of the MESH task force join us.
10/24/2023 • 33 minutes, 3 seconds
Possible Israeli invasion of Gaza; Meet Youth Poet Laureate Salome Agbaroji
Israel is preparing its forces for a possible ground invasion in Gaza. Gen. David Petraeus, former CIA director and commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, joins us to talk about it. And, former Trump lawyers Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro were charged alongside Trump for alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. They both took plea deals and agreed to testify in future cases. Gwen Keyes Fleming, former district attorney in DeKalb County, Georgia, joins us to discuss what this means. Then, Nigerian-American Salome Agbaroji is this year's National Youth Poet Laureate. She's using her platform to celebrate Blackness and use joy as an act of resistance. Agbaroji joins us to talk about her work and advocacy.
10/23/2023 • 26 minutes, 12 seconds
'The Gun Machine' Ep. 3: Why Americans buy guns
How do you convince a bunch of civilians that they need to keep buying new guns? In Episode 3 of "The Gun Machine," host Alain Stephens talks about the man who wrote that playbook: Samuel Colt. He also helped seed the fantastical version of the American West that is often misremembered as fact today. Find new episodes every Saturday on Here & Now Anytime.
10/21/2023 • 36 minutes, 8 seconds
Voices from Gaza; 'Silver Dollar Road' explores Black landowners losing property
As war rages on between Israel and Hamas, civilians across the region are suffering. We hear an update about the 21-year-old Israeli Adi Meisel, who disappeared after Hamas attacked a music festival. And, we hear from people trapped within Gaza. And, NBC's Sahil Kapur and the Wall Street Journal's Vivian Salama discuss why the leadership crisis in the House GOP deepened this week, and what the political fallout might be from President Biden's trip to Israel this week after the bombing of a hospital in Gaza. Then, director Raoul Peck's new documentary "Silver Dollar Road" centers on one family who had their land taken from them even though several family members live on the property.
10/20/2023 • 26 minutes, 36 seconds
Peace process in Israel-Hamas war; Kathy Gunst's recipes to change up chicken
Egypt has agreed to allow aid trucks into Gaza to help with the ongoing humanitarian crisis. NPR's Jane Arraf joins us to talk about it. And, the Israel-Hamas war is just the latest in conflicts that have plagued the region for decades. Aaron David Miller, former deputy special coordinator for Arab-Israeli negotiations at the State Department, joins us to talk about what the conflict means for the peace process. Then, having chicken for dinner again? Our resident chef Kathy Gunst joins us to offer three recipes to change up your chicken dishes. Those recipes include chicken and white bean chili, chicken adobo and chicken Milanese.
10/19/2023 • 23 minutes, 18 seconds
Saxophonist Joshua Redman's 'Where Are We; Explosion at Gaza hospital
NPR's Ruth Sherlock talks about a devastating explosion at a Gaza hospital that killed hundreds of people on Tuesday. President Biden says that an explosion at a Gaza hospital appears to have been set off by Islamists. But intelligence remains murky. NPR national security correspondent Greg Myre tells us more. And, wartime leaders often get a wave of popular support. But in the case of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that does not appear to be the case. International political consultant Alon Pinkas joins us. Then, each song in the new album "Where Are We" by acclaimed jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman is about a place — from New England to Alabama, from Philadelphia to Phoenix. Redman talks about his new record and his musical journey.
10/18/2023 • 31 minutes, 7 seconds
Who is Rep. Jim Jordan?; Alexandra Pelosi's 'The Insurrectionist Next Door'
University of Michigan professor Javed Ali and former U.S. Army intelligence officer and director of the Spy Museum Christopher Costa join us to talk about the war between Israel and Hamas from a military standpoint. And, Ohio Republican Jim Jordan is making a bid for House speaker. Aaron Blake, senior political reporter for the Washington Post, joins us to talk about who Jordan is. Then, Alexandra Pelosi's new documentary "The Insurrectionist Next Door" showcases people who participated in the Jan. 6 riots at the Capitol. Pelosi joins us to explain what she found out by sitting down and having conversations on the topic.
10/17/2023 • 30 minutes, 3 seconds
Medical debt is crushing working-class people; The rich history of Palestine
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is still ongoing, and air organizations are responding. Michael Capponi, founder and president of the Global Empowerment Mission, joins us. To understand the context of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, one must understand the history of the country of Palestine and the different forces that led to it being occupied by Israel. Rashid Khalidi, professor of modern Arab studies at Columbia University, joins us. And, some local grassroots organizers hope to use funds from the American Rescue Plan to relieve medical debt for residents. Organizers Afua Atta-Mensah "Glitter" Felten tell us what they're pushing for in Florida.
10/16/2023 • 29 minutes, 22 seconds
'The Gun Machine' Ep. 2: Tracing the roots of the culture of fear used to sell guns
Gun advertising sows seeds of mistrust and the promotes need to carry a gun for self-protection. But protection from whom? In Episode 2 of "The Gun Machine," host Alain Stephens talks to historian Carol Anderson about the racist roots of the Second Amendment and travels down to Florida to talk to Black gun owners about why they carry. Find new episodes every Saturday on Here & Now Anytime.
10/14/2023 • 39 minutes, 56 seconds
Misinformation amid Israel-Hamas war; 'World Central Kitchen Cookbook' recipes
Palestinians are evacuating the northern part of the Gaza Strip amid relentless Israeli airstrikes. Norwegian Refugee Council's Shaina Low joins us. As violence escalates in the Middle East, misinformation runs rampant. Even news outlets and President Biden have fallen into the trap. Bellingcat researcher Kolina Koltai joins us to talk about how it's been spreading and how to avoid contributing to it. And, on Saturday parts of the Western and Southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and South and Central America will be able to see an annular eclipse. Sky and Telescope senior editor Kelly Beatty tells us how to see it safely. Then, Chef Jose Andres, founder of World Central Kitchen, talks about the organization's work providing fresh meals to people in crisis. The newly released "World Central Kitchen Cookbook" details some of those recipes.
10/13/2023 • 28 minutes, 35 seconds
Father of missing Israeli man; Palestinians grapple with humanitarian crisis in Gaza
The Washington Post's Sarah Dadouch joins us to talk about the Israeli siege on Gaza. Sagui Dekel-Chen was last seen fighting off Hamas militants who stormed his kibbutz on Saturday morning. He hasn't been heard from since. We speak to his father, Jonathan Dekel-Chen, who is pleading for his son's safe return. And, the Palestinian community is trying to cope with news of family members in Gaza facing displacement, and lack of food, water, or power. Palestinian American Najwa Alsadi, a business owner from New Jersey, joins us. Then, May Pang is the subject of the new film "The Lost Weekend: A Love Story." Pang and the late John Lennon had a relationship from 1973 to 1975 that was later characterized as Lennon's "lost weekend."
10/12/2023 • 28 minutes, 35 seconds
Palestinians trapped without resources; Mother pleads for missing daughter in Israel
NPR's Aya Batrawy talks to Palestinians trapped in Gaza without food, fuel, water or other resources amid numerous Israeli airstrikes. Last weekend, Hamas militants attacked a music festival near the Gaza border. Ahuva Maizel, whose 21-year-old daughter Adi is missing after attending the festival, joins us to explain what her family is feeling. Following the attack last weekend, Israel declared war on Hamas and launched multiple airstrikes on Gaza amid supply blockades as well. Destruction from the strikes has displaced almost 200,000 people in Gaza. Lifelong Gaza resident and translator Jason Shawa joins us.Hamas, the armed group controlling Gaza, has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007. Khaled Elgindy, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and director of its Israeli-Palestinian affairs program, offers context on how the group came to be.
10/11/2023 • 27 minutes, 19 seconds
Biden, Israel and the Middle East; State Department official on war
Vedant Patel, principal deputy spokesperson for the State Department, joins us to talk about the state of the war between Israel and Hamas. And, President Biden addressed the war between Hamas and Israel Tuesday. We discuss the United States' relationship with Israel with Presidential historian Julian Zelizer. Then, journalist Dalia Hatuqa joins us from Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Plus, the multi-billion dollar fraud trial against Sam Bankman-Fried resumes Tuesday after beginning last week. Bloomberg's Zeke Faux shares the latest.
10/10/2023 • 29 minutes, 43 seconds
What to know right now about the deadliest Israel-Palestine conflict since 1970s
Israel struck more than 500 targets in Gaza overnight after Hamas killed hundreds in Israel over the weekend. More than 1,000 people have died, making it the deadliest conflict in the region since the Yom Kippur War of 1973. NPR's Aya Batrawy joins us. And, Johns Hopkins Middle East analyst Laura Blumenfeld joins us to discuss Israel's newly declared war on Hamas. Then, three days after Hamas attack in Israel, opposing groups are still fighting. Jim Walsh, senior research associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Security Studies Program, joins us to talk about the implications of the war.
10/9/2023 • 24 minutes, 37 seconds
'The Gun Machine' Ep. 1: Examining the origin of the U.S.'s gun industry
The symbiotic relationship between the gun industry and the government goes all the way back to the 1790s when the Founding Fathers created an open-source think tank in Massachusetts: the Springfield Armory. Its mission: Make the best guns in the world. From WBUR and The Trace, the podcast series "The Gun Machine" explains how the United States has shaped and been shaped by, the gun industry — and how we all play a role. Find new episodes every Saturday on Here & Now Anytime.
10/7/2023 • 39 minutes, 49 seconds
Designing buildings with extreme heat in mind; How 'bout them apple recipes?
Phoenix suffered through a record-breaking heat wave in July. But due to climate change, high temperatures are the new normal. But architect Marlene Imirzian designed a heat-abating building that could help keep people safe and cool. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports from Phoenix. And, psychologist Carol Gilligan wrote the book "In a Different Voice," stating that women embody a caring voice different from men. Now, she's revising that work. She says that a caring voice is actually accessible to everyone, regardless of gender. Gilligan joins us to talk about her new book, "In a Human Voice."Then, our resident chef Kathy Gunst joins us to share some recipes utilizing a favorite fall fruit: apples. Gunst breaks down a number of apple varieties and offers sweet and savory recipes.
10/6/2023 • 28 minutes, 58 seconds
Video game actors authorize strike amid AI fears; The truth about dinosaurs
In New York City, the fraud trial of former President Donald Trump is ongoing. We speak to The Washington Post's Devlin Barrett for the latest. And, video game actors may join their Hollywood colleagues on the picket line. Voice performers authorized a strike against the industry to protect jobs as AI has already transformed how games get made. Actor and union negotiator Sarah Elmaleh joins us to discuss. Then, science writer Stephanie Warren Drimmer talks about the book she coauthored, "Jurassic Smarts," published by National Geographic for Kids.
10/5/2023 • 20 minutes, 57 seconds
Imani Perry awarded MacArthur 'genius' Fellowship; What is proper phone etiquette?
Sen. Kevin McCarthy is the first Speaker of the House to be ousted by a vote. The role is vacant, and the House is scrambling. Washington Post Live anchor Leigh Ann Caldwell joins us to talk about what's next. And, Republican Rep. Mike Lawler from New York joins us to express his critiques of the vote to oust McCarthy.And, the list of 2023 MacArthur Fellows is out. Imani Perry, a professor and scholar of race, gender, sexuality and African and African American Studies at Harvard University, is one of this year's fellows, and joins us. Then, should you text before calling someone? Are voicemails a thing of the past? Even though phones are not a new invention, the etiquette around them is always changing. Washington Post technology reporter Heather Kelly joins us to talk about common phone faux pas.
10/4/2023 • 29 minutes, 50 seconds
Does net zero CO2 goal go far enough?; Black performers shine in 1940s 'soundies'
The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing a major case that could have vast implications for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and a slew of bedrock federal agencies and programs. NPR's Chris Arnold explains. And, climate scientists like Kate Marvel are concerned by the notion that humanity can just adapt to rising temperatures, flooding and wildfires. To find out why that's a problem, Marvel discusses some of the difficult truths of the climate situation. Then, the 1980s ushered in the era of MTV music videos. But decades earlier, in the 1940s, there were short music films called "soundies." KJZZ's Jill Ryan takes a look at how Soundies brought Black performers to the spotlight.
10/3/2023 • 27 minutes, 20 seconds
Nobel Prize goes to scientists who helped develop mRNA COVID vaccine; New SCOTUS term
The civil trial against Former President Donald Trump is underway in New York. The judge already ruled that Trump committed fraud, but the trial will settle how much he will pay for it. NPR politics reporter Ximena Bustillo joins us. And, the Supreme Court's fall term begins Monday. The court is facing loud calls for ethics reform and blowback on recent decisions. Imani Gandy, editor at large for Rewire News Group and co-host of the podcast "Boom! Lawyered," joins us. Then, Katalin Karikó, PhD, and Dr. Drew Weissman were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work on developing mRNA COVID vaccines. The two scientists join us to talk about the win and future work.
10/2/2023 • 26 minutes, 28 seconds
Introducing 'The Gun Machine': A podcast on the American gun industry
Produced by WBUR, Boston's NPR station, in partnership with The Trace, The Gun Machine looks into the past to bring you a story that most Americans never learned in history class: how early partnerships between mad scientist gunsmiths and a fledgling U.S. government created the gun industry in the Northeast, and how that industry has been partners with the government ever since. Host Alain Stephens examines how this 250-year relationship underpins all Americans' interactions with guns — including our failures in dealing with the fallout of gun violence. The Gun Machine debuts on Oct. 4, 2023.
9/30/2023 • 2 minutes, 23 seconds
Dianne Feinstein's legacy; U2 guitarist The Edge on Las Vegas' new immersive venue
California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein has died at the age of 90. KQED's Marisa Lagos reflects on Feinstein's trailblazing legacy. And, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain announced Friday an expansion of their strike to include 7,000 additional workers at Ford and GM plants. Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton talks about the impact of the ongoing strike. Then, if Las Vegas is about big bets, it doesn't get much bigger than a new $2.3-billion venue opening Friday on the Strip called The Sphere. WBUR's Laura Hertzfeld spoke to U2 guitarist The Edge about the band's residency at the immersive venue.
9/29/2023 • 22 minutes, 50 seconds
Shrimpers still homeless, 1 year after Hurricane Ian; 'The Golden Bachelor' airs
Historian Nicole Hemmer joins us to talk about Republican strategy amid impeachment inquiries into President Biden and the looming government shutdown. And, it's been one year since Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwestern Florida. We check in with shrimper Grant Erickson and University of Florida food and agriculture expert David Outerbridge to see how the state has been recovering. Then, the 'Bachelor' franchise has a new twist: A 72-year-old retiree named Gerry Turner is the show's new star. He'll date 22 age-appropriate women on "The Golden Bachelor," which premieres Thursday. NPR's TV critic Eric Deggans joins us to talk about the show.
9/28/2023 • 25 minutes, 31 seconds
The case against Amazon; Master 'The Simple Art of Rice'
Judge Arthur Engoron found that former President Donald Trump, his sons and his companies deceived banks, insurers and others by massively overvaluing his properties and exaggerating his net worth to get loans and make real estate deals. Pultizer-Prize-winning investigative reporter David Cay Johnston tells us more. And, the Federal Trade Commission and 17 states filed an antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the retail giant of abusing its monopoly power in a way that raises costs for both shoppers and sellers. The Washington Post's Cat Zakrzewski joins us. Then, chef and author JJ Johnson shares rice recipes from all over the world in his new book, "The Simple Art of Rice." He shares tips and tricks.
9/27/2023 • 23 minutes, 45 seconds
Biden joins UAW picket line; 'Sparks' book tells of China's underground artists
In a presidential first, President Biden visits Michigan to join the picketing United Auto Workers on strike. Tamara Keith, senior White House correspondent with NPR, and Princeton University historian Julian Zelizer join us to talk about it. And, attorney Ryan K. Thompson joins us to talk about the lawsuit against Baton Rouge police for alleged abuse at a warehouse known as the "brave cave." Then, a new book called "Sparks: China's Underground Historians and their Battle for the Future" tells the story of underground artists working to document the country's history. The book's author Ian Johnson joins us.
9/26/2023 • 26 minutes, 56 seconds
'Maus' author Art Spiegelman on book banning; What the asteroid sample may reveal
Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., has been indicted on federal corruption charges. He is accused of accepting bribes and influencing an arms deal with Egypt, among other things. Brent Johnson of the New Jersey Star-Ledger tells us more. And, NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission capsule contains an 8.8-ounce asteroid sample that could help scientists worldwide learn more about the solar system's origins. We speak to Dani Mendoza DellaGiustina, the deputy principal investigator for the mission. Then, the American Library Association has dubbed next week, Oct. 1 through Oct. 7, as Banned Book Week, a time to celebrate reading and fight censorship. One author targeted by book banning is Pulitzer Prize winner Art Spiegelman, who wrote the graphic novel "Maus" as a memoir of his family's experiences during the time of Nazi Germany. Spiegelman talks about the potent irony of having a book about the rise of the Nazis being banned.
9/25/2023 • 23 minutes, 30 seconds
Books to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month; Recipes inspired by Spanish tapas
More than a year ago, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and Wisconsin providers stopped providing abortions. But they've resumed, and Tanya Atkinson, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, joins us to talk about it. And, it's Hispanic Heritage Month. We've got a list of book recommendations telling Latinx stories from the creator of "The Stacks" podcast Traci Thomas. Then, our resident chef Kathy Gunst joins us to offer her takes on Spanish-style tapas recipes. They include chickpeas and leeks, fried potatoes and meatballs.
9/22/2023 • 23 minutes, 3 seconds
Culture wars are tearing apart country music; Wall Street investors outbid homebuyers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Washington to meet with President Biden, leaders at the Pentagon and members of Congress. He's asking for more aid from the U.S. in the fight against Russia, but he faces resistance from a small number of Republican lawmakers. Retired Adm. James Stavridis weighs in. And, out-of-state investors are buying up thousands of properties in Indianapolis and converting them to rentals. Their cash offers make it harder for average families to compete. The Indianapolis Star's Ko Lyn Cheang and Claire Rafford join us. Then, Rolling Stone's David Browne talks about the culture wars tearing apart the once close-knit country music industry.
Five Americans who were imprisoned in Iran are back in the U.S. Jared Genser, a human rights lawyer representing Siamak Namazi, one of those recently freed. joins us. Jason Rezaian, a Washington Post global opinions writer who spent 544 days imprisoned unjustly by Iranian authorities, talks with us about how the freed Americans are readjusting to society. And, Climate Week NYC is one of the largest annual events focused on climate change. Grist reporter Zoya Teirstein joins us. Then, Republicans in Wisconsin are working to lock in their redistricting map and impeach newly elected liberal state Supreme Court justice Janet Protasiewicz. Author and Mother Jones correspondent Ari Berman joins us.
9/20/2023 • 30 minutes, 19 seconds
Jazz legend Pat Metheny drops 'Dream Box'; How UAW strike could impact car sales
Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell weighs in on the auto workers strike, now in day five, and its political impact in the swing state of Michigan. Lou Vitantonio, president of the Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers' Association, talks about the effect of the auto worker strike on car sales. And, CBC's J.P. Tasker explains the diplomatic dustup between Canada and India over the killing of a Sikh activist in Canada. Then, long-time jazz guitarist and composer Pat Metheny — leader of the Pat Metheny Group for nearly a quarter century starting in the late 1970s — has released the album "Dream Box." He discusses his new work and the inspiration behind it.
9/19/2023 • 29 minutes, 26 seconds
U.S.-Iran prisoner exchange; American cyclist Sepp Kuss wins Vuelta A España
Five Americans have been released from prison in Iran. In exchange, the U.S. released five Iranian prisoners and gave Iran access to $6 billion in oil revenues that were previously frozen under sanctions. Borzou Daragahi, journalist and nonresident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council's Middle East Program, joins us. And, American cyclist Sepp Kuss has won Vuelta A España, the Spanish version of the Tour De France. He is the first American to win in more than a decade. Kuss joins us to talk about the victory. Then, some of the Supreme Court's recent decisions have spurred comparisons to the decisions of the late 1800s. Randall Kennedy, a professor at Harvard Law School, joins us to talk about these comparisons ahead of the new term beginning next month.
9/18/2023 • 23 minutes, 57 seconds
UAW members weigh in on historic Big Three strike; Kim Jong Un's trip to Russia
The United Autoworkers Union has called a historic strike against each Big Three auto manufacturer. We speak with Ford autoworkers and UAW members Tiffanie Simmons and Ryder Littlejohn. And, the death toll from the recent deadly flooding in Libya has continued to climb. Al Jazeera's Malik Traina speaks to us from Tripoli while he waits to gain access to the affected areas. Then, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is on the fourth day of his visit to Russia. Jim Walsh, senior research associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Security Studies Program, talks about the visit.
9/15/2023 • 27 minutes, 37 seconds
Memphis' mark on the hip-hop world; Morocco's monarchy and disaster relief
South Dakota Republican Sen. Mike Rounds talks about whether lawmakers should regulate the use of artificial intelligence and a possible government shutdown this month. And, Samia Errazzouki, a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford, talks about Morocco's monarchy and what's behind the government's slow response to a devastating earthquake that has killed thousands of people. Then, rap has always been anchored in regional culture. Zandria Felice Robinson, writer and professor at Georgetown University, explains Memphis' unique rap scene and how this southern city punched above its weight in the burgeoning hip-hop world.
9/14/2023 • 25 minutes, 46 seconds
African leaders want a role in climate solutions; Conservatives plan to dismantle EPA
The death toll is expected to rise in Libya as thousands remain missing after heavy rain and flooding over the weekend. Al Jazeera's Malik Traina talks about the devastating flooding in eastern Libya. And, leaders from across the continent have stressed that the world should not just pity African countries as some of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Instead, they say there should be more global investment in Africa as an innovator that could lead a clean energy transition. Grist's Katherine Bagley joins us. Then, Project 2025 aims to dramatically reshape federal agencies, reduce their independence, and give more power to the president if a Republican wins in 2024. Paul Dans, the director of Project 2025 at the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation. AP's Lisa Mascaro also talks about Project 2025.
9/13/2023 • 24 minutes, 32 seconds
Auto workers union negotiations; Native American activism through Johnny Cash's music
United Auto Workers are negotiating a new contract, and electric vehicles are at the center of the discussion. Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton and Belvidere, Illinois, Mayor Clinton Morris, join us to talk about what's been discussed as part of the negotiations. And, the death toll from last week's earthquake in Morocco has reached 2,800. John Johnson, a nurse on the Doctors Without Borders emergency response team, joins us to talk about the organization's efforts south of Marrakesh. Then, it's been 20 years since Johnny Cash died. Colorado Public Radio's Vic Vela looks back on his early hits and how his music spoke up for Native Americans throughout the 1960s.
9/12/2023 • 28 minutes, 2 seconds
Earthquake devastates Morocco; Fair Play game highlights home life inequality
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake devastated the landscape of Morocco and residents are left picking up the pieces. Alice Morrison, writer and resident of the Atlas mountains, joins us. And, the Food and Drug Administration is expected to approve the latest COVID-19 booster shot. Experts say it will protect against the two most prominent variants of the virus. Epidemiologist Abdul El-Sayed joins us. Then, in most living situations, one person ends up taking on the most work around the house. The Fair Play card game seeks to address that inequality and rebalance it without causing conflict. Creator of the game and author of the book of the same name Eve Rodsky joins us.
9/11/2023 • 24 minutes, 39 seconds
Late-summer fruits recipes for scones and jam; Escaped murderer in Pennsylvania
Sahil Kapur of NBC News and Margaret Talev of Axios talk about Republican response to concerns about Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's health, and the latest polling on President Biden's re-election chances. And, convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante has been on the run in Pennsylvania for eight days. Cavalcante escaped from prison last Thursday by crab-walking up a wall and scaling a fence. WHYY's Kenny Cooper shares the latest. Then, chef Kathy Gunst shares 3 recipes to make the most of end-of-summer fruits: blueberry and lemon scones, plum clafouti, and blueberry-ginger jam.
9/8/2023 • 24 minutes, 8 seconds
Asylum seekers in peril at the Southern border; NFL football is back. So is betting
Asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border are often subject to arbitrary decisions made by border patrol agents who decide whether they can enter the country or not. And in Texas, a federal judge ruled Gov. Greg Abbott's floating barrier in Rio Grande. Reporter Lillian Perlmutter and Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, join us. And, as more companies return to in-office work requirements, the future of remote work is uncertain. Callum Borchers, columnist at the Wall Street Journal, joins us to explain what happens next. Then, the NFL football season kicks off on Thursday as the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Detroit Lions. With the return of football comes the return of sports betting, now legal in two-thirds of states. But there's a darker side to the industry. Professor Lia Nower, director of the Center for Gambling Studies at Rutgers University, joins us.
9/7/2023 • 29 minutes, 18 seconds
WVU president defends cuts to language programs; DEI efforts in corporate America
David Miliband, CEO and president of the International Rescue Committee, says he's concerned the war in Ukraine is becoming "normalized." He talks about the war and the humanitarian crisis it has created. And, as part of its plans to make up for a $45 million budget shortfall, the leaders of West Virginia University announced it will end its advanced study of foreign languages programs. Paula Krebs, executive director of the Modern Language Association, explains what's at stake for students, and WVU President E. Gordon Gee shares how he is justifying the cuts. Then, a flurry of hiring of diversity, equity and inclusion specialists followed the murder of George Floyd three years ago. And now, DEI executives leaving their posts or being let go. Professor Shaun Harper, founder and executive director of the University of Southern California Race and Equity Center, joins us.
9/6/2023 • 31 minutes, 36 seconds
United Auto Workers strike likely; Most plastic in the U.S. can't be recycled
Amid demands for higher pay and a shorter workweek, the United Auto Workers are likely to strike when the union's current contract expires next week. University of Michigan Ross School of Business professor Erik Gordon joins us. And, New York City, attempting to reign in the short-term rental market, has placed new rules on Airbnb properties. Roben Farzad, host of public radio's "Full Disclosure," joins us. Then, while Americans often diligently sort and recycle plastics at home, only 5% of plastics in the U.S. can actually be recycled. Judith Enck of the non-profit Beyond Plastics joins us to talk about plastic pollution and solutions to it.
9/5/2023 • 22 minutes, 6 seconds
How to protect yourself from wildfires; The perils of hot neighborhoods
It's been a hot summer. "This is Wildfire: How to Protect Yourself, Your Home, and Your Community in the Age of Heat" explores the relationship between wildfire, humans and nature. Authors Nick Mott and University of Montana professor Justin Angle offer tips on how to prevent fires and stay safe if they do ignite. And, for researchers to find ways to protect American cities from extreme temperatures, they have to know exactly how hot it is. That's why cities like Phoenix and Chicago are undergoing heat mapping projects. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd and Chris Bentley report on the projects. Then, solar energy is becoming more popular in the U.S. but infrastructure can take up lots of land. Enter floating solar. WUSF's Steve Newborn takes us to a pond in Florida where one energy company is conducting a floating solar pilot program.
9/4/2023 • 29 minutes, 58 seconds
End-of-summer book recommendations; Who was Wallace Stegner?
Even though summer is winding down, there's still enough time to bang out some reading. Creator of "The Stacks" podcast Traci Thomas and hosts Scott Tong and Robin Young offer some of their favorite books they read this summer. And, author Khashayar J. Khabushani joins us to talk about his debut novel "I Will Greet the Sun Again," which follows K., an Iranian-American boy living in Los Angeles. Then, depending on who you ask, Wallace Stegner was either the greatest writer in the American West or a name they've never heard. Melody Graulich is an emeritus professor of English and America Studies at Utah State University and has studied the life of Stegner and his works. She joins us.
9/4/2023 • 35 minutes, 58 seconds
Books banned in schools and prisons; Old Crow Medicine Show's new album
Former lawyer Rudy Giuliani is being sued for defamation by Georgia election workers. Michael Gottlieb, the attorney for two of those workers, joins us. And, Ali Velshi tells us about his new podcast, called "Banned Book Club," which focuses on books prohibited in schools across the U.S. And bans on books don't only apply to schools — Missouri has banned incarcerated people from receiving books in the mail. Dylan Pyles, co-founder of the nonprofit Liberation Lit, joins us to talk about it. Then, Nashville band Old Crow Medicine Show released a new album called "Jubilee." Ketch Secor, one of the band's founders and current frontman, joins us to talk about the new music and his commitment to gun policy reform.
8/31/2023 • 29 minutes, 32 seconds
Tennessee's flawed gun dispossession system; New technology may offer tinnitus relief
Hurricane Idalia made landfall on the Big Bend area of Florida on Wednesday and homeowners are reeling. Pamela Macrae joins us to talk about what she's seen in her hometown of Homosassa. WUFT's Christopher Will also joins us. And, WPLN criminal justice reporter Paige Pfleger joins us to talk about her joint investigation with ProPublica into Tennessee's flawed gun dispossession system. A large number of homicides are carried out by people legally barred from owning guns. Then, sufferers of tinnitus hear buzzing, ringing or other sounds in their ears, sometimes continuously. But new technology could provide some relief. Dr. Brian Fligor, audiologist and tinnitus expert at Tobias & Battite Hearing Wellness in Boston, and one of his tinnitus patients Elliot Gerberg join us.
8/30/2023 • 25 minutes, 45 seconds
Florida braces for deadly storm surge; Feral cats become blue-collar workers
Hurricane Idalia is expected to hit Florida's west coast on Wednesday, and residents are preparing for a potentially deadly storm surge. University of Miami hurricane expert Brian McNoldy joins us. And, when Spain won the women's World Cup, the head of the country's soccer federation, Luis Rubiales forcibly kissed forward Jennifer Hermoso. Why hasn't he been removed from the organization? The GIST's Lauren Tuiskula joins us to talk about how sexual misconduct pervades sports still. Then, Washington D.C.'s rat problem has been steadily worsening, and feral cats are part of the solution. The Humane Rescue Alliance's Blue Collar Cats program rehomes feral cats to live outside at houses around the metropolitan area. Washington Post reporter John Hudson is a participant in the program and joins us, along with Maureen Sosa, HRA's director of pet support.
8/29/2023 • 24 minutes
Organizer on Jacksonville shooting; Long freight trains disrupt rural communities
On Saturday, a white gunman opened fire at a store in Jacksonville, Florida, killing 3 Black people. The gunman used slurs, had swastikas on his weapon and left behind racist writings. Kimberly Allen, CEO of 904WARD, joins us. And, as Hurricane Idalia approaches Florida, residents face an insurance crisis and a governor who's been distracted by a presidential campaign. Politico's Kimberly Leonard joins us. Then, some freight trains can stretch up to 2 miles long. In rural American communities, these trains stopped at stations can block traffic, school buses and more. The mayor of York, Alabama, Willie Lake and Associated Press railroad reporter Josh Funk join us.
8/28/2023 • 25 minutes, 17 seconds
Maui chefs cook up comfort; Blues artist Shemeika Copeland picks up accolades
This week in politics saw former President Donald Trump surrender himself in Georgia, the first Republican primary presidential debate and an impending Congress return. ABC News political director Rick Klein and USA Today White House correspondent Francesca Chambers join us. And, while residents of Maui continue to recover from the wildfires that devastated the island, a group of chefs is preparing thousands of meals per day to feed survivors. Sheldon Simeon, celebrity chef and owner of restaurant Tin Roof, joins us. Then, blues singer Shemeika Copeland just won the Critics Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album of 2022 and Female Blues Artist Of The Year by Living Blues Magazine. Copeland joins us to talk about her music.
8/25/2023 • 31 minutes, 9 seconds
Wagner Group leader reported dead; Recipes to savor the end of summer vegetables
The first Republican primary presidential debate took place last night in Milwaukee. Wisconsin Republican Charlie Sykes joins us to recap the main wins and losses seen from the eight debaters. And, Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the mercenary Wagner Group, was listed as one of 10 passengers on a plane that crashed in Russia. Prigozhin is reportedly dead. The Washington Post's Mary Ilyushina joins us. Then, the end of summer means the end of growing season rich with zucchini, corn, tomatoes and more. Resident chef Kathy Gunst offers three recipes to help you use up and savor the last of those seasonal vegetables.
8/24/2023 • 18 minutes, 30 seconds
New school year, new policies in some states; Herbie Hancock honors Wayne Shorter
Experts say that COVID-19 isn't going anywhere. And the newest booster shot should be available in late September and early October. Dr. Ashish Jha, who served as the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, joins us. And, in Florida, Kentucky and Iowa, students starting the new school year will be met with new guidelines and policies. Grant Gerlock of Iowa Public Radio, Kerry Sheridan of WUSF and Jess Clark of Louisville Public Media join us. Then, Herbie Hancock assembles a roster of jazz stars for a tribute concert dedicated to fellow jazz legend Wayne Shorter, who died earlier this year. Hancock joins us to talk about Shorter's life, music and legacy.
Climate disasters have been in the news all summer, from extreme heat in the western U.S. to wildfires in Canada and Hawaii. Rachel Cleetus, policy director of the climate and energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, joins us to talk about how to navigate the frequency of disasters. And, a teacher shortage can be felt at schools nationwide. But the Cartwright School District in Phoenix has a potential solution: a 4-day week. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd spoke with parents, teachers and a principal to see if the plan works. Then, U.S. sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson won the women's 100-meter race at the World Athletics Championship in Budapest on Monday. She set a world championship record. National sports writer for the Associated Press Eddie Pells joins us.
8/22/2023 • 23 minutes, 29 seconds
Lawyer fighting 'forever chemicals': 'Middle School Superpowers' offers parents tips
Rudy Giuliani became known for using racketeering laws to break up New York's mob. Now he's being charged with racketeering in Georgia for attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. The New York Times' Maggie Haberman joins us. And, Robert Bilott is the lawyer that started the fight against PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in water systems. The chemicals are turning up in rainfall and the bodies of humans and animals. Bilott says the legal battle against these harmful chemicals ahead is long. Then, the new book "Middle School Superpowers: Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times" gives tips, strategies and anecdotes for parents of middle schoolers. Author and school counselor Phyllis Fagell joins us.
8/21/2023 • 34 minutes, 27 seconds
The perfect playlist to wind down the summer; Nat Myers releases album 'Yellow Peril'
Alt.Latino co-hosts Anamaria Artemisa Sayre and Felix Contreras offer a playlist of songs they can't stop listening to from Kumbia Queers to Tainy. And, what makes a track the song of the summer? It has to be "capable of changing the nation's psychic temperature," according to music critic Chris Richards. We look back at songs of the summer dating back to the 1960s with NPR music critic Ann Powers. Then, Nat Myers is putting a new twist on some of America's oldest music. The Korean-American musician's new blues album is called "Yellow Peril," and he describes himself as "a young Asian cat playing old Black music."
8/18/2023 • 35 minutes, 19 seconds
History lost to Maui wildfires; 'Stray Gods' lets players star in interactive musical
The indictment of former President Donald Trump has been made public in Georgia this week, accusing him of conspiring to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in the state. NBC White House reporter Katherine Doyle tells us what to know. And, Brianna Sacks tells us about her reporting on how power lines likely caused the first reported wildfire in Maui. The fires destroyed many homes and the Na'Aikane o Maui Cultural and Research Center, which housed artifacts of Native Hawaiian history. NPR's Jonaki Mehta reports on the devastation. Then, while most video games focus on shooting, spells or swordplay, "Stray Gods" focuses on singing. As players progress in their journey, their choices can change the characters' fates. Composer Austin Wintory joins us to talk about the unique game.
8/17/2023 • 35 minutes, 4 seconds
How communities and grassroots organizations are helping Maui wildfire survivors
A disastrous new school bus system delayed school's start in Louisville, Kentucky. We get the latest from Louisville Public Media's Jess Clark. And, Cardell Wright, president of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, reflects on this week's guilty plea by the six white former police officers who tortured two Black men. Then, in Hawaii, thousands of people are still without power. Grist's Gabriela Aoun Angueira says all across Maui, people in neighboring communities have been lining up to offer donations for those in need. Plus, one separated family found a way to be reunited in all the chaos, thanks to the grassroots supply network that's sprung up to keep the community going. NPR's Lauren Sommer went along on their journey.
8/16/2023 • 24 minutes, 2 seconds
Maui resident reflects on loss; Youth plaintiffs win climate case against Montana
Former President Donald Trump was indicted Monday night for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. Princeton University historian Julian Zelizer joins us to talk about what the indictment means, and former Georgia district attorney Gwen Keyes Fleming discusses the legal strengths and weaknesses. And, wildfires devastated the island of Maui and more than 99 people have already died. We speak to Catlin Carroll, a marine biologist who lived in the Lahaina neighborhood and lost her house. Then, in a lawsuit 16 young people filed against the state, a judge ruled that Montana's fossil fuel policies violated a provision in its constitution that guarantees "a clean and healthful environment." Plaintiff Rikki Held and her attorney Nate Bellinger join us.
8/15/2023 • 30 minutes, 58 seconds
Maui recovers from deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century; Coal's future in Kentucky
In Hawaii, residents are mourning after the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than 100 years killed at least 96 people. Bill Dorman of Hawai'i Public Radio shares the latest. And Kekoa McClellan, a spokesperson representing hotel industries in Maui, talks about the future of the industry and how workers are faring after the deadly fires. Then, a small newspaper in central Kansas underwent a raid by local police, resulting in the seizure of computers, cell phones and servers of reporters and editors. Emily Bradbury of the Kansas Press Association tells us about how the illegal raid has raised concern over First Amendment rights. Plus, the world's appetite for coal is dimming as we grapple with the effects of climate change. But the communities in Kentucky that have mined it for generations are struggling to adapt. Louisville Public Media's Ryan Van Velzer reports.
8/14/2023 • 26 minutes, 18 seconds
Where to hit the road this summer; Restoring the Great Barrier Reef
Los Angeles journalist Brendan Borrell and photographer Tom Fowlks embarked on a kayaking journey from Tulare Lake to San Francisco Bay. It took 10 days. We hear from them about the trek. And, summer's winding down, but it's not too late to set out on a road trip. Travel expert and writer Heather Greenwood Davis offers tips about how and where to travel before the warm weather ends. Then, marine heat waves have been damaging the Great Barrier Reef. But scientists are working to restore the damage already done and protect it from even more. Marine biologist Kate Slaughter joins us to talk about these efforts.
8/11/2023 • 28 minutes, 19 seconds
American credit card debt passes $1 trillion; Maui wildfires
At least 36 people are dead on Maui as wildfires continue to burn, forcing thousands of people to flee and destroying hundreds of structures in the historic town of Lahaina. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser's Dan Nakaso shares the latest. Plus, we're joined by Laren Gartner who owns Cheeseburger in Paradise, a business that burned down in Lahaina, Hawaii. And, American credit card debt passed $1 trillion this week. It's another milestone that appears alarming on the surface — but what is the story behind that debt? The Washington Post's Michelle Singletary tells us. Then, Jordannah Elizabeth talks about her book for middle school readers, "A Child's Introduction to Hip-Hop: The Beats, Rhymes and Roots of a Musical Revolution."
8/10/2023 • 29 minutes, 24 seconds
Role of hip-hop in Megan Thee Stallion shooting case; 'A Compassionate Spy' doc
In Ohio, voters rejected a proposal to make the state's constitution harder to amend. Why? Reporter Abbey Marshall tells us about it. And, three years ago, rapper Tory Lanez shot fellow artist Megan Thee Stallion in the foot. We unpack the role of hip-hop in the legal case that ensured with Andscape senior culture writer Justin Tinsley. Then, a new documentary called "A Compassionate Spy" tells the story of Ted Hall, the scientist-turned-spy who gave secrets to the Soviet Union while developing the atomic bomb. Documentary filmmaker Steve James joins us.
8/9/2023 • 24 minutes, 56 seconds
Phoenix expects record-breaking heat deaths; Mapping hot neighborhoods in the U.S.
In Juneau, Alaska, a glacial flood swept at least two houses into the raging river. Several other homes were damaged. Juneau's Deputy City Manager Robert Barr joins us. And, this summer's record heatwave in Phoenix that sent temperatures soaring past 110 degrees for 31 straight days will be historically deadly, according to the Maricopa County medical examiner. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports from Phoenix. Then, federal government scientists are busy this summer mapping the hottest parts of 18 communities in 14 states. Teams of volunteers are fanning out to collect data that will help them better understand the impact that extreme heat has on people living in cities. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd and Chris Bentley report from Sedona, Arizona, and Chicago, Illinois.
8/8/2023 • 28 minutes, 41 seconds
Should Fed halt rate hikes?; Couple distributes overdose reversal meds at festivals
The Writers Guild of America recently met with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to discuss contract negotiations. With little progress made, however, the strike will continue indefinitely. The Hollywood Reporter's Alex Weprin joins us. And, as fears of recession cool, some economists think it's time for the Federal Reserve to halt interest rate hikes. Jill Schlesinger, host of the podcast "Jill On Money," is one of them. She joins us to talk about why. Then, Ingela Travers-Hayward and William Perry spent the summer traveling to different music festivals handing out opioid-overdose reversal medications and teaching attendees how to use them to save someone's life. They talk about their non-profit This Must Be The Place and the work they're doing.
8/7/2023 • 22 minutes, 37 seconds
Fans react to lawsuit against Lizzo; 'Food, We Need to Talk'
Margaret Talev of Axios and Marc Caputo of The Messenger talk about the latest indictment against former President Donald Trump and how his legal troubles might impact the 2024 presidential election. And, pop singer Lizzo is facing serious allegations in a new lawsuit filed by three of her former dancers. We get the latest fan reactions from Here & Now's Femi Oke. Then, podcasters and authors Juna Gjata and Dr. Edward Phillips tell us about their new book, "Food, We Need to Talk: The Science-Based, Humor-Laced Last Word on Eating, Diet, and Making Peace with Your Body."
8/4/2023 • 30 minutes, 47 seconds
How to stop multitasking; Rabbi reacts to Pittsburgh synagogue shooter sentence
Rabbi Jonathan Perlman and Stephen Cohen, co-president, of New Light Congregation, one of the three Jewish congregations to meet in the Tree of Life synagogue, react to the jury recommending a life sentence for the shooter. And, does it matter, legally, whether or not former President Donald Trump believed the lies he told about the 2020 election? Can ignorance be a defense? Harvard University's Laurence Tribe weighs in. Then, attempting to multitask usually ends in a worse outcome and can negatively impact our mental health. Oliver Burkeman argues that doing one thing at a time instead is actually a superpower. He joins us to talk about his book, "4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals."
8/3/2023 • 28 minutes, 27 seconds
Henrietta Lacks' grandson on settlement; Trump indicted for crimes against democracy
Former President Trump faces his third criminal indictment, which centers on his refusal to accept that he lost the 2020 election and his efforts to remain in power, despite losing. Barbara McQuade, University of Michigan law professor and former federal prosecutor, joins us. And, the family of Henrietta Lacks reached a settlement about the use of her cells for medical research. Ron Lacks — Henrietta Lacks' eldest grandson and the author of "Henrietta Lacks: The Untold Story" — reacts to the long-awaited settlement. Then, Grist reporters Lylla Younes and Jake Bittle talk about the environmental impact of liquefied natural gas export terminals that are popping up at a rapid pace along the Gulf Coast.
WABE's Sam Gringlas talks about the investigation into former President Donald Trump's alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. But Trump still leads in Republican primary polls by wide margins, even as GOP support has slipped amid more criminal charges. Princeton University political historian Julian Zelizer tells us more. And, scientists are urgently calling for more research to be done on the long-term effects of prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke. STAT's Megan Molteni joins us. Then, pickleball enthusiast Marcella Meyer created a new family card game called Pickleball Slam incorporating the game's strategies and terminology with an action-packed game including characters ranging from a ballerina, a superhero, a few chefs and a knight in shining armor. She tells us about the game.
8/1/2023 • 28 minutes, 40 seconds
The dark side of South Korea's beauty standards; Arrest made in Gilgo Beach murders
Patrick Braxton became mayor of Newbern, Alabama, in 2020 — but says he has been fighting to hold onto his title after the white former mayor and his council members held a special election and reappointed themselves to their positions. Aallyah Wright of Capital B News tells us more. Then, New York Times reporter Corey Kilgannon tells us about Gilgo Beach, New York, and the suspect in a spree of killings there. And, NPR's Elise Hu talks about her book "Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital," which looks at the South Korean beauty industry — the third largest cosmetic and skin care exporter in the world.
7/31/2023 • 25 minutes, 35 seconds
'Worst national anthem' singer's redemption; 'Bobi Wine: The People's President'
Talks of new charges against former President Donald Trump and a push for President Biden's impeachment dominate the week in politics. NBC's Scott Wong and USA Today's Francesca Chambers join us. And, in 2011, Harper Grace went viral for singing what's been called the "worst national anthem ever." Grace joins us to talk about her redemption tour and using her platform to speak motivationally, too. Then, a new documentary follows the life of musician and member of Uganda's parliament, Bobi Wine, on his unsuccessful run for the 2021 presidency of Uganda. Wine and his wife Barbie Kyagulanyi join us.
7/28/2023 • 31 minutes, 23 seconds
Blerdcon celebrates Black nerds; Texas pecan farmer caught up in immigration turf war
Dean Scheinert, executive director of the senior day shelter Justa Center, speaks about what concerns him most about homeless seniors in the record-setting heat this month in Phoenix, Arizona. And, pecan farmer Magali Urbina talks about her involuntary entanglement in a turf war between the U.S. Border Patrol and Texas authorities over immigration enforcement. Then, Blerdcon is unique in catering expressly to Black nerds — or blerds. Founder and CEO Hilton George explains the rise of Black nerdom and the events he puts on to celebrate it throughout the year.
7/27/2023 • 23 minutes, 40 seconds
Texas prisons charge more for water amid heat wave; Caring for Colorado's unhoused
A federal judge blocked President Biden's new policy that would make it tougher to apply for asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, president of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, joins us. And, there's an ongoing, deadly heat wave in Texas, and the state approved a 50% price increase on water bottles. Paul Flahive, accountability reporter for Texas Public Radio, joins us to discuss the danger of price gouging. Then, we talk with Miriah Nunnaley, director of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, about the care the coalition provides to the state's unhoused population. Among those receiving help is Ed Clair, a man who lived on the street throughout the winter and had to have his feet amputated after they froze in the cold weather.
7/26/2023 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 52 seconds
What not to eat to beat the heat; A national monument to Emmett Till and his mother
Founder and CEO of Blacks in Green Naomi Davis talks about the new national monument and Emmett Till's legacy as the catalyst of the civil rights movement. And, there's another adaptation that can help you survive a heatwave: diet. Washington Post environmental reporter Allyson Chiu shares tips on what to eat to beat the heat. Plus, climate scientist Heidi Cullen talks about a report says the record heat waves we're seeing in the American Southwest and southern Europe have almost no chance of happening without climate change. Then, Chinese prospectors arrived in rural northwest Afghanistan in a kind of new gold rush as they try to corner the market on lithium for electric car batteries. Washington Post correspondent Gerry Shih joins us.
7/25/2023 • 28 minutes, 58 seconds
Alabama's banned voting map; What to do with all the empty office space in NYC
What charges might a federal grand jury recommend for former President Donald Trump in a historic third indictment? University of Michigan law professor Barbara McQuade joins us to discuss. And, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a new congressional map out of Alabama is racially discriminatory. Bill Britt, editor-in-chief for the Alabama Political Reporter, joins us for the latest in this partisan fight. Then, when COVID-19 shuttered office buildings, more people than ever started working from home. In the years since, hybrid or remote work has continued, leaving office buildings vacant. Manhattan in particular has a massive number of half-empty high rises. Andrew Rice, feature writer at New York Magazine, joins us.
7/24/2023 • 24 minutes, 33 seconds
How Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' deconstructs a toy icon; Seeing the Perseid meteor shower
Parts of Kentucky are still recovering after flooding this week — one year after areas in the eastern part of the state were devastated by flooding. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear joins us. And, Greta Gerwig's new film "Barbie" might look pretty in pink — but it also tackles heady themes. The director discusses her vision, the legacy of the controversial doll and how she collaborated with star Margot Robbie. Then, the Perseid meteor shower is one of the most dramatic celestial events of the summer. Sky & Telescope's Kelly Beatty explains how to best witness the highly anticipated meteor shower and the rich history behind their discovery.
7/21/2023 • 23 minutes, 35 seconds
Women testify against Texas' strict abortion ban; Universities end legacy admissions
In Texas on Wednesday, a courtroom of lawyers listened to three women share heart-wrenching testimony about the impact the state's abortion ban had on their pregnancies. The Texas Tribune's Eleanor Klibanoff shares the latest. And, Washington Post national immigration reporter Maria Sacchetti explains how new asylum rules have created a 'fragile calm' at the southern border. Then, Wesleyan University will no longer consider an applicant's relationship to previous graduates in its admissions process. The practice of legacy admissions has been under scrutiny since the Supreme Court ruled to ban consideration of race in admissions when it struck down affirmative action. POLITICO's Bianca Quilantan tells us more.
7/20/2023 • 20 minutes, 35 seconds
Heat waves amid climate change; Detroit, 10 years after filing for bankruptcy
As temperatures rise around the world, Europe may be woefully unprepared for extreme heat. Radhika Khosla, who co-authored a study on the topic, joins us. And, much of the country has been experiencing high temperatures. Phoenix hit a new record 20 days in a row of temperatures over 110 degrees. Grist reporter Kate Yoder joins us. Then, China and the U.S. have been in climate talks this week. So far, the talks have yielded few results but evidence that the U.S. and China's willingness to work together. Time senior correspondent Justin Worland joins us. And, 10 years ago, the city of Detroit filed for bankruptcy. Erika Boyd and her wife also opened up a restaurant, Detroit Vegan Soul, around the same time. Boyd joins us to talk about what's happened in the city in the past decade.
7/19/2023 • 29 minutes, 28 seconds
Inside Charleston's new African American Museum; Biden and working-class Americans
Historian Julian Zelizer talks about how President Biden will need to reconcile his support for labor unions with his focus on fighting climate change. And, renewed interest and support for nuclear power in the U.S. is propelling numerous proposals for plants in the West. Caitlin Tan of the Mountain West News Bureau takes us to one small town in Wyoming to hear how locals are preparing. Then, the International African American Museum opened last month in Charleston, South Carolina on Gadsden's Wharf. The port is the location where a vast number of enslaved people were brought to the United States and sold into bondage. Museum president Tonya Matthews tells us more.
7/18/2023 • 25 minutes, 29 seconds
Actions to combat climate change, from hydropanels to climate-smart trees
As effects of climate change become more pronounced and unavoidable, some people are making efforts to offset them and look toward a greener future. Senior editor Peter O'Dowd met with climate-adapted tree farmers in Minnesota working to bring trees that thrive in warmer climates to northern forests as average temperatures climb. On Navajo Nation, he learned about new technology called hydropanels that produce drinking water from the air. In Louisana, producer Chris Bentley spoke with teams plugging abandoned oil wells that leak greenhouse gasses. In Puerto Rico, he saw how one community created its own micro grid using renewable energy.
7/17/2023 • 46 minutes, 57 seconds
How water rights impact heat wave relief on Navajo Nation; Scrabble champion
This week in politics saw fights over spending, FBI testimony and contentious congressional hearings. Rick Klein, political director at ABC News, and Rhonda Colvin, congressional reporter for the Washington Post join us. And, a recent Supreme Court decision on Navajo Nation water usage rights has affected how residents can find relief from extreme heat waves. Nikki Cooley, the co-manager of climate change programs at the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, join us. Then, The North American Scrabble Championship kicks off this weekend in Las Vegas. Michael Fagan, who won the tournament last year with the word "levirates," joins us to talk about defending his title this year.
7/14/2023 • 27 minutes, 7 seconds
What the 1997 UPS strike says about today's labor movement; Pelvic health stigma
As labor tensions mount across America, we look back at the 1997 UPS strike, a major victory in the labor movement. Lane Windham, associate director of the Kalmanovitz Initiative For Labor and The Working Poor at Georgetown University, joins us. And, the Associated Press reported on Supreme Court Justices taking trips to colleges and universities, where they sometimes end up in the room with donors and politicians. AP's Brian Slodysko joins us. Then, Dr. Rachel Rubin is a urologist and sexual medicine specialist trying to break the stigma by starting conversations about pelvic health concerns that can impact both younger and older women as they age. She joins us.
7/13/2023 • 30 minutes, 57 seconds
Western drought and carbon emissions; Flooding in Vermont continues
Phoenix is in the middle of a heat wave, with temperatures reaching 110 across the city. David Hondula, Phoenix's director of heat response, joins us. And, drought in the West has increased carbon emissions, Hydropower is a big source of energy and when water is scarce, grid operators often turn to coal and gas plants to make up for lost power. That can have a big impact on the environment and public health even far away. Jake Bittle, staff writer at Grist, joins us. Then, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott has described damage from flooding as "historic and catastrophic," and more rain is on the way. Jake McBride, who lives in Plainfield, joins us to talk about how flooding has impacted the area.
7/12/2023 • 20 minutes, 40 seconds
Why are fans throwing cremains at performers?; Andrew Yang on the new Forward Party
Transatlantic data sharing is back. The European Union has approved an agreement that restores the ability for businesses to transfer personal information of citizens across the Atlantic easily. Roben Farzad, host of public radio's "Full Disclosure," joins us. And, there's been a recent trend of fans heaving bottles, phones and even cremated remains of their loved ones at artists performing on stage. Social psychology professor John Drury explains why this has been happening more and how it may change how we experience concerts. Then, a fledgling political party in the U.S. called Forward is trying to get candidates on the ballot for the 2024 election. The party was started by former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang and former Republican governor of New Jersey, Christine Todd Whitman. They tell us about the party.
7/11/2023 • 22 minutes, 50 seconds
Vietnam bans 'Barbie' movie; What makes an economy 'good' or 'bad'
Leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, met at the annual summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. Debate continues over whether to invite Ukraine to join the alliance. John Deni, research professor at the U.S. Army War College, joins us. And, Vietnam has banned Greta Gerwig's "Barbie," set to premiere later this month. In the movie, star Margot Robbie stands in front of a controversial map that reflects China's disputed claim to the South China Sea. And this isn't the first time this issue has caused controversy in Hollywood. Aynne Kokas, author of "Hollywood Made in China," joins us. Then, what does it mean to call the economy "good" or "bad"? The ups and downs of the job market can be one sign of economic health, but there are many others. Kate Raworth, author of "Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist." joins us.
7/10/2023 • 21 minutes, 56 seconds
Thursday breaks hottest day record; Visit a less crowded national park this summer
The average global temperature hit 63 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday, surpassing the most recent records set by Tuesday and Monday. Marshall Shepherd of the University of Georgia's atmospheric sciences program tells us more about this heat. And, earlier this week, Meta launched Threads, a new app designed to reel in Twitter's disgruntled user base. So far, the launch has been a resounding success. We get the latest from Alex Cranz, managing editor at The Verge. Then, national parks are the perfect summer getaways — but they can get rather crowded during peak season. AllTrails CEO Ron Schneidermann shares his suggestions for alternative hidden gems people can visit instead of some of the more inundated parks.
7/7/2023 • 20 minutes, 3 seconds
The activist who got affirmative action struck down; Hong Kong's bounty on Nathan Law
After a mass shooting in Philadephia on Monday, the city has filed a lawsuit against two gun manufacturers. Philadelphia has seen more than a 300% increase in ghost guns over the past four years. Philadelphia City Solicitor Diana Cortes joins us. And, Edward Blum is a Republican legal activist and made it his mission to end racial preferences in American society. He joins us to talk about what's next after the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action. Then, Hong Kong authorities placed bounties on eight prominent pro-democracy activists living overseas. They're wanted as part of an investigation into mass protests in Hong Kong in 2019. Former lawmaker Nathan Law is one of them and joins us.
7/6/2023 • 23 minutes, 1 second
Climate change education; UPS union contract negotiations fail to meet deadline
Negotiations over a new contract between UPS and its union have stalled, and a strike could be on the way. Insider's Emma Cosgrove talks about what happens next. And, we get the latest on a judge's decision to block government agencies from communicating with tech firms. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit that claims right-wing viewpoints are being suppressed online. The Verge's Richard Lawler joins us. Then, New Jersey is the first state to mandate all of its public schools, starting in kindergarten, to incorporate lessons about climate change into the curriculum. Two teachers tell us about their approaches to climate change education.
7/5/2023 • 23 minutes, 16 seconds
'50 Pies, 50 States'; Berry good treats to celebrate July 4th
Celebrate the summer with a pie, inspired by the ingredients, traditions and flavors of every state in the U.S. Stacey Mei Yan Fong wrote the cookbook "50 Pies, 50 States" and joins us to detail the recipes in her book. And, it's strawberry season. Our resident chef Kathy Gunst shares some treats to sweeten up the summer using fresh berries including muffins, crumble and cake. Then, the NPR Student Podcast Challenge offers a glimpse into what younger people are thinking about. Those topics include weird facts about the founding fathers and the mysteries of zombies, carrier pigeons and more. NPR's Lauren Migaki joins us.
7/4/2023 • 21 minutes, 24 seconds
How extreme heat will change the world; Wildfire manager on tough start to summer
Poor air quality stemming from fires burning across Canada is again choking major American cities. Jane Park, a fire and vegetation specialist at Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, talks about her work to help manage the fires. And, extreme temperatures are brutal on the human body. Journalist Jeff Goodell's new book, "The Heat Will Kill You First," explores what to do when "the sun feels like the barrel of a gun pointed at you." Then, the mayor of Reno, Nevada, is advocating for cities to address mental health. Hillary Schieve speaks with us about her own personal story of losing three family members during the pandemic who struggled with depression, bipolar disorder and addiction.
7/3/2023 • 30 minutes, 19 seconds
Supreme Court rules against Biden's student debt plan; Reverse Course wrap up
By a 6 to 3 vote, the Supreme Court struck down President Biden's plan to cancel $400 billion in student loan debt. Emily Bazelon of The New York Times Magazine talks about the Supreme Court's ruling on student loans. And the court ruled 6-3 that the First Amendment bars Colorado from "forcing a website designer to create expressive designs speaking messages with which the designer disagrees." Imani Gandy of Rewire News Group tells us more. Then, CSPAN's Jesse Holland and Axios' Margaret Talev talk about the political fallout from big Supreme Court rulings and the latest from the 2024 campaign trail. Plus, all this week, Here & Now has been reporting on small solutions to the big problems caused by climate change in our series Reverse Course. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd and Chris Bentley discuss reporting the series and some takeaways about climate solutions.
6/30/2023 • 31 minutes, 30 seconds
Creating drinking water 'from thin air'; SCOTUS rules against affirmative action
Up to 2 million Americans don't have access to running water at home and many of those places are in the hottest, driest places in the country. As part of our climate series Reverse Course, Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd visits the Navajo Nation and rural El Paso County, Texas, to learn about a technology that's offering a solution. And, the Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action admissions practices at the University of North Carolina and Harvard University. Alison Byerly, President of Carleton College, joins us. Then, South Koreans all got one to two years younger after a new law went into effect this week. The government adopted international age-counting standards, even though traditional methods will have some cultural relevance. NPR's Anthony Kuhn tells us more.
6/29/2023 • 24 minutes, 8 seconds
The future of Puerto Rico's electric grid; Construction worker on Texas' heat wave
Last year, Hurricane Fiona knocked out electricity across Puerto Rico and exposed how vulnerable the territory's grid remains. As part of our Reverse Course series, we hear from Puerto Ricans who want to break free from the cycle of destruction by building a decentralized grid powered largely by solar energy. But, as Here & Now's Chris Bentley reports, they say the government is not doing enough to hasten that transition. And we included an extended conversation with Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. Then, parts of southeast Texas have been facing triple-digit temperatures for three weeks now. Keith Katz, a second-year electrical apprentice and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 716, talks about how he's handling the extreme heat on the job.
6/28/2023 • 28 minutes, 13 seconds
Abandoned oil wells cause climate disaster in Louisiana; USDA approves lab-grown meat
Oil and gas wells off the coast of Louisiana are leaking climate-warming methane. Though the federal government has put money toward plugging them up, residents are still suffering. So some environmental groups are taking matters into their own hands. Here & Now's Chris Bentley reports from the Gulf Coast. And, the Supreme Court has ruled against a fringe legal election theory. The court ruled that state constitutions do protect voting rights in federal elections. Law professor and former Justice Department official Spencer Overton joins us. Then, the Department of Agriculture has approved the sale of cultivated 'lab-grown' meat. Bloomberg food reporter Deena Shanker joins us.
6/27/2023 • 26 minutes, 54 seconds
'Climate smart' trees sprout in Minnesota; Nonfiction book recommendations
In the first part of our Reverse Course series, Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd goes deep into the Northwoods of Minnesota to learn how trees adapted to warmer climates might help the state's forests thrive long into the future. And, a new law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott overrides worker protections, taking away water breaks from construction workers in order to regulate businesses across Texas. Daniela Hernandez, state legislative coordinator for the Workers Defense Project in Texas, talks about this as the state experiences a dangerous heat wave. Then, as we head into summer, "The Stacks" podcats creator Traci Thomas picks her favorite nonfiction books of the past half-year that she says are "un-put-downable."
6/26/2023 • 30 minutes, 55 seconds
A better way to teach kids to read; Father and son's 'Bunnamigos' podcast
It's been one year since the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. We look back at some of the stories shared as part of NPR's Days & Weeks series. Creator of the series NPR's Selena Simmons-Duffi joins us. And, research shows that current methods of teaching children how to read aren't as effective as they could be. But changing teaching practices has become a battleground in some states. Emily Hanford, a reporter for American Public Media, joins us. Then, father and son duo Maurice and Ezra Poplar join us. They came up with the idea of a travel podcast for kids after inventing stories about a group of rabbits in their California neighborhood. The podcast is called "BunnAmigos," and its second season begins soon.
6/23/2023 • 31 minutes, 9 seconds
Rep. Rashida Tlaib boycotts India PM Modi's speech; 10 years of 'Awesome Con'
ProPublica reported that Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito rode on the private jet of Republican donor, Paul Singer, in 2008. When cases involving Singer came before the court, Alito did not recuse himself. Amanda Frost, law professor at the University of Virginia, joins us. And, Rep. Rashida Tlaib is boycotting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech to Congress after Modi faced criticism for human rights abuses of religious minorities in India. Tlaib joins us. Them, Washinton D.C.'s "Awesome Con" celebrates its 10th anniversary. The event combines comics, cosplay and government organizations like NASA and the FBI. Here & Now's James Perkins Mastromarino tells us about it.
6/22/2023 • 22 minutes, 27 seconds
Unhappy at work? How to find a purposeful job; Senate considers travel for abortion
A number of Democratic Senators are going to the chamber's floor to call for the passage of a bill that aims to "block anti-choice states from limiting travel for abortion services." Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto joins us. And, best-selling author Bruce Feiler talks about his new book, "The Search: Finding Meaningful Work in a Post-Career World." With many Americans unhappy at their jobs and seeking new opportunities, the book lays out a path for how to proceed. Then, Holly Smale's new novel "Cassandra in Reverse" centers around a young woman named Cassandra who discovers she can travel through time. Like the book's author, Cassandra is autistic.
6/21/2023 • 29 minutes, 5 seconds
The Jonas Brothers on 'The Album;' Moving away from using BMI in health care
Former President Donald Trump was indicted over his mishandling of numerous classified documents. What challenges are expected to come up as the case unfolds? Former U.S. attorney Joyce Vance tells us. And, the American Medical Association adopted a new policy discouraging doctors from using body mass index (BMI) when gauging health and obesity. But STAT News' Elaine Chen says it won't be easy to implement. Then, "The Album" is the first album from the Jonas Brothers in four years. They join us to talk about fatherhood, family and other inspirations behind the music.
6/20/2023 • 25 minutes, 35 seconds
The grandmother of Juneteenth; North Carolina's 1st Black-owned children's bookstore
It's Juneteenth. 96-year-old Opal Lee has spent decades walking and advocating for the date marking actual emancipation to be recognized as a national holiday. She was part of the celebration at the White House last week marking the holiday. We revisit a conversation with her from last year. And, Victoria Scott-Miller, the founder of Liberation Station, talks about opening North Carolina's first Black-owned children's bookstore. Then, Nicole A. Taylor talks about her cookbook "Watermelon and Red Birds: A Cookbook for Juneteenth and Black Celebrations."
6/19/2023 • 33 minutes, 38 seconds
Was Martin Luther King Jr. more radical than we remember?
We often remember Martin Luther King Jr. as the picture of peaceful protest. And while that's not incorrect, he had more radical ideas and rhetoric that aren't as often discussed. When he was a college student, he knew he was going to "kill Jim Crow."A new biography of the civil rights leader, titled "King: A Life," explores some new revelations about the man. The book's author, Jonathan Eig, joins us.
6/16/2023 • 23 minutes, 37 seconds
'Big Sugar' explores exploitation on Florida's sugarcane fields; Pizza-making secrets
The Supreme Court decided to leave intact the Indian Child Welfare Act, which gives Native American families and tribal members priority in the adoption of Native American children. Journalist Rebecca Nagle tells us more. Then, in the 1980s and '90s, thousands of workers from mostly Jamaica came to Belle Glade, Florida, each year to cut sugarcane by hand. But while big corporations got rich, the workers were forced to do extremely dangerous work for little pay. "Big Sugar" podcast host Celeste Headlee talks about how the sugar industry exploited migrant workers in the 1980s and 90s. Then, Joe Carlucci, owner of Valentina's Pizzeria & Wine Bar in Madison, Alabama, won the Best Pizza Maker of the Year and Best Non-Traditional Pizza awards at this year's International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. He tells us how he does it.
6/15/2023 • 26 minutes, 10 seconds
Ruth Solorzano suffered sexual abuse for years. It led to her having 6 abortions
This podcast episode includes descriptions of rape and sexual assault. Starting when she was 12 years old, Ruth Solorzano suffered rape and sexual abuse at the hands of her stepfather, Edwin Cuxeva. It went on for 7 years. As a result, Solorzano had to get six abortions at different abortion clinics across California, using a fake name so there would be no record. After keeping the abuse a secret for years, Solorzano went to the police in 2021 and Cuxeva was sentenced to 28 years in prison last year. In post-Roe U.S., children who experience abuse like Solorzano may not have access to abortion procedures. Solorzano joins us to tell her story, along with Raheem Hosseini, race and equity editor for the San Francisco Chronicle who wrote an article about Solorzano.
6/14/2023 • 26 minutes, 43 seconds
'Indigikitchen' celebrates Native foods; A Trump-appointed judge will hear his case
Former President Donald Trump will appear at the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. federal courthouse in Miami on Tuesday. He faces 37 charges. The Washington Post's Ann Marimow takes a closer look at the judge in the case, Aileen Cannon. And, "Full Disclosure" host Roben Farzad talks about the latest on the sagging commercial real estate market in San Francisco. Then, traditional indigenous foods such as corn, beans and squash — known as "the three sisters" — are not just good for the environment, but also for our health. Mariah Gladstone, host of the online cooking show "Indigikitchen," shares the benefits to infusing our diets with pre-contact foods.
6/13/2023 • 23 minutes, 40 seconds
I-95 collapses in Philadelphia; Trump exemplifies 'cult leader dynamics'
A tanker truck fire caused part of Philadelphia's Interstate 95 to collapse. We get the latest from WHYY's Tom MacDonald. And, following his federal indictment last week, former President Donald Trump has said "this is the final battle" and that he will "never leave" the presidential race. New York University professor and fascism expert Ruth Ben-Ghiat joins us to explain what his rhetoric means. Then, Pat Robertson — founder the Christian Broadcasting Network, host of "The 700 Club," and creator of the Christian Coalition — died at age 93. Mike Cosper, director of podcasts for Christianity Today, joins us to talk about his legacy and impact.
6/12/2023 • 24 minutes, 20 seconds
What Trump indictment means for politics; Wildfire season forecast
Axios' Margaret Talev and the Associated Press's Darlene Superville discuss the political fallout from Thursday's indictment of former President Donald Trump for mishandling of classified documents. And Jim Wallmann, a meteorologist with the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, talks about the expected wildfire season in the U.S. Then, in her new book "Tenderheart," Chinese-Australian chef Hetty Lui McKinnon shares stories of what it was like to lose a parent as a child and how she found healing in cooking, especially in cooking vegetables.
6/9/2023 • 28 minutes, 47 seconds
Moms for Liberty labeled as extremist group; 'Diablo IV' game debuts successfully
The Supreme Court released its long-anticipated ruling in an Alabama voting rights case. The Court also ruled on a big Medicaid case on Thursday. Spencer Overton, a professor of law at The George Washington University, and Cornell University associate professor Jamila Michener join us. And, Moms for Liberty has been a proponent of book banning and tamping down on teaching about race and sexuality in public schools. In its annual report, the Southern Poverty Law Center labeled Moms for Liberty as an anti-government extremist group. The Washington Post's Will Sommer joins us. Then, after multiple controversies, Activision Blizzard's "Diablo IV" released to major success in the video game world. It's been lauded as one of the summer's hottest games, and Here & Now producer James Mastromarino tells us what it means for the company.
6/8/2023 • 24 minutes, 56 seconds
How poor air quality impacts health; 'Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV' doc
A number of cities and towns in the East and North East United States are under air quality warnings Wednesday because of wildfires in Canada. Dr. Neela Tummala talks about the health risks associated with poor air quality. And, who will pay to clean dangerous PFAS chemicals out of our water supplies? One settlement and one pending case might provide some clues. Grist reporter Zoya Teirstein explains. Then, Nam June Paik's been called the "father of video art." And he was — but he was so much more. Sixteen years after his death, a new documentary, "Moon is the Oldest TV," examines his life through newsreels, interviews, video clips and recordings. Filmmaker Amanda Kim joins us.
6/7/2023 • 25 minutes, 38 seconds
Latest on 'Cop City' in Atlanta; Can Jan. 6 rioters legally fundraise?
We get the latest on Atlanta's "Cop City" from Chamian Cruz of WABE. The Atlanta City Council voted to provide funding for the controversial police and fire training facility. And, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has been sending migrants who land in Texas away to other cities for months now. Shelter beds in Chicago are full, with hundreds of migrants resigned to sleeping on the floors of police stations. WBEZ's Michael Puente joins us. Then, Jan. 6 rioters are raising thousands of dollars online for their legal defense even though some have government lawyers. Associated Press reporter Michael Kunzelman and criminal justice professor Candance McCoy join us.
6/6/2023 • 25 minutes, 44 seconds
Is the 'Fight for 15' outdated?; State Farm halts home insurance in California
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Mayor Mike Savage talks about the massive wildfire that forced 16,000 people from their homes. And, Bloomberg's Eliyahu Kamisher discusses State Farm's decision to stop accepting applications for homeowner's insurance in California. Then, is $15 an hour a livable wage to raise a family? Pulitzer Prize-winning business journalist Rick Wartzman says wages need a big boost and that $20 per hour should be the floor, not the aspiration. The author of "Still Broke: Walmart's Remarkable Transformation and the Limits of Socially Conscious Capitalism" joins us.
6/5/2023 • 22 minutes, 45 seconds
Anti-LGBTQ rhetoric during Pride Month; Scripps National Spelling Bee winner
After passing in the House, the debt ceiling bill has landed before the Senate. Now, the Senate is rushing to pass it before Monday. NBC's Scott Wong and Radio Iowa's Kay Henderson join us. And, June is LGBTQ Pride Month, but anti-LGBTQ sentiment is harshing many celebrations. We speak with Tuck Woodstock, journalist, educator and host of the "Gender Reveal" podcast. Then, 14-year-old Dev Shah won the Scripps National Spelling Bee, beating hundreds of other spellers. The eighth grader joins us to talk about the victory.
6/2/2023 • 25 minutes, 15 seconds
Summer grilling recipes; Activist challenges Uganda's new anti-LGBTQ law
Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, a founding mother of the LGBTQ rights movement in Uganda, talks about her challenge to Uganda's new law that calls for the death penalty for some gay people. And, MSNBC's Ali Velshi, discusses Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data that shows fewer babies were born in the U.S. in 2022 compared to the year before. Then, as another summer grilling season begins, resident chef Kathy Gunst has new recipes to share. Plus, Samantha Brown, host of her travel series "Places to Love" on PBS, shares her tips and tricks to plan a successful summer getaway.
6/1/2023 • 26 minutes, 59 seconds
The history of spy animals; 'Blue Ribbon Kitchen' offers award-winning recipes
Recycling plastic creates microplastics that contaminate the air and water, a new study found. Grist reporter Joseph Winters joins us to talk about what this means amid a pollution crisis. And, an alleged Russian spy has surfaced in the waters of Sweden. The spy, Hvaldimir, is a beluga whale. There is a long history of animals being used for espionage in military conflict, and Manchester Metropolitan University lecturer Gervase Phillips joins us to unpack it. Then, Linda Skeens won 25 ribbons at the Virginia-Kentucky district fair last summer. She's cataloged this impressive feat in a new book, "Blue Ribbon Kitchen." The cookbook details her award-winning recipes and offers some insight into her life in Appalachia.
5/31/2023 • 24 minutes, 3 seconds
What's next for the debt ceiling deal?; Andy Cohen's 'Daddy Diaries'
A six-story building in Davenport, Iowa, partially collapsed and nine people have been rescued so far. Officials say the building is a total loss and will be demolished on Tuesday. WVIK's Herb Trix joins us. Then, President Biden and House Speaker McCarthy reached a proposed deal on the debt ceiling debate. The House Rules Committee will consider it. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), who helped negotiate the deal, joins us. And Samantha Sanders, director of government affairs and advocacy for the Economic Policy Institute, joins us to talk about who will be most affected by this proposed deal. And, most people know Andy Cohen as an eccentric TV personality who spars with the "Real Housewives" and co-hosts New Year's Eve specials with Anderson Cooper. But he's also written 10 books, the most recent of which titled "Daddy Diaries." Cohen joins us to talk about the book and his journey through single parenthood.
5/30/2023 • 29 minutes, 3 seconds
Montford Point Marine shares experience with racial segregation; Summer movie picks
The House is slated to vote Wednesday on the debt ceiling deal hashed out over the weekend by President Joe Biden and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. National Economic Council Deputy Director Bharat Ramamurti and the Washington Post's Jeff Stein join us. And, First Sgt. William "Jack" McDowell, Marine Corps was among the first Black men enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. His granddaughter, Sonia Smith Kang, tells us about his service. Then, Memorial Day is the traditional start of the summer movie season. John Horn, arts and entertainment reporter for LAist, gives us a preview.
5/29/2023 • 32 minutes, 41 seconds
La Marisoul and Los Texmaniacs' 'Corazones and Canciones'; Misogynoir in hip-hop
La Marisoul and Max Baca of Los Texmaniacs talk about their latest album, "Corazones and Canciones." And, Maverick City Music is a diverse collective that's changing the Christian music landscape. Maverick City Music co-founder Jonathan Jay and member Norman Gyamfi talk about what they bring to contemporary Christian music. Then, Sidney Madden and Rodney Carmichael, hosts of the NPR podcast "Louder Than A Riot," talk about how the specific discrimination against Black women plays out in hip-hop.
5/26/2023 • 32 minutes
Companies pull back LGBTQ support; How one Tina Turner superfan cherishes her legacy
Target says it's removing some of its Pride Month merchandise from store shelves after it received threats that made employees feel unsafe. But critics say that Target's decision sends a signal to right-wing extremists that their intimidation is working. NBC News' Ben Collins tells us more. And, Tina Turner was a true icon in every sense of the word. Superfan Donovan Marcelle, who once had the opportunity of a lifetime performing with her on stage during her reunion tour in 2000, joins us. Then, children of color face multiple barriers when it comes to learning how to swim. We learn about a new initiative called Swim Seattle that aims to tackle racial disparities in drowning deaths in the city.
5/25/2023 • 22 minutes, 59 seconds
Uvalde pastors reflect on 1 year since shooting; A24's 'You Hurt My Feelings'
One year ago, a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde Texas. The community is still grieving. Pastor Tony Gruben and Pastor Joe Ruiz join us. And, A24's film "You Hurt My Feelings" explores the dynamic of a marriage in crisis after the wife discovers her husband has been lying about liking her latest book. Writer-director Nicole Holofcener joins us. Then, how many Kyles does it take to break a world record? An event in Kyle, Texas sought to answer that by bringing together as many people named Kyle as possible. Kyle Gassiott of Troy Public Radio.
5/24/2023 • 28 minutes, 10 seconds
How a baby's early experiences shape their health later in life; Colorado River deal
Arizona Department of Water Resources director Tom Buschatzke and California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot talk about a temporary deal to restrict the use of Colorado River water while Western states come up with a longer-term plan to share the river's limited water amid a historic drought. And, researchers are learning more about how relationships with caregivers and sound nutrition can impact a child's immune, metabolic, and cardiovascular systems as they get older. Dr. Jack Shonkoff tells us more. Then, climate change is here, but your child likely isn't learning much about it at school. We learn about the state of climate literacy in education from Jennifer Jones of the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists and science writer Mary Batten.
5/23/2023 • 25 minutes, 45 seconds
The labor fight against AI; Military spouses often feel overwhelmed and alone
A big part of the WNBA's growing popularity is the return of Brittney Griner — the star player returning to the Phoenix Mercury after enduring a harrowing stay in Russian detention. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd was at her first home game on Sunday night. Then, AI has become a sticking point in the ongoing strike by the Writers Guild of America. What happens in Hollywood could have implications for other industries, too. Signal Foundation President Meredith Whittaker tells us more. Then, many of the wives — and husbands — of active-duty military members say they feel isolated. A new pilot peer support group aims to help military spouses find connection and resources. We hear from three spouses across the country.
5/22/2023 • 24 minutes, 29 seconds
3 fresh pea dishes to celebrate the end of winter; Shakespeare's first folio
Officials at the Alpine Crest Elementary School canceled a program designed by librarian Caroline Mickey to be sensitive to children who might not have a mother. Mickey and Hamiton County School Board representative Ben Connor join us. And, Shakespeare's first folio was published 400 years ago. The Folger Shakespeare Library in D.C. has 82 of the 235 known surviving copies and is currently renovating to exhibit them all free to the public. Folger librarian Greg Prickman tells us more. Then, resident chef Kathy Gunst shares three new recipes using peas, which are in season.
5/19/2023 • 30 minutes, 19 seconds
'Love to Love You, Donna Summer'; Drug overdoses in U.S. slightly increased in 2022
The World Meteorological Organization found that our planet is on track to break record levels of heat over the next five years And we may pass a major climate change threshold. MSNBC's Ali Velshi joins us. And, Columbia University professor Katherine Keyes talks about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that found drug overdose deaths increased by 2% last year. Then, between 1976 and 1982, Donna Summer had more top-10 hits than any other recording artist. Now, the new documentary "Love to Love You: Donna Summer" tells the singer's whole story. Summer's daughter Brooklyn Sudano made the movie. We speak with Sudano.
5/18/2023 • 23 minutes, 10 seconds
Women senators fight South Carolina abortion ban; Audiobooks recommendations
South Carolina lawmakers Katrina Shealy and Margie Bright Matthews — two of five "sister senators," a bipartisan group of the only women in the state senate who are banding together to fight a near-total ban on abortion in a special session that starts this week — join us. And, STAT's Brittany Trang talks about a promising study that tested a patch for toddlers with peanut allergies. Then, "The Stacks" podcast creator and host Traci Thomas shares recommendations from the more recent crop of audiobooks.
5/17/2023 • 27 minutes, 6 seconds
Ugly side of We Buy Ugly Houses; Bisa Butler's art weaves together history and hope
Special counsel John Durham issued a report that criticizes the FBI for its investigation into the 2016 Trump campaign. Washington Post reporter Devlin Barrett joins us to talk about the report. And, you've probably seen a sign that says "We Buy Ugly Houses" in your neighborhood somewhere. A new report from ProPublica uncovered the ugly side of the company's business tactics. Anjeanette Damon, one of the ProPublica reporters who reported the story, joins us. Then, Bisa Butler creates vibrant, electrifying quilt portraits using scraps of clothes. Her pieces weave together the culture and history of Black American life. Her new exhibit, "The World is Yours," is on display now at the Jeffrey Deitch Gallery in New York. Butler joins us to talk about her work and inspirations.
5/16/2023 • 27 minutes, 39 seconds
Can cereal and ice cream help you sleep?; The end of Title 42
Sheriff David Hathaway of Santa Cruz County, Arizona, talks about the situation along the border after the end of the border policy known as Title 42. Then, The City reporter Gwynne Hogan discusses the struggle to find shelter for thousands of migrants being sent to New York City. Over the weekend, Mayor Eric Adams announced that the shuttered Roosevelt Hotel will be used as a temporary shelter. And, if you're like most Americans, you may not have slept particularly well last night. Sleep-promoting cereal, ice cream and chocolate bars are gaining traction. But do they work? Charles Czeisler, chief of the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, weighs in.
5/15/2023 • 23 minutes, 31 seconds
The fate of the imperiled Colorado River and attempts to mitigate disaster
A water shortage on the Colorado River has put tremendous strain on the states that rely on it as a main water source. The fate of California's Salton Sea is tied to the future of the river, and a catastrophic drought has only worsened conditions. As the river's water supply dwindles lower and lower, farmers in different states fight over the allocation of resources. Farmers who rely on the water to grow crops are needing to cut way down on water consumption, but some states are still receiving significantly more water than others. Tensions are especially high between farmers in Arizona and California. But there have been some efforts to reduce the water needed to maintain agricultural industries, and vertical farming is one of them. It won't replace traditional field agriculture, experts say, but it's a step toward growing crops with fewer resources. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports on the devastation of the Colorado River and its rocky future.
5/12/2023 • 38 minutes, 2 seconds
'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' drops; Efforts to save birds in danger
The public health order Title 42 comes to an end Thursday. We speak with two migrants to hear why they left their home countries and hope to claim asylum in the U.S. Jennifer Babaie, director of legal services at Las Americas immigrant advocacy center, also joins us. And, over the past 50 years, one-third of North America's birds have disappeared, according to a 2019 study. Journalists Anders Gyllenhaal and Beverly Gyllenhaal talk about their new book "A Wing And A Prayer: The Race To Save Our Vanishing Birds." Then, Nintendo releases its biggest game in years on Friday, the latest in the massively influential "Legend of Zelda" series. It comes after the "Mario" movie broke records. The Washington Post's Gene Park tells us more.
5/11/2023 • 28 minutes, 19 seconds
Whaling logs and climate change; The 11 most endangered places in the U.S.
On Tuesday, a jury in Manhattan found former President Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation of writer E. Jean Carroll. Jane Manning, director of the Women's Equal Justice Project and a former sex crimes prosecutor, joins us. And, researchers found that 19th-century whaling logs contribute to climate science as sailors meticulously logged currents, weather and more. Timothy Walker from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth approached Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution with the idea for research. Then, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has released its 2023 list of the most endangered places in the U.S. Included in the list of 11 are a gas station, a church and a cemetery. Katherine Malone-France, chief preservation officer with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, joins us.
5/10/2023 • 23 minutes, 5 seconds
'My Father's Brain' explores the effect of Alzheimer's disease; No Mow May
Brett Cross, whose son Uziyah Garcia was killed in the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, talks about the bill in the Texas legislature that would raise the minimum age to buy certain semi-automatic rifles from 18 to 21. And, author and cardiologist Sandeep Jauhar discusses his new book "My Father's Brain: Life in the Shadow of Alzheimer's," which intertwines information about the disease and how it's treated with his own family's story of coping when his father developed Alzheimer's. And, proponents of the No Mow May movement are urging homeowners not to mow those lawns for the month to preserve and create habitat for birds, butterflies and bees that pollinate our plants. We hear more about the movement and why it's controversial.
5/9/2023 • 29 minutes, 51 seconds
Is the digital media era ending?; A Day Without Child Care
A man drove his SUV into a crowd of people outside a shelter for migrants in Brownsville, Texas, Sunday morning. The driver killed 8 people and injured 10 others. Gaige Davila, a reporter for Texas Public Radio's Border and Immigration Desk, joins us. And, are we coming to the end of the digital media era? Ben Smith, author and former editor-in-chief of Buzzfeed News, joins us to talk about his new book "Traffic: Genius, Rivalry and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral" and why he thinks the age of digital media is ending. Then, more than 700 child care providers are shutting down for the day in at least 20 states. They're rallying for better pay for educators and more affordable care for families. We speak with BriTanya Brown, the owner of a child care business in Stamford, Texas, and advocate Latoya Gayle.
5/8/2023 • 26 minutes, 45 seconds
What options remain for Jacob Wideman?
Jacob Wideman was arrested at work and brought back to prison for failing to make an appointment with a psychologist on a particular day, as directed by his parole officer. Two months later, he faced the Arizona parole board again. The parole board voted to keep Jake in prison, where he remains, possibly for life. In the final episode of Violation, we discuss what happens now and what Jake's legal options are. And we return to thorny dilemmas about the criminal justice system: When someone commits a terrible crime, as Jake did, is there anything they can do to prove they deserve to be free again? We also return to the question of why Jake killed Eric Kane in 1986. There's one last piece of the puzzle that might bring a little more clarity, and Jake tries to explain it in his own words. Listen to the full series on Here & Now Anytime. Find a transcript and photos here.
5/5/2023 • 59 minutes, 27 seconds
Discontent looms over King Charles III's coronation; 'The Great American Baking Show'
AP's Darlene Superville and Fox News' Chad Pergram discuss the week in politics, including new revelations about Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas' financial ties, as well as high-stakes debt ceiling negotiations and immigration changes next week. And, King Charles III is set to be crowned this weekend in a highly publicized coronation. And while thousands of people are likely to turn out and watch, not everyone is a fan of the monarchy. Femi Oke, host of Al Jazeera English's "The Stream," joins us. "The Great American Baking Show" — the U.S. version of "The Great British Bake Off" — debuts on the Roku channel Friday. Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith tell us about the new show.
5/5/2023 • 29 minutes, 45 seconds
How one company is making millions on water; The impact of Gen Z voters
New reporting from ProPublica found that billionaire Republican donor Harlan Crow paid private school tuition for Justice Clarence Thomas's grand-nephew. The revelation comes after a hearing this week on Supreme Court ethics. Amanda Frost, law professor at the University of Virginia, tells us more. And, Grist's Jake Bittle talks about his investigation into "water brokers" that are profiting off of the Western water crisis. Then, two Gen Z activists — Republican Joe Mitchell and Democrat Teddy Landis — share what they think fellow 20-something voters want to hear on issues such as abortion and gun control.
5/4/2023 • 26 minutes, 12 seconds
Cate Blanchett on Syrian refugee crisis; Gun violence rate differs across regions
Congress has a June deadline to raise the debt ceiling, but there's a tense political standoff to be settled. It's not the first time something like this has happened. In 2011, Republicans were also trying to secure spending cuts in exchange for raising the debt limit. NPR's Ron Elving joins us. And, the Syrian refugee crisis has been going on for 12 years now, and it hasn't shown many signs of improvement. Political violence and natural disasters have forced more than 14 million Syrians out of their homes. Cate Blanchett — actor and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees goodwill ambassador — discusses her recent trip to Jordan and meetings with Syrian refugees. Then, gun violence and mass shootings are daily occurrences in the U.S., but new research shows that rates of gun violence differ across the country. Colin Woodard, researcher and director of the Nationhood Lab at Salve Regina University in Rhode Island, joins us.
5/3/2023 • 23 minutes, 58 seconds
Research finds rent control reduces affordability in long run; Supreme Court reform
On the one-year anniversary of the leak of the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, the Senate Judiciary Committee is hearing from legal experts Tuesday on ethics and the Supreme Court. "Amicus" podcast host Dahlia Lithwick joins us. And, there are reports that Vice Media is preparing to file for bankruptcy. Roben Farzad, host of public radio's "Full Disclosure," tells us more. Then, does rent control improve housing affordability in the long run? Economist Rebecca Diamond was part of a study in San Francisco that found that in the long run, rent control drove up rents because it led a number of landlords to convert their housing to other uses and it reduced the supply of rental units.
5/2/2023 • 29 minutes, 14 seconds
May Day protests erupt in France over pension reform; Who owns history?
First Republic Bank is the third bank to fail this year, and the largest. What does this tell us about the financial system? Karen Shaw Petrou, co-founder and managing partner of Federal Financial Analytics, joins us. And, May Day marks labor rights around the world. In France, citizens protest pension reform that plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. NPR Paris correspondent Eleanor Beardsley joins us. Then, who owns history? When documentation of historical events is often stored behind paywalls, the answer is unclear. Filmmaker Richard Misek joins us to talk about his new documentary, "A History of the World According to Getty Images."
5/1/2023 • 25 minutes, 8 seconds
How a parole violation sent Jacob Wideman back to prison — possibly for life
Six months after Jacob Wideman was released from prison on home arrest, his parole officer told the parole board that Jake was doing well. But other people were coming to a different conclusion. In Part 6 of Violation, we hear interviews and testimony from Jake, his attorneys, parole officials and others as we piece together the events leading up to the parole violation that sent Jake behind bars again — possibly for life. Subscribe to Here & Now Anytime for new episodes each Friday. Find a transcript and photos here.
4/28/2023 • 46 minutes, 56 seconds
Is your pet miserable?; Investors and opponents on ESG strategies
Congress is still divided over the debt limit. Republicans passed a bill that would raise the debt ceiling — but dramatically cut spending. But it's unlikely to pass in the Democrat-controlled Senate. Rep. Jim Clyburn, assistant House Democratic leader, joins us. And, are our pets actually miserable? Animal ethicist Jessica Pierce joins us to answer that uncomfortable question. Then, banks and investment firms using ESG — environment, social and governance investing — are the subject of a new culture war. Opponents say that firms using ESG strategies are pushing a liberal agenda, but proponents say they're just making smart business decisions.
4/28/2023 • 30 minutes, 51 seconds
The influence and absurdity of QAnon; Disney takes DeSantis to court
Sen. Dick Durbin, Democrat of Illinois and chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, speaks about the Republican plan to raise the debt ceiling while cutting spending and about attempts at Supreme Court ethics reform. And, we get the latest on the clash between Disney and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis from MSNBC economics correspondent and anchor Ali Velshi. Then, by now, many are familiar with QAnon, the once-fringe conspiracy group that gained millions of supporters in the U.S. and abroad over the last 5 years. What's the latest on the group, particularly as former President Donald Trump gears up for the 2024 primary? Author Will Sommer joins us to talk about his new book, "Trust the Plan: The Rise of QAnon and the Conspiracy That Unhinged America," a deep dive into QAnon.
4/27/2023 • 25 minutes, 35 seconds
How to talk about mental health in the workplace; Books by transgender authors
The Environmental Protection Agency is set to impose strict new regulations on power plants. It could force existing plants to rely on technologies like carbon capture and hydrogen. Energy analyst at the Rhodium Group John Larsen joins us. And, discussion of mental health has become less taboo over the years. But is there a right or wrong way to discuss it in the workplace? The Wall Street Journal's Callum Borchers joins us. Then, bans on books in school libraries and elsewhere often target those that tell LGBTQ stories. With laws limiting the right of transgender people often in the news, creator of "The Stacks" podcast Traci Thomas offers a list of books by transgender authors or telling transgender stories.
4/26/2023 • 25 minutes, 31 seconds
Remembering Harry Belafonte; Why 'uhs' and 'likes' belong in our language
Harry Belafonte, the musician, actor, and civil rights activist, died Tuesday morning at the age of 96. NPR's Elizabeth Blair looks back on Belafonte's impact on music, culture and equality. And, Bed, Bath & Beyond plans to wind down operations at 360 stores and 120 BuyBuy Baby stores with closing sales beginning Wednesday. But the big box retailer wasn't always circling the drain. Bloomberg Opinion retail columnist Leticia Miranda tells us more. Then, linguist Valerie Fridland talks about her new book "Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad Language," which dives into the history of abused speech mannerisms like "ums" and discovers that they have much more value than we think.
4/25/2023 • 23 minutes, 41 seconds
Can you pull yourself up by the bootstraps? NAACP warns of 'state takeover'
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed a new set of laws that would bolster the power of law enforcement and make other changes. The NAACP's Abre' Conner talks about the organization's challenge to the new laws. And, can you pull yourself up by your own bootstraps? It's a myth that defines the American dream. It's also the subject of Alissa Quart's book "Bootstrapped: Liberating Ourselves from the American Dream." Then, the captain of a shrimp boat from Texas won the international Goldman Environmental Prize. Diane Wilson won a $50 million court case against a company dumping harmful plastics into the water. She joins us to talk about the award and her work.
4/24/2023 • 30 minutes, 45 seconds
Life expectancy improves for Black people who live near Black doctors; 'Woke' banking
Advocates working to address racial health disparities call a new study about Black physicians "groundbreaking" and "a wakeup call." STAT's Usha Lee McFarling tells us more. And, bills in Republican-led states that push back on so-called "woke" investing and banking have real-life impacts. There are political winners and real-life losers. We look at a small city in Texas that is taking a financial hit because of a law that bans doing business with banks that "discriminate" against the gun industry. Then, Rob Quicke, founder of the College Radio Foundation, tells us about this weekend's 8th-annual Vinylthon fundraiser to support the next generation of radio broadcasters.
4/21/2023 • 28 minutes, 35 seconds
Life on parole: How a violation put Jacob Wideman back in prison
Jacob Wideman was released from prison in 2016 after 30 years behind bars and seven hearings in front of the Arizona parole board. You may have heard the term "mass incarceration" — this idea that the U.S. locks up more people than any country in the world. But lately, scholars and activists have also been talking about "mass supervision." There are almost 2 million people in U.S. prisons, but there are almost 4 million people on probation or parole. In Part 5 of Violation, we examine what life is like for the millions of people on parole in the U.S., and describe what happened when Jacob Wideman was on parole. Jake didn't know it when he was first released, but his freedom would only last nine months — and there were people on the outside working to put him back inside. Subscribe to Here & Now Anytime for new episodes each Friday. Find a transcript and photos here.
4/21/2023 • 38 minutes, 1 second
Looking to Norway for changes to U.S. prison system; Best modern board games
In recent news, common mistakes that anyone could make like knocking on the wrong door or pulling into the wrong driveway have resulted in gun violence, and in one instance, death. Washington Post national columnist Philip Bump joins us to talk about how paranoia and guns intersect. And, Tommy "Shakur" Ross recently visited two prisons in Norway. He joins us to talk about what he found and California Gov. Gavin Newsom's plan to make the San Quentin prison more like Norway's prisons. Then, board games are having a renaissance. From increased convention attendance to cult followings, their popularity is palpable. Here & Now's resident gamer James Perkins Mastromarino joins us with the latest.
4/20/2023 • 27 minutes, 10 seconds
Biden's 'historic' child care order; Immigration law seperates family
President Biden has signed an executive order that includes directives aimed at making child care more accessible and more affordable. Jen Klein, director of the White House Gender Policy Council, tells us more. And, the violence in Sudan has spilled into a fifth day in spite of a ceasefire being put in place by the two warring sides. Sara Musa El Saeed, NGO Corus International's Sudan Director, joins us. Then, Navy veteran Ed Markowitz is living Canada because his wife is currently barred from living in the U.S. due to federal immigration law. He joins us along with Ashley DeAzevedo, the president of American Families United, a group that is fighting to fix situations like Markowitz's.
4/19/2023 • 23 minutes, 19 seconds
Activists march for Jayland Walker; 'The Phantom of the Opera' ends Broadway run
A special grand jury came back Thursday with no charges for the eight police officers who shot and killed Jayland Walker, a young Black man, in Akron, Ohio, last summer. Activists march for justice on Tuesday. Rev. Raymond Greene Jr., leader of Freedom BLOC, or the Black Led Organizing Collaborative, joins us. And, when Democratic Rep. Justin Jones joined protestors rallying against gun violence, he was expelled from the Tennessee House along with another young, Black lawmaker. They were both reinstated days later. Jones joins us. Then, "The Phantom of the Opera" ended its 35-year Broadway run on Sunday. It's the longest-running musical in Broadway history. Actor George Lee Andrews, who appeared in 9,382 performances, reflects on the show and its end.
4/18/2023 • 25 minutes, 41 seconds
Credit card debt questions, answered; Fox-Dominion defamation case begins this week
Former federal prosecutor Ankush Khardori talks about the strengths and weaknesses of the defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News. Dominion accuses Fox of knowingly spreading falsehoods about its vote counting in the 2020 presidential election. And, we get an update on the Boston Marathon results from Alex Ashlock, reporter and former Here & Now staffer, at the finish line. Then, our personal finance guru answers your questions on paying down credit card debt. Jill Schlesinger, a CBS News business analyst and host of "Jill on Money," joins us.
4/17/2023 • 25 minutes, 12 seconds
How Jacob Wideman faced his mental health struggles behind bars
Two years after he murdered Eric Kane, Jacob Wideman was transferred from county jail to the Arizona Department of Corrections to begin serving a life sentence. At 18 years old, Jake was thrust into a world where the only way to feel safe was through physical aggression and bravado. He had many years of practice pretending he wasn't suffering from mental health struggles in his youth, but now, Jake had to push those struggles even further out of sight as he faced a series of challenges in prison, each more difficult than the last. In Part Four of the "Violation" podcast, we follow his decades-long journey through the Arizona prison system and hear how he prepared to tell his life story to the parole board.
4/14/2023 • 47 minutes, 41 seconds
Clarence Thomas' history of failing to disclose expenses; What is 'woke' investing?
A suspect related to the Pentagon documents leak has been arrested. The suspect is a 21-year-old member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. Ellen Nakashima, national security reporter for the Washington Post, joins us. And, a new revelation shows Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas sold property to Texas billionaire Harlan Crow and failed to disclose it. Jane Mayer, chief Washington correspondent for the New Yorker, outlines Thomas' history of similar behavior. Then, what is "woke" investing? It's a term given to ESG, or environment, social and governance investing. It's when investment firms consider climate change or other issues when making financial decisions. And some lawmakers want to ban it. Here & Now investigates.
4/14/2023 • 29 minutes, 16 seconds
The latest on abortion pill; Does AI discriminate against parents with disabilities?
The drug Mifepristone is used in most medication abortions in the U.S. Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk overturned the FDA's approval of the abortion drug. A federal appeals court will grant partial access to the drug while federal rulings play out, but impose stricter regulations about how it can be used. The Washington Post's Caroline Kitchener and The 19th's Shefali Luthra join us. And, e-cigarette manufacturing company JUUL has agreed to settle a case brought by six states and Washington D.C. for lying about the harm of vaping and marketing to children. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser joins us. Then, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, uses AI technology to predict which children could be at risk for harm. The Justice Department is getting involved after an investigation found the technology may be discriminating against parents with disabilities.
4/13/2023 • 28 minutes, 17 seconds
The emotional toll of treating gunshot victims; Herbie Hancock on life and friendship
Dr. Jason Smith is the chief medical officer at the University of Louisville Hospital. The hospital treated victims of Monday's mass shooting at a bank in the city, and Smith joins us to talk about the emotional toll that doctors, nurses and other emergency room workers face when treating gunshot victims so frequently. And, the Department of the Interior has offered two potential plans of action to cut water usage from the imperiled Colorado River. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports on the federal government's attempts to protect the large reservoir after 23 years of drought. Then, jazz legend Herbie Hancock turns 83 on Wednesday. The pianist and composer joins us to discuss life, death, music and his decades-long friendship with a fellow jazz icon, the late saxophonist Wayne Shorter.
4/12/2023 • 27 minutes, 13 seconds
Why so many autistic kids get expelled from preschool; Clint Smith's 'Above Ground'
The U.S. Department of Justice is appealing a ruling suspending the Food and Drug Administration's approval of mifepristone, a drug used in medication abortions. If the ruling holds, it would effectively ban the sale of the pills across the country. We hear from Laurie Bertram Roberts, executive director and co-founder of the Mississippi Reproductive Freedom Fund. And, we talk with the University of California Riverside's Jan Blacher, the co-author of a new study about high rates of expulsions from preschools for autistic kids. Then, in "Above Ground," Clint Smith writes about the everyday joy, anxiety and exhaustion of parenthood with young children. He joins us.
4/11/2023 • 25 minutes, 30 seconds
Irish priest on 25 years since Good Friday peace agreement; The 'Olympics of hula'
The abortion drug Mifepristone has been used effectively and safely for medical abortions for more than 20 years. But amid conflicting federal rulings over abortion, the drug's future remains unclear. Mary Ziegler — legal historian, law professor and author — joins us. And, it's been 25 years since the Good Friday Agreement ended decades of violence in Northern Ireland. Father Kevin Mullan reflects on the peace deal and on building bridges between religious communities. Then, the Merrie Monarch Festival, often called the "Olympics of hula," celebrates its 60-year anniversary this week. It's the world's most prestigious hula competition and is held in Hilo. Kimo Kahoano, the competition's longtime host, joins us.
4/10/2023 • 25 minutes, 29 seconds
Life without parole: How the board works — and doesn't — in the U.S.
What happens at parole boards is a huge part of Jacob Wideman's story — and his story tells us a lot about the parole system in America. After serving 25 years behind bars for killing his summer camp roommate, Eric Kane, Wideman went before a parole board in Arizona for the first time. Starting with his first hearing in 2011, he was denied parole over and over. Except for one time. Part 3 of the "Violation" podcast, examines parole boards, largely secretive institutions that operate in many states with few rules and little oversight. Subscribe to Here & Now Anytime for new episodes each Friday. Find a transcript and photos here.
4/7/2023 • 35 minutes, 14 seconds
Biden's transgender athlete proposal; Israel launches airstrikes on Lebanon, Gaza
AP's Darlene Superville and NBC's Sahil Kapur talk about the latest in politics this week, including a published report that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas did not disclose lavish travel and vacations hosted by a conservative donor. And, the Washington Post's Sarah Dadouch talks about the Israeli airstrikes on Friday morning. The attacks came in response to a barrage of rockets that were fired from south Lebanon toward northern Israel. Then, NBC Out's Jo Yurcaba talks about the Biden administration's proposal to change Title IX. It would outlaw broad bans on trans athletes but still allow some restrictions on participation. Logan Casey of the Movement Advancement Project also joins the conversation to share more about the status of anti-trans bills in state legislatures.
4/7/2023 • 30 minutes, 2 seconds
3 recipes to spring into Passover and Easter; Michigan abortion ban repealed
Michigan Radio's Rick Pluta about the politics that led to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's signing Wednesday of a bill to repeal a 1931 abortion ban in Michigan, which went into effect after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last June. And, resident chef Kathy Gunst shares three new recipes for Passover, Easter, or other spring celebrations. Then, film scoring professor Jon Burlingame looks at some classic TV themes and talks about his new book, "Music for Prime Time: A History of American Television Themes and Scoring."
4/6/2023 • 22 minutes, 51 seconds
The charges against Trump, explained; Health care for LA's unhoused population
Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz defeated former State Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly in a divisive election on Tuesday for an open Supreme Court seat. Chuck Quirmbach of WUWM in Milwaukee explains the results and what we can expect now from the court. And, WBEZ's city government reporter Mariah Woelfel talks about Brandon Johnson's win in the Chicago mayoral election. Then, former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Tuesday to 34 felony charges. He's accused of covering up payment to an adult film actress to conceal an alleged affair and influence the 2016 election. Election lawyer Jerry Goldfeder explains the charges. Plus, in Los Angeles, a street medicine team is turning to technology to better serve the needs of people who are homeless. STAT's Mohana Ravindranath joins us.
4/5/2023 • 24 minutes, 30 seconds
Gun control controversy in Tennessee; 'Reflections on Captivity' tells of POW life
Republican state lawmakers in Tennessee are moving to expel three Democrats from office for chanting along with gun control demonstrators at the state capitol. Blaise Gainey, political reporter at WPLN in Nashville, joins us. And, OPEC+ — a group of oil-producing nations — voted to cut oil production by more than one million barrels a day. This came as a surprise to the White House and has already led to a surge in oil prices. Roben Farzad, host of public radio's "Full Disclosure" joins us. Then, 50 years ago, Porter Halyburton, a Navy lieutenant junior grade at the time, was listed as "killed in action" after being shot down over North Vietnam. However, he was alive and survived as a prisoner of war for more than 7 years. Halyburton tells his story in a new book called "Reflections on Captivity" and joins us.
4/4/2023 • 20 minutes, 53 seconds
Adopting a desert tortoise; How media is covering the Trump indictment
Wisconsin voters on Tuesday will decide the whether the state Supreme Court will have a conservative or liberal majority. The outcome will likely determine abortion access, election law and whether a heavily-Republican gerrymandered map will remain in place. WUWM news reporter Chuck Quirmbach joins us. And, journalist Brian Stelter talks about how the media is covering the first-ever indictment of a former president. Then, the Arizona Game and Fish Department started its annual desert tortoise adoption program this week. More than 300 animals are available this year, mostly because people illegally breed them at home. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd met a few of the reptiles to learn how they adapt to the harsh desert climate and why the population of some species has dropped rapidly in recent years.
4/3/2023 • 23 minutes, 47 seconds
What Trump's indictment means; Ramadan recipes from two Muslim chefs
USA Today White House correspondent Francesca Chambers and NPR senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro talk about the first-ever indictment of a former president on charges related to a hush money payment scheme and cover-up. And, millions of people on Medicaid could lose their coverage in the coming weeks as pandemic-era protections end. Dr. James Schultz joins us. Then, the communal aspect to the celebration of Ramadan includes congregations of prayers and community dinners full of traditional foods special to this month. Muslim chefs Ifrah F. Ahmed and Nafy Flatley tell us all about their tasty Ramadan recipes.
3/31/2023 • 28 minutes, 35 seconds
'Bad seed': Two generations, two terrible crimes
Was Jacob Wideman a "bad seed"? The question emerged not long after Jake murdered his summer camp roommate, Eric Kane, in 1986 seemingly with no motive. In this latest episode of "Violation," a podcast series from The Marshall Project and WBUR, author John Edgar Wideman tells the story of his brother Robby, who received a life sentence for his role in a robbery where a man died, and how his son related to Robby. Subscribe to Here & Now Anytime for new episodes each Friday. Find a transcript and photos here.
3/31/2023 • 41 minutes, 11 seconds
'1,000 Facts About Space' book; MLB opens season with new regulations
The Food and Drug Administration approved the sale of Narcan, a nasal spray used to treat opioid overdoses, for over-the-counter, non-prescription purchase. There are still challenges, like the high cost of this life-saving medication, that may present barriers to access. Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, joins us. And, Major League Baseball kicks off the season with a host of new regulations designed to speed up the flow of the game a reduce injuries. There's also a first-of-its-kind deal for Minor League players. The Washington Post's National baseball reporter Chelsea Janes joins us. Then, space is vast, stunning and described by many as unknowable. Astronomer Dean Regas is not among them. He's the author of a new book called "1,000 Facts About Space" that's aimed at children but is sure to interest and delight adult readers as well. Regas joins us.
3/30/2023 • 19 minutes, 37 seconds
Nickel Creek drops 'Celebrants'; 'Shocking' Ciudad Juárez fire video
New security footage shows security guards walking away as migrants bang on a cell door during the deadly fire in Ciudad Juarez. Marisa Limón Garza of Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center talks about conditions for migrants in the city. And, after massive protests in Israel over a push by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to remake the judiciary, he is temporarily holding off on the plan. Protester Yochai Gross talks about what comes next. Then, the trio Nickel Creek is back with a new album, "Celebrants." Chris Thile and Sara and Sean Watkins join us.
3/29/2023 • 25 minutes, 4 seconds
A history of anthems that empower women; Deadly fire at Juárez immigration center
After a shooter opened fire at a Nashville elementary school on Monday, authorities are still searching for a motive. The attack took place at the Covenant School and left three adults, three children and the shooter dead. Alexis Marshall of WPLN joins us. And, a fire broke out in an immigration center in Ciudad Juárez killing 39 migrants and injuring 29 others. Angela Kocherga, KTEP's news director, joins us to give more information. Then, to close out Women's History Month, we're rounding up some anthems of women empowerment through the years. There are the obvious ones like Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" and Aretha Franklin's "Respect," but we look at where inspiration for those came from and the songs that have come out since. NPR music critic Ann Powers joins us.
3/28/2023 • 23 minutes, 51 seconds
Josh Groban takes on the bloody role of 'Sweeney Todd'; Trump's possible indictment
At least 26 people were killed after a tornado cut through central Mississippi over the weekend. We check in with Royce Steed, Humphrey County's emergency management director. And, what does Trump's possible indictment and rhetoric mean for democracy? Expert Rachel Kleinfeld of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace weighs in. Then, Josh Groban is starring in the titular role of Broadway's larger-than-life new "Sweeney Todd." Directed by Thomas Kail, the show also includes a heavy dose of humor and physical comedy, much of it in the able hands of co-star Annaleigh Ashford who enraptures the audience as Mrs. Lovett. They join us.
3/27/2023 • 29 minutes, 30 seconds
Two sons, lost: How a 1986 summer camp murder devastated two families
In 1986, 16-year-olds Jacob Wideman and Eric Kane were rooming together on a summer camp trip to the Grand Canyon when Jacob fatally — and inexplicably — stabbed Eric. Before long, Jacob turned himself in and eventually confessed to the killing. But he couldn't explain what drove him to do it. This debut episode of Violation, a podcast from The Marshall Project and WBUR, introduces the story of the crime that has bound two families together for decades. Subscribe to Here & Now Anytime for new episodes each Friday. Find a transcript and photos here.
3/24/2023 • 33 minutes, 53 seconds
Oregon students with disabilities face barriers to school; 'My Powerful Hair' book
A new law in Utah has been designed to limit the time children and teenagers spend on social media. It requires those under 18 years old to get parental consent before signing up for sites like Instagram or TikTok and sets time constraints for when minors can use the apps. New York Times technology reporter Natasha Singer joins us. Then, in Oregon, some students with disabilities face an uphill battle to attend school. Schools claim they don't have adequate staffing to support students. Democratic state senator Sara Gelser Blouin has a bill to address the issue. She joins us with Elizabeth Miller, an education reporter at Oregon Public Broadcasting. And, the children's picture book "My Powerful Hair" tells the story of an Indigenous girl who reclaims her heritage by growing her hair long, something older generations were not allowed to do. Author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Steph Littlebird join us.
3/24/2023 • 30 minutes, 23 seconds
Child care crisis: Teachers 'need to be able to sustain ourselves'; Violation podcast
The only hospital in Sandpoint, Idaho, will stop delivering babies. Idaho has some of the nation's strictest laws restricting abortion access — and now pregnant people in Sandpoint will have to drive about 45 miles to another hospital. Kelcie Moseley-Morris of the States Newsroom joins us. And, the child care industry took a sharp hit in the early days of the pandemic, losing about a third of its workforce. Three years later, the labor force has yet to fully recover. Here & Now's Ashley Locke reports the challenge to retain staff to meet demand basically comes down to low pay. Then, an excerpt from the debut episode of Violation, a podcast from The Marshall Project and WBUR, introduces the story of the crime that has bound two families together for decades. The full first episode drops on Here & Now Anytime this Friday.
A deadly fungal infection is on the rise, a new report shows. Candida auris, or C. auris, is harmless to most, but can be deadly to immunocompromised and elderly people. Dr. Meghan Lyman, chief medical officer in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's mycotic diseases branch, joins us. Then, as anti-LGBTQ legislature and rhetoric flare up across the country, older LGBTQ activists have some wisdom for the younger generations. Barbara Satin is a long-timer faith leader and transgender woman. She joins us along with Kierra Johnson, executive director of the National LGBTQ Task Force. And, spring has officially sprung. Indulge yourself with some rich, sweet and savory brunch recipes from our resident chef. Kathy Gunst shares recipes for fried eggs with asparagus, lemon-ricotta pancakes and buttermilk biscuits.
3/22/2023 • 22 minutes, 48 seconds
Asian seniors find 'sacred space' in ballroom dance; Wyoming bans abortion pills
Wyoming is the first to explicitly ban abortion pills by law. Will Walkey of Wyoming Public Media explains the new law and the legal challenges that lie ahead. And, NPR news editor Larry Kaplow was a print reporter living and working in Baghdad 20 years ago. Kaplow joins us to mark the 20th anniversary of the start of the U.S. war in Iraq. Then, the San Francisco Chronicle's Cecilia Lei spoke with Asian seniors in the San Francisco Bay area, two months after 11 people were killed at an Asian ballroom dance studio in Monterey Park. Lei discovered that "this isn't just about mental or physical exercise, it's about community connection" and joy in the face of tragedy.
3/21/2023 • 23 minutes, 36 seconds
Navajo Nation goes to Supreme Court over water; Chineke! Orchestra on tour
It's been 20 years since U.S. troops stormed into Baghdad at the start of the Iraq war based on the dubious claims of weapons of mass destruction. Retired U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus calls it a "massive cautionary tale." And, the Navajo Nation has been battling for access to Colorado River water. Before the Supreme Court on Monday, the Navajo Nation will argue the federal government has failed to live up to its duty to provide the tribe with an adequate water supply. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports. Then, the Chineke! Orchestra is on its debut North America tour. The group is one of Europe's top orchestras and the first majority Black and ethnically diverse professional orchestra from the continent. Founder and double bass player Chi-chi Nwanoku joins us.
3/20/2023 • 29 minutes, 45 seconds
Violation trailer: Who pulls the levers of power in the justice system?
Violation, a new podcast from The Marshall Project and WBUR, tells the story of how a horrible crime has connected two families for decades. The series explores suffering and retribution, as well as power and privilege. It also pulls back the curtain on parole boards — powerful, secretive, largely political bodies that control the fates of thousands of people every year. Hosted and reported by The Marshall Project's Beth Schwartzapfel, Violation debuts on March 22. Listen to new episodes each Friday on Here & Now Anytime.
3/17/2023 • 3 minutes, 7 seconds
The groups behind anti-trans legislature; Carbon capture pipelines in Midwest
Texas is moving to take over Houston's public school system. It would be one of the largest state takeovers in U.S. history. Dominic Anthony Walsh, education and families reporter for Houston Public Media and Zeph Capo, president of the Texas American Federation of Teachers, join us. And, Madison Pauly, a reporter at Mother Jones, joins us to talk about her findings of a coordinated effort at the state level that's resulted in a wave of legislation to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Then, there's an ongoing fight over the proposed construction of a pipeline for carbon capture and storage in the Midwest. Nara Schoenberg of the Chicago Tribune joins us.
3/17/2023 • 26 minutes, 18 seconds
Will selling TikTok to a U.S.-owned company make us safer?; How to master a craft
Security analyst Jim Walsh talks about the release of a video Thursday morning showing that Russian jets interfered with a U.S. drone in international waters over the Black Sea on Tuesday and forced the U.S. military to down it. And, TikTok parent company ByteDance says the Biden administration is ordering it to sell the video-sharing app to an American-owned company or face being banned in the United States. Axios media reporter Sara Fischer tells us more. And, in his new book "The Real Work: On the Mystery of Mastery," New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik attempts new skills including drawing, baking and boxing, and ponders what the experiences teach him. Gopnik talks about the book.
3/16/2023 • 23 minutes, 24 seconds
Former chief on Detroit policing; Margaret Atwood releases short story collection
The Environmental Protection Agency has moved to limit the amount of "forever chemicals" called PFAS in drinking water to the lowest detectable levels. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, birth defects and other health issues. Sharon Lerner, reporter for ProPublica, joins us. And, in 2003, the Detroit Free Press uncovered the use of excessive force and improper arrests and detainments in the Detroit Police Department. Under federal oversight, did the state of policing change? Former Detroit police chief and one of the city's first Black police officers, Isaiah McKinnon, joins us. Then, acclaimed author of "The Handmaid's Tale" Margaret Atwood explores loss, aliens and dead cats in the freezer in her new short story collection, "Old Babes in the Wood." Atwood joins us to discuss the stories.
3/15/2023 • 25 minutes, 46 seconds
Recovering from major bank collapses; 'My Vermont Table' offers tastes of the state
After Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank failed, many customers were left confused. Sheila Bair, former chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, joins us to discuss. And, the Federal Reserve is dealing with raising inflation in conjunction with bank failures. Roben Farzad, host of public radio's "Full Disclosure," joins us to talk about the Fed's next steps. Then, President Biden recently approved an oil and gas drilling project in Alaska after campaigning against drilling in 2020. It's just the latest in policy changes that go back on some of Biden's former progressive platforms, angering some Democrats. Princeton presidential historian Julian Zelizer joins us. And, Vermont celebrates six seasons yearly, and each one has distinct ingredients that can make some sweet and savory delicacies. Chef Gesine Bullock-Prado lays out recipes that honor each part of the year in her cookbook, "My Vermont Table."
3/14/2023 • 30 minutes, 30 seconds
3 years of COVID-19; 'Schoolhouse Rock' turns 50. Do we need a new, updated version?
Over the weekend, two major banks in the U.S. failed: Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. President Joe Biden offered reassurance that the banking system is safe. Kathryn Judge, professor of law at Columbia Law School, joins us. And, we've hit the 3-year mark since COVID-19 broke out. More than 1.1 million Americans have died from the virus and the cause of it remains unknown. Dr. Leana Wen joins us to break down reflections and lingering questions. Then, "Schoolhouse Rock" is 50 years old. The educational, animated songs first premiered in 1973 between Saturday morning cartoons, and are credited with teaching millions about everything from grammar to civics. Paul Ringel, history professor at High Point University in North Carolina, joins us.
3/13/2023 • 25 minutes, 56 seconds
Sen. Warren on debt ceiling, inflation; Oscars; Health concerns post-train derailment
Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts talks about the looming fight over the debt ceiling and the Federal Reserve's projections that 2 million people will be out of work before the end of the year under the current policy. And, activist Erin Brockovich talks about what she's advising East Palestine residents to do to ensure they get compensation and that the company is held accountable for the accident and the impact on the community. Then, 16 of the nominees in the acting categories at this Sunday's Oscars are first-timers. We get a preview and some predictions from Aisha Harris, co-host of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour.
3/10/2023 • 22 minutes, 29 seconds
Aboriginal land acknowledgments; Chipperfield: Architects can tackle climate crisis
The Department of Justice issued a report that found that the Louisville Police Department has a pattern of using excessive force and targeting Black residents. Local activists see the report as "vindication," a justification of their long-held claims against the department. Chanelle Helm, an organizer and activist with Black Lives Matter Louisville, joins us. Then, Here & Now's Deepa Fernandes recently visited family in Australia. While listening to the radio, she heard broadcasters acknowledging the indigenous land they were on. That's the norm in Australia, but what is the significance? Aboriginal artist Tess Allas joins us. And, Pritzker Prize-winning architect David Chipperfield's work is often described as "understated." Now, Chipperfield is more interested in how cities develop than in designing individual buildings. He joins us.
3/9/2023 • 30 minutes, 33 seconds
3 delicious date recipes; The Beatbox House goes global
This is the first International Women's Day in 50 years where American women do not have the right to abortion. Washington Post correspondent Abha Bhattarai joins us. And, the State Department sends musicians from all genres to places where people don't have many opportunities to meet performers from America. The Brooklyn-based Beatbox House will travel to Asia for beatbox competitions, workshops and collaborations with local artists. Members Chris Celiz and Gene Shinozaki join us. Then, resident chef Kathy Gunst has delved into dates with three new delicious recipes.
3/8/2023 • 27 minutes, 21 seconds
California residents still digging out snow; Former BET CEO releases 'I Am Debra Lee'
Four Americans were kidnapped in Mexico last week, and according to U.S. and Mexico officials, two of them have been found dead. Another is injured. Alfredo Corchado, Mexico City bureau chief for the Dallas Morning News, joins us. Then, residents of Georgetown, California are still digging themselves out of several feet of snow. The forecast predicts rain next. Georgetown resident Alayna Poplan joins us. And, former Black Entertainment Television CEO Debra Lee released a memoir titled "I Am Debra Lee." The book details her life, including reflections on Aretha Franklin, Chris Brown and a #MeToo moment she endured. Lee joins us to talk about the book.
3/7/2023 • 22 minutes, 39 seconds
Judy Heumann's legacy; 'The Great Escape' tells of human trafficking in Mississippi
Judy Heumann is known as the mother of the disability rights movement. Her advocacy and lobbying eventually led to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Rebecca Cokley, U.S. disability rights program officer with the Ford Foundation, joins us to talk about what today's activists can learn from Heumann's legacy. Then, an investigation by the Washington Post uncovered evidence of a massacre in Tigray carried out by Eritrean troops just days before a peace deal was made. Katharine Houreld led the investigation and joins us. And, labor organizer Saket Soni's new book "The Great Escape: A True Story of Forced Labor and Immigrant Dreams in America" details his work in helping Indian workers lured to Mississippi to repair oil rigs post-Katrina and essentially imprisoned by their employers. Soni joins us.
3/6/2023 • 26 minutes, 28 seconds
Pandemic food assistance ends; Remembering jazz legend Wayne Shorter
The House Ethics Committee is moving forward with an investigation into New York Republican Congressman George Santos. And President Biden ruffled some feathers on Thursday when he told Senate Democrats he won't stop Republicans from repealing D.C.'s new crime law. USA Today's Francesca Chambers and ABC's Rick Klein join us. And, starting this month, the extra pandemic food benefits have ended and left households with anywhere between $95 and $250 less per month for groceries. Michael Flood, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, explains what the loss in SNAP means for food assistance services. Jeana Lee, a single mother who's now receiving more than $200 less for groceries starting this month, also joins us Then, NPR contributor Michelle Mercer remembers jazz giant Wayne Shorter.
3/3/2023 • 27 minutes, 50 seconds
What causes Havana Syndrome?; Dispelling misinformation about hospice care
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met for the first time since the war in Ukraine began a year ago. Both attended the G20 meeting in India. NPR diplomatic correspondent Michele Kelemen joins us. And, Havana Syndrome is an unexplained illness that has plagued and injured American intelligence officers and diplomats worldwide. But U.S. agencies say foreign adversaries are not to blame. Shane Harris, an intelligence and national security reporter at the Washington Post, joins us. Then, former President Jimmy's Carter's stay in hospice has sparked discussion about what this type of medical care entails. Hospice nurse Rebecca Gatian and hospice patient John Shannon join us to explain.
3/2/2023 • 22 minutes, 37 seconds
Sugar farming pollution burns area residents; The origins of a common depression test
WBEZ's Tessa Weinberg talks about what's next in the Chicago mayor's race now that Lori Lightfoot has become the first mayor in 40 years to lose re-election after one term, in part because of high crime rates. And, STAT's Olivia Goldhill explains how the idea for a common test for depression actually came from a marketer for the antidepressant Zoloft. Then, scorching sugar fields is an expedient method of farming. But it is messy and dirty. Tons of ash fall from the sky. Area residents in south Florida call it black snow, and it is making some of them sick. Journalist Sandy Tolan tells us more.
3/1/2023 • 24 minutes, 37 seconds
'The Big Myth' examines belief that free market is a right; MLB introduces new rules
President Biden's plan to cancel billions of dollars in student debt will go before the Supreme Court Tuesday. A number of states have sued, citing government overreach. But do they have the right to do that? Danielle Douglas-Gabriel of the Washington Post and professor William Baude join us. Then, Major League Baseball implemented a pitch clock and other new regulations to speed up the game, which have caused some drama in spring training games so far. Washinton Post national baseball writer Chelsea Janes joins us to unpack the changes. And, Americans have long believed that free markets are a fundamental right. The new book "The Big Myth: How American Business Taught Us to Loathe Government and Love the Free Market" explores where that idea came from and its validity. Naomi Oreskes, who co-authored the book with Erik M. Conway, joins us.
2/28/2023 • 29 minutes, 52 seconds
Rihanna and Lady Gaga are up for Oscars; What happens to train derailment waste?
The Environmental Protection Agency has given approval for contaminated waste to continue to be shipped out of East Palestine, Ohio. Professor Timothy Townsend explains what is likely to happen to the waste. And, if a Texas federal judge rules to temporarily ban mifepristone from the market, women nationwide could lose access to medication abortions. Texas Tribune women's health reporter Eleanor Klibanoff shares the latest on the case. Then, we take our annual listen to the nominees for the Best Original Song at the Oscars with Variety writer and film music professor Jon Burlingame.
2/27/2023 • 24 minutes, 10 seconds
Could vertical farming be a climate solution?; Sick, elderly dog finds forever home
The Russo-Ukraine war is close to hitting its 1-year mark. Dara Massicot, a senior analyst at the RAND Corporation, joins us to talk about Russia's military capacity and the future of the war. Then, vertical farming uses drastically less water than traditional, outdoor farming. While the Colorado River is imperiled and farmers feel the effects, could it be a solution to a hotter climate and water conservation? Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports. And, older dogs, specifically those with ailments or special needs, have more trouble finding forever homes than puppies. Bendu is a 10-year-old diagnosed with terminal cancer. He only has 6 months to a year left to live, but recently moved into his forever home and couldn't be happier. Stina Sieg of Colorado Public Radio reports.
2/24/2023 • 29 minutes, 41 seconds
Farmers prepare for fight over Colorado River; Bowl recipes for every meal
Former Jan. 6 special committee member Rep. Adam Schiff of California talks about House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's decision to share the video of the Jan. 6 riot with Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Then, farmers in Yuma, Arizona, and the Imperial Valley of California produce the vast majority of the country's leafy greens in the winter. But a crisis on the Colorado River is threatening the water supply. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports. Then, resident chef Kathy Gunst shares recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner bowls.
2/23/2023 • 25 minutes, 36 seconds
Salton Sea's ecological disaster; Hurricane clues found in ocean sediment after Ian
A few weeks ago, a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, releasing a mix of toxic chemicals into the environment. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine joins us to talk about the cleanup. Then, the Salton Sea — California's largest lake — is under threat from drought and over-allocation of water from the Colorado River. The lake is shrinking rapidly and many of the surrounding areas are riddled with toxic waste. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports from California. And, it's been five months since Hurricane Ian ravaged Florida, and many residents are still picking up the pieces. Ocean sediments can identify storms going back nearly a millennium, and paleoclimatologist Jo Muller joins us for more.
2/22/2023 • 31 minutes, 27 seconds
The fall of plant-based meat substitutes; Black bookstore owners' recommendations
The Lever's Matthew Cunningham-Cook co-wrote a detailed examination of how the rail industry has fought tougher regulations on freight trains carrying hazardous chemicals through residential neighborhoods such as East Palestine, Ohio. He joins us. And, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Tuesday that his country would suspend participation in the New START treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement with the U.S. Massachusetts Institute of Technology security analyst Jim Walsh joins us. Then, plant-based meat substitutes, like Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger, seemed so promising a few years ago when they began being marketed widely. Since then, sales of plant-based meat have slumped. Bloomberg food reporter Deena Shanker tells us why. And, as a bonus, three Black bookstore owners across the country to get their recommendations on books by Black authors they think others would enjoy.
2/21/2023 • 23 minutes, 43 seconds
Bing AI chatbot is not behaving well; What Russian elites really think of Putin's war
Jimmy Carter has entered hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia. At 98, Carter is the oldest living former president. WABE's Sam Gringlas joins us to discuss his legacy, particularly in Georgia. Then, Microsoft's new Bing AI chatbot hasn't been heaving as it should. The technology is still in its beta version. James Vincent, senior reporter with The Verge, joins us. And, it's been about a year since Russia invaded Ukraine. We get a view from Russia of the war and find out what Russian elites really think about Vladimir Putin's war from The Washington Post's Catherine Belton.
2/20/2023 • 27 minutes, 51 seconds
'Mario' creator Shigeru Miyamoto visits Super Nintendo World; End of StripperWeb
Axios senior contributor Margaret Talev and Associate Press White House reporter Darlene Superville talk over the week in politics. And, legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto spoke to NPR about Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood, which opens Friday. He looks back on how he created Mario and how the character evolved. Then, Marla Cruz talks about her piece in New York Magazine about the end of StripperWeb. It was a place where adult entertainment workers across the country could come together to share information and dressing room lore, without having to hide or sanitize their work.
A train carrying toxic materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio two weeks ago. Now, residents in the area are looking for answers and transparency from officials. Brooks Sutherland, health reporter with the Cincinnati Enquirer, joins us. Then, northern Syria is in the midst of earthquake relief efforts as the Assad regime just began allowing aid to reach affected areas. Louisa Loveluck and Ishaan Tharoor of the Washington Post join us. And, a new podcast out Thursday aims to explore the marginalized histories present in classical music, including the problematic — and often racist — portrayals of Black characters in some of Mozart and Verdi's most famous operas. "Every Voice" host Terrance McKnight joins us.
2/16/2023 • 27 minutes, 59 seconds
First postpartum depression pill; Patients continue to receive costly ambulance bills
Members of a search and rescue team from the Los Angeles County Fire Department are in Turkey assisting with earthquake recovery. LA firefighter Frank Infante speaks to us from Turkey. And, out-of-network ambulance bills can be extremely high and unaffordable for many patients. STAT's Bob Herman joins us. Then, the Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the first-ever pill to target postpartum depression. Psychiatrist Nancy Byatt and mother Stephanie Hathaway — who credits the drug Zulresso with saving her life — tell us more.
2/15/2023 • 22 minutes, 36 seconds
5 years after Parkland shooting; Florida removed content from AP Black history class
Senators received a closed-door briefing on the unidentified aerial objects shot down over North America last weekend. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) joins us to discuss what she's learned. Then, it's been 5 years since a gunman opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. 17 people were killed. Has anything changed in Florida since the tragedy? WLRN reporter Gerard Albert III joins us to discuss. And, the pilot for an Advanced Placement class on Black history is at the center of a national debate rooted in Florida. The state cut many topics from the final version of the class. University of California Los Angeles history professor Robin D.G. Kelley joins us. And, for Valentine's Day, producer Kalyani Saxena surveyed listeners about their favorite romance tropes and shares some recommendations.
2/14/2023 • 28 minutes, 54 seconds
How a group of Sarah Lawrence students ended up in a cult; Flying objects shot down
People have returned to their homes in East Palestine, Ohio, after the huge train derailment and toxic chemical release. But questions remain. Julie Grant of The Allegheny Front joins us. And, the U.S. has shot down more flying objects, as China accuses the U.S. of illegally flying balloons over its airspace. NPR's Greg Myre shares the latest. Then, last month, 63-year-old Larry Ray was sentenced to 60 years in prison for extortion, sex trafficking and forced labor, after luring his daughter's roommates from Sarah Lawrence College into what authorities are calling a cult. The docuseries "Stolen Youth" follows the students through nearly a decade with Ray. Director Zach Heinzerling and former cult member Felicia Rosario talk about the new series.
2/13/2023 • 22 minutes, 17 seconds
Hollywood's depiction of Brown girls; Earthquake displaces Syrian refugees once again
After moving to Turkey 12 years ago, Syrian refugee Assalah Shikhani is, again, one of the thousands displaced by the recent earthquakes. She joins us. And, the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs clash this weekend in Super Bowl 57 in Arizona. NPR sports correspondent Tom Goldman gives us a preview. Then, when Mindy Kaling's new HBO show "Velma" premiered in January, it was met with a wave of backlash from members of the South Asian community. Many felt that Velma —who in the show is a South Asian teenager — was yet another harmful depiction of supposedly ugly Brown women on TV. Writer Sakeina Syed unpacks the discourse.
2/10/2023 • 22 minutes, 48 seconds
Midwest welcomes large livestock operations; Child care shortages abound across U.S.
Syria is still dealing with the aftermath of a deadly earthquake in Turkey that affected the surrounding area. Doctors Without Borders, or Médecins Sans Frontières, are working on recovery efforts. Syrian officer Sherwan Qasem joins us.Then, Missouri, Nebraska and other Midwest states are trying to attract more CAFOs — concentrated animal feeding operations. CAFOs produce a lot of waste, which some residents are against. Eva Tesfaye of Harvest Public Media reports. And, working parents across the nation are struggling to find child care, some calling dozens of places before finding somewhere with an opening. Child Care Aware of America's Michelle McCready joins us. When California Democrat Jimmy Gomez wore his baby son in a carrier to the House floor last month, he got a lot of attention. He's using that spotlight to work toward addressing issues that affect working families.
2/9/2023 • 28 minutes, 3 seconds
Sen. Booker and Rep. Johnson react to State of the Union; San Diego's poet laureate
Democratic Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Republican Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota share their reactions to Tuesday night's State of the Union address and the potential for a police reform bill. Then, the labor market is strong with unemployment at a 50-year low. And the Federal Reserve is continuing to raise interest rates to bring down inflation. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers weighs in. And, the new poet laureate of San Diego says growing up, he didn't feel welcome into the space of poetry. Now, Jason Magabo Perez, the son of Filipino immigrants, is empowering diverse communities to use poetry as a tool to tell their own stories.
2/8/2023 • 26 minutes, 51 seconds
AMC's new movie ticket strategy; Pastor and professor leads nation's psychologists
An earthquake in Turkey left more than 5,000 people there and in Syria dead. The region sits in a very active seismic region. Mustafa Erdik, professor emeritus of earthquake engineering, joins us to explain the science and geology behind the disaster. Then, in an effort to recoup lost profits during the earlier days of COVID-19, AMC Theatres released a plan to charge different fares based on where customers choose to sit. Movie-lover and host of public radio's "Full Disclosure" Roben Farzad joins us. And, despite a history of conflict between faith and mental health, there's some evolution in recent years. Thema Bryant is a pastor, professor and the new president of the American Psychological Association. She says that mental health professionals are acknowledging spirituality in their practice more recently. Bryant joins us.
2/7/2023 • 22 minutes, 2 seconds
Earthquake kills thousands in Turkey, Syria; This teacher challenged book bans
Residents and officials in southeastern Turkey and northwest Syria are assessing the damage from a devastating earthquake that struck the area Sunday, killing more than 2,300 people. NPR's Peter Kenyon joins us from Istanbul. Then, locals in northeastern Ohio are being urged to evacuate the area due to fears of a potential explosion caused by a train derailment. Julie Grant, managing editor for The Allegheny Front, shares the latest. And, Summer Boismier was an Oklahoma high school English teacher who gave her students a QR code that led to the Brooklyn Public Library's page on banned books. Controversy ensued, leading her to quit her job ultimately. She talks about the "brain drain" these state regulations result in, as aspiring educators avoid areas where lessons are strictly regulated.