Here & Now Anytime
1,796 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★ - 703 ratingsThe news you need to know today — and the stories that will stick with you tomorrow. Plus, special series and behind-the-scenes extras from Here & Now hosts Robin Young, Scott Tong and Deepa Fernandes with help from Producer Chris Bentley and the team at NPR and WBUR.
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Episodes
Joe Biden Sworn In As 46th President; Future Of U.S.-Russia Relations
January 20, 2021 20:08 - 42 minutesJoe Biden has officially been sworn in as the 46th president of the United States. He plans to sign 17 executive actions on Wednesday. NPR White House correspondent Ayesha Rascoe joins us. Also, on the campaign trail, Biden called Russia the biggest threat to U.S. security. Now that Biden is in the White House, what will the future of U.S.-Russia relations look like? NPR Moscow correspondent Lucian Kim explains.
Presidents Saying Farewell; Netflix's 'The Trial Of The Chicago 7'
January 19, 2021 19:24 - 41 minutesTrump will not deliver a high-profile, televised farewell address as some past presidents have done. Here & Now's Alex Ashlock has a report on how past presidents have said goodbye. And, Frank Langella stars as Judge Julius Hoffman in the Netflix film "The Trial of the Chicago 7." He talks about how the story resonates today.
Save Our Stages; D.C. Hotels And Inauguration Day
January 19, 2021 18:50 - 41 minutesAhead of Inauguration Day, some hotels are choosing to stay open despite increased security and calls by local leaders for visitors to avoid the area due to threats of violence. We speak with the owner of Adam's Inn on his decision to remain open this week. Also, the Save our Stages Act — $15 billion tied into the larger COVID-19 relief bill — is a lifeline for struggling independent venues across the U.S. We talk to two venue owners in Chicago about what the act means to them.
COVID-19 Apps; Ruby Bridges Reflects On Martin Luther King Jr.
January 18, 2021 19:02 - 42 minutesAs a child, Ruby Bridges was the first Black student to desegregate an elementary school in New Orleans. She joins us to remember and honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. on this special day. And, a variety of new smartphone apps are being developed to help Americans navigate the pandemic. We hear about two of them.
How The Capitol Mob Compares To Black Lives Matter; Actor Wendell Pierce
January 18, 2021 18:06 - 42 minutesSome on the right have compared the violence of the insurrection to last year's Black Lives Matter protests. Historian Ashley Howard explains why the comparison doesn't hold up to reality. And, "The Wire" star Wendell Pierce talks about the role of art in advancing social progress.
West Virginia's Successful Vaccine Efforts; Trump Voters Remain Loyal
January 15, 2021 19:18 - 42 minutesOver the past few weeks, West Virginia has been hosting vaccination events and now leads the nation in distributing vaccines. Retired Major General James Hoyer discusses vaccine plans in the state. Also, pollster Frank Luntz found 91% of 800 people who voted for Trump in November said they would vote for him again. He shares more of his findings.
Apaches Sue To Protect Holy Site; COVID-19 And Down Syndrome
January 15, 2021 18:44 - 42 minutesIn Arizona, Resolution Copper wants to mine the copper underneath Oak Flat, which would destroy an area that's sacred to the Apache Tribe. The grassroots organization Apache Stronghold has filed a lawsuit. The Arizona Republic reporter Debra Utacia Krol talks about the contentious deal. And, the CDC is recommending individuals with Down Syndrome get vaccinated early. We look at the link between Down Syndrome and increased COVID-19 risk.
Pro Baseball's 1st Black Woman Coach; Story Behind The Hijab Emoji
January 14, 2021 19:06 - 42 minutesBianca Smith was hired last week as a coach for the Red Sox minor league system in Florida. She's the first Black woman hired as a coach in professional baseball, an industry that has been expanding roles for women. And, we speak with Rayouf Alhumedhi about her campaign for a hijab emoji, which is featured in the documentary "The Emoji Story."
Prisons Virus Outbreaks; WHO Investigates Origins Of COVID-19
January 14, 2021 18:51 - 41 minutesChristopher Blackwell is incarcerated in Washington state where he's been on lockdown after a severe COVID-19 outbreak. He speaks about the conditions and his call for incarcerated people to get the vaccine early. Also, a team of experts from the World Health Organization has arrived in Wuhan, China, to begin an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus. Dr. Peter Ben Embarek, who's part of the team, joins us.
Phoenix Mayor Responds To Racist Zoom Bomb; Rethinking Celery Recipes
January 13, 2021 19:12 - 41 minutesDuring Tuesday's memorial to the late Phoenix civil rights icon Calvin C. Goode, hackers interrupted the online service with racial slurs. Kate Gallego, the mayor of Phoenix, talks about the response to the racist hack. And, chef Kathy Gunst says celery is more than a garnish. She shares recipes for a celery salad, soup and a gratin.
2 Gorillas Test Positive For COVID-19; Texans Response To Sen. Cruz
January 13, 2021 18:18 - 42 minutesAt least two gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park have tested positive for the coronavirus with others are showing symptoms. Also, in Texas, at least two newspapers have criticized Sen. Ted Cruz for amplifying false claims of election fraud that egged on the Capitol rioters. He denies wrongdoing. Lisa Falkenberg, editor of opinion for The Houston Chronicle, discusses their editorial "Resign, Senator Cruz. Your lies cost lives."
UFO Report; Why Capitol Security Failed
January 12, 2021 19:18 - 42 minutesThe $2.3 trillion relief bill signed by Trump in late December includes a request that federal agencies tell Congress what they know about UFOs. Astronomer Seth Shostak explains what the government report might reveal. Also, Washington Post investigative reporter Carol Leonnig details how pro-Trump rioters were able to breach security at the Capitol last week.
Houston Methodist 50,000 Vaccinations; Does Deplatforming Work?
January 12, 2021 18:24 - 41 minutesHouston Methodist Hospital has distributed 50,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine. CEO Mark Boom talks about the hospital's rollout. And, the flurry of social media bans against Trump in light of last week's storming of the Capitol has given new urgency to a long-simmering question in tech: Does deplatforming work? Elizabeth Dwoskin of The Washington Post joins us.
Anti-Death Penalty Activist; Corporations Pull Political Funding
January 11, 2021 19:12 - 42 minutesThe Trump administration resumed federal executions this summer after a 17-year hiatus. Sister Helen Prejean, a Catholic nun and anti-death-penalty activist, talks about why she believes the death penalty should be abolished. And, CBS's Jill Schlesinger talks about how businesses are responding to the Capitol riot last week.
Potential For More Extremist Violence; Tech Companies Take Action
January 11, 2021 18:06 - 41 minutesOrganizations tracking extremist groups say things could get worse before they get better. The mayor of Washington, D.C., is preparing for "armed extremists" on Inauguration Day. The Anti-Defamation League's CEO joins us. Also, after last week's insurrection, Amazon Web Services, Apple and Google have suspended the conservative social media app Parler. This comes after Twitter permanently banned Trump. The Atlantic's Derek Thompson details the fallout.
DeRay Mckesson On Police Response Disparities; COVID-19 In Taiwan
January 08, 2021 19:13 - 42 minutesThe police response on the Capitol Wednesday looked nothing like the images from Black Lives Matter protests over the summer. Police reform advocate DeRay Mckesson talks about the disparities in the U.S. in the right to protest. And, Taiwan has had remarkable success staving off the pandemic compared to other countries. KPCC's Josie Huang traveled there to visit family and tells us about the protocols.
Regina King Directing Debut; Viral Medical Myths Debunked
January 08, 2021 18:12 - 42 minutesWe speak with award-winning actor Regina King about her feature film directing debut in "One Night in Miami." Also, Dr. Seema Yasmin, author of "Viral BS: Medical Myths and Why We Fall for Them," debunks common medical misinformation.
Historian Ibram X. Kendi On Capitol Mob; What Is A Coup?
January 07, 2021 19:18 - 41 minutesMany have noted the difference in how pro-Trump extremists were treated by police on Wednesday at the Capitol compared to how Black Lives Matter protesters have been treated in the past. Historian Ibram X. Kendi discusses. Also, Atlantic magazine writer Zeynep Tufekci has been using the word "coup" to describe Trump's actions since he lost the election in November. She explains what a coup means.
How Lack Of Security Let Extremists Storm Capitol; State Of The GOP
January 07, 2021 18:12 - 42 minutesNational security analyst Malcolm Nance talks about the lack of security that allowed a mob of extremists to storm the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. And, CNN political commentator Alice Stewart examines the current state of the Republican party and it's possible future, as lawmakers begin to distance themselves from President Trump and attempt to carve a new path forward.
Black Grassroots Organizers In Georgia; How To Live Longer
January 06, 2021 19:27 - 42 minutesBritney Whaley, a political strategist for the Working Families Party, explains how grassroots organizing paved the way for recent Democratic wins in Georgia. Also, relationships, volunteering and simple acts of kindness can help with the process of "Growing Young," science writer Marta Zaraska says. We talk to her about her new book on the topic.
Vaccine Distribution Issues; Pro-Trump Protests In D.C.
January 06, 2021 18:44 - 42 minutesJust over 4.8 million people in the U.S. have now received a dose of the coronavirus vaccine, though 17 million doses have already been delivered to states. Dr. Oscar Alleyne talks about the issue and possible solutions. And, Congress will certify Joe Biden's victory on Wednesday, as pro-Trump protesters march in D.C. to decry what they consider a stolen election. WAMU's Dominique Maria Bonessi has the latest.
Writer John Ridley Takes On DC Universe; Georgia Coroner
January 05, 2021 19:06 - 41 minutesJohn Ridley talks about his comic book projects, "Future State: The Next Batman" and "The Other History of the DC Universe." Ridley won an Oscar in 2014 for his screenplay for "12 Years a Slave." And, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in some parts of the country, we check in with Dougherty County coroner Michael Fowler about the virus in Georgia.
Iran Asks Interpol To Arrest Trump; Demand For Lithium Grows
January 05, 2021 18:39 - 42 minutesIran rang in the new year with a series of provocative actions — including a request for Interpol to arrest President Trump and dozens of other American officials for the 2020 assassination of a top Iranian general. NPR's Greg Myre has the story. Also, Nevada has the only lithium mine in the U.S., and the state is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for the mineral. KUNR's Noah Glick reports.
Our Post-Pandemic Future; Legality Of Trump's Call
January 04, 2021 20:59 - 42 minutesJeffrey Cole, director of The Center for the Digital Future, makes some predictions about how we will work, learn, and shop after the pandemic is over. He also predicts tech companies like Amazon and Alphabet are only just getting started. Also, we examine the possible legal implications of President Trump's recorded call to Georgia's Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.
David Attenborough's New Documentary; Driverless Cars
January 04, 2021 20:57 - 42 minutesSir David Attenborough and executive producer Alastair Fothergill tell us about their new documentary series, "A Perfect Planet." And, join host Peter O'Dowd on a ride through Phoenix in one of Waymo's driverless cars.
Journalist Dan Rather; NFL Cheerleader Pay Gap Documentary
January 01, 2021 19:02 - 41 minutesLegendary journalist Dan Rather is honored in Slate's 80 Over 80 list, featuring the most influential Americans 80 years old and older. Rather talks about his career, lessons learned and what he's hopeful for in the new year. Also, host Tonya Mosley talks with director and producer Yu Gu about her new documentary, "A Woman's Work: The NFL's Cheerleader Problem."
Brexit's New Borders; Historian On 2020
January 01, 2021 18:38 - 41 minutesThere was a seismic shift Friday in relations between the European Union and Britain as Brexit became finalized. We check in with reporters on both sides of the English Channel. Also, 2020 was certainly a year for the history books, with a pandemic, an election and an impeachment. We speak with historian Douglas Brinkley about what lies ahead and what we've left behind.
Congress Wipes Federal Loans For HBCUs; Russia In 2020
December 31, 2020 19:02 - 42 minutesTucked in the omnibus spending bill signed by Trump this week, Congress wiped away federal loans historically Black colleges and universities took on to pay for improvements and repairs. Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick talks about the legislation. Russia's death toll from the pandemic is three times higher than what's been reported, according to the country's health officials. BBC's Steve Rosenberg in Moscow has the latest.
Barriers To Breastfeeding; Changing Perceptions Of The US Flag
December 31, 2020 18:12 - 42 minutesThe first U.S. government dietary guidelines for infants and toddlers recommend feeding only breast milk for at least six months. Lactation consultant Carrie Pawlowski explains the challenges of breastfeeding. Also, we speak with political science professor Ben Gaskins about what changing perceptions of the U.S. flag tells us about who we are as a country.
Unemployment Questions, Answered; Why Antacids Are Selling Out
December 30, 2020 19:44 - 42 minutesThe coronavirus relief bill that Trump signed on Sunday also includes extended support for unemployed people. Michele Evermore, senior policy analyst with the National Employment Law Project, answers questions about unemployment. And, Dr. Thomas Carroll of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston talks about why antacids like Tums are selling out, and how the stress-induced shortage is affecting people with serious acid reflux disorders.
Fallen Journalists Memorial Act; Remembering COVID-19 Victims
December 30, 2020 18:27 - 43 minutesPresident Trump signed into law last week the Fallen Journalists Memorial Act, authorizing the construction of a memorial to slain journalists. The push behind this act came after the 2018 Capital Gazette shooting. Maria Hiaasen, one of the widows from that day, talks about the memorial and her husband's legacy. Also, as this difficult year comes to a close, we remember some of the more than 338,000 lives lost to COVID-19 in the U.S.
Recipes For An Intimate New Year's Celebration; Housing In 2020
December 29, 2020 19:13 - 44 minutesThis year many of us will be celebrating New Year's Eve with our immediate family or pandemic pods. Resident chef Kathy Gunst shares suggestions for a simple yet festive menu. And, the pandemic put housing front and center in 2020. We take a look at what we can expect in the new year with author Aaron Glantz.
Clinic Helps Pets And Owners; Debunking Election, Vaccine Misinformation
December 29, 2020 18:49 - 44 minutesOne clinic in Seattle has both veterinarians and doctors so people without housing can get care for their pets and themselves. Joanne Silberner reports for KNKX. Also, conspiracy theories keep flying about the 2020 election. Many involve Dominion, the American company that provided election equipment to dozens of states. Camille Knox, a researcher with the fact-checking website Snopes, sorts fact from fiction.
The Real Wonder Woman; Biscayne Bay Sea Turtles Bounce Back
December 28, 2020 19:31 - 41 minutesWe return to our conversation with Stanford historian Adrienne Mayor about the real Scythian warriors that the Wonder Woman character is based on. And, climate change is heating up the beaches where sea turtles nest and the waters where they live. But there's potentially good news about sea turtles in South Florida near Biscayne Bay. Jenny Staletovich of WLRN reports.
Personal Finance Tips For 2021; Tech Year In Review
December 28, 2020 18:12 - 41 minutesThe pandemic brought on the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Personal finance expert Jill Schlesinger joins us with her tips for financial preparation in 2021. Also, this year, we turned Zoom into a verb, Airbnb into a pandemic refuge and watched as lawmakers accused big tech of illegally squashing the competition. Ina Fried of Axios and Rani Molla of Recode look back at some major tech stories in 2020.
Christmas Music To Light The Darkness; Reflecting On 2020
December 25, 2020 19:06 - 42 minutesThis year, host Robin Young's yearly visit with her former choir director, Ron Cohen, focuses on songs of light and hope for this pandemic Christmas. And, as part of our series of year-end conversations to close out 2020, BBC chief international correspondent and veteran foreign reporter Lyse Doucet talks about what she has seen this year.
Top Climate Stories Of 2020; Searching For Elves In Iceland
December 25, 2020 18:14 - 43 minutesScientific American senior editor Mark Fischetti joins us to tick through some of the most monumental climate news of the year that's coming to a close. And, when Here & Now spent a week in Iceland covering environmental issues last year, we also heard about elves everywhere we went. So for Christmas, we're bringing back our visit to Iceland's elf region, and of course, its Elf School.
Pandemic Music; Story Behind 'White Christmas' Song
December 24, 2020 19:06 - 43 minutesMusic opinionator Fran Hoepfner explains why she thinks Amilcare Ponchielli's "Dance of the Hours" and the "Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah" song are perfect listening while the days go by during the pandemic. Also, "White Christmas" by composer Irving Berlin is a holiday favorite. But as Katy Sewall reports, the bestselling song has a melancholy backstory.
Top News Stories Of 2020; Family Estrangement During Holidays
December 24, 2020 18:20 - 43 minutesCNN's Christiane Amanpour joins us to discuss the top news stories of 2020. And, a survey by sociologist Karl Pillemer revealed that about 25% of people live with some kind of family estrangement, and those damaged relationships take a toll — mentally and physically. His new book, "Fault Lines: Fractured Families and How to Mend Them," addresses this, as well as how to mend these relationships. He joins us to discuss.
Vaccine Distribution Disparities; 'News Of The World' Movie
December 23, 2020 20:27 - 44 minutesAt least 67 low-income countries may not get access to COVID-19 vaccines until 2021. Dr. Mohga Kamal-Yanni explains what must be done to make the distribution of coronavirus vaccines around the world equitable. Also, writer-director Paul Greengrass talks about his new film, "News of the World," which stars Tom Hanks and Helena Zengel.
Coronavirus In 2021 And Beyond; Adapting Downtowns For Colder Months
December 23, 2020 18:33 - 43 minutesNicholas Christakis, physician and Yale University professor, talks about how the coronavirus pandemic will continue to affect our lives through 2021 and beyond. And, the Winter Places competition solicited 65 proposals to revitalize the country's main streets for winter — think fire pits, warming huts, outdoor lights and movies. Jonathan Berk, creative director at Bench Consulting, talks about the ideas and the inspiration behind them.
Online Puppy Scams; Top Science Stories Of 2020
December 22, 2020 19:06 - 43 minutesA new Better Business Bureau investigation shows the number of pet frauds in November was five times higher than it was in 2017. Steve Baker, an international investigations specialist with the BBB, explains what consumers can do to protect themselves. Also, the pandemic has dominated the headlines this year, but there are plenty of other science stories from 2020. Scientific American editor-in-chief Laura Helmuth shares some of her favorites.
Understand Grieving As A Lifelong Process; Why Species Are Dying Out
December 22, 2020 18:26 - 44 minutesNearly 320,000 Americans have died of COVID-19, leaving 10 times as many grieving. "The After Grief" author Hope Edelman joins us to talk about grieving. And, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has updated its list of extinct and endangered species. Jon Paul Rodriguez of the IUCN's Species Survival Commission explains why some certain species are dying out.
Cleaning Notre Dame With Lasers; Who Qualifies For $600 Checks?
December 21, 2020 19:09 - 44 minutesTime magazine Paris correspondent Vivienne Walt and Chicago-based art restoration expert Bartosz Dajnowski join us to discuss the restoration of the Notre Dame Cathedral after a devastating fire last year. And, many Americans will soon receive another direct payment from the federal government as part of the new pandemic relief package. CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger explains who will get the $600 checks.
'Mank' On Netflix; New York's Struggling MTA
December 21, 2020 18:09 - 44 minutesNew Netflix film "Mank" centers around Herman Mankiewicz, the writer who wrote the screenplay for "Citizen Kane." We speak with Mankiewicz's grandsons Josh Mankiewicz and Ben Mankiewicz about their grandfather and family. Also, the congressional relief package includes $4 billion for New York's Metropolitan Transportation Agency. The MTA is in a deep financial hole because ridership and revenue plummeted during the pandemic. We talk to the CEO of the MTA about the pandemic's impacts.
'Imagine: Reflections On Peace' Book; Amazon Destruction
December 18, 2020 19:06 - 42 minutesHow does a country that's suffered searing conflict — such as Rwanda, Cambodia and Northern Ireland — survive? That's the inspiration behind the VII Foundation's multimedia project called "Imagine: Reflections on Peace." We speak with two of the authors. Also, Amazon rainforest deforestation is at a 12-year high, according to Brazilian satellite imagery. Moira Birss of Amazon Watch explains how banks and other U.S. financial institutions make this destruction possible.
'The Mandalorian' Set Designer; FDA Panel Endorses Moderna Vaccine
December 18, 2020 18:02 - 42 minutes"The Mandalorian" season two has taken viewers all over the galaxy. Production designer Andrew L. Jones talks about crafting the show's distant sets. And, a panel of advisors to the FDA voted to recommend that Moderna's vaccine be approved. The agency is expected to act on that as soon as Friday. Walter Orenstein, who is advising Moderna and a participant in the company's vaccine trial, joins us.
Acts Of Kindness; Oklahoma Teachers And The Vaccine
December 17, 2020 20:36 - 42 minutesAs restrictions on social gatherings tighten and many people are asked to shelter-in-place to slow the spread of the coronavirus, it is easy to get caught up in the bad news these days. But amid the pandemic, people are participating in random acts of kindness. Also, Catherine Sweeney of StateImpact Oklahoma discusses the state's possible move to prioritize vaccinating teachers.
Forest Whitaker In 'Jingle Jangle'; The Legacy Of Sen. Joseph McCarthy
December 17, 2020 18:25 - 42 minutesActor Forest Whitaker talks about his role in the Netflix musical "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey." And, author Larry Tye writes about former Sen. Joseph McCarthy in his new book, "Demagogue: The Life and Long Shadow of Senator Joe McCarthy." Tye speaks about what McCarthy's legacy can tell us about politics today.
How Santas Are Reimagining Christmas; The Death Penalty In 2020
December 16, 2020 19:08 - 42 minutesExecutions and death sentences reached historic lows this year, a trend that was on pace even before COVID-19 brought most trials and executions to a halt. We speak with the director of the Death Penalty Information Center, which just released its annual report. And, even people who portray Santa are finding creative ways to connect with others safely during the pandemic. Tom Carmody, a Santa in Colorado, joins us.