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
COVID-19 Testing Options; Lawyer On Groundless Voter Fraud Claims
November 10, 2020 19:19 - 41 minutesAs the number of coronavirus cases surges across the U.S., the demand for testing increases. We speak with Dr. Daniel Rhoads of the Cleveland Clinic about the different types of COVID-19 tests and how reliable they are. Also, we talk to Trevor Potter, a "historically Republican" lawyer, about Trump's baseless voter fraud claims which the U.S. attorney general said in a letter that U.S. prosecutors are now allowed to investigate. Potter says there are no credible claims of voter fraud.
What Trump Faces Leaving Office; Rep. Adam Smith On Esper's Removal
November 10, 2020 18:30 - 41 minutesWhat will happen to President Trump when he leaves office in January? Jane Mayer, chief Washington correspondent at the New Yorker, talks about Trump's post-White House future. And, Democratic Congressman Adam Smith of Washington, who is also chair of the House Armed Services Committee, discusses Trump's removal of Defense Secretary Mark Esper from his position.
Black Women Organizers Make Georgia A Swing State; Transitions Of Power
November 09, 2020 19:08 - 42 minutesLaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, talks about her work getting out the vote in Georgia and how Black women political organizers turned the Peach State into a contested swing state. And, as the General Services Administration hesitates to sign a letter that would declare Joe Biden the winner of this year's election, key funding, email addresses and office space are being withheld from the president-elect's administration. We talk with Max Stier, president and CEO of The Public ...
New Box Set Celebrates Pylon; Post-Election Voter Voices
November 09, 2020 18:51 - 42 minutesPylon, a short-lived but much-beloved band, became famous for their kinetic live performances. A new box set called "Pylon Box" gives the band's fans a chance to enjoy their music decades after their glory days. Here & Now's Alex Ashlock has the story. Also, after an intense and bruising election season, voters are now processing what the results mean to them. Host Robin Young checks in with three voters we've spoken to in recent months.
Role Of Racism In The 2020 Election; Parsing Trump's Rhetoric
November 06, 2020 19:20 - 41 minutesAlmost half of the electorate voted for President Trump despite his racist rhetoric and failure to condemn white supremacy. We talk with Robin DiAngelo, author of "White Fragility." Also, we speak with Jennifer Mercieca, who has been called the leading authority on President Trump's rhetoric.
Unemployed Families On Election; Nurse Blasts Trump's COVID-19 Response
November 06, 2020 18:12 - 40 minutesMillions of Americans are still unemployed with no relief in sight. We check in with two listeners who wrote in with their stories and were featured on the show earlier this year. And, in Arizona, one frontline nurse wrote a letter blasting President Trump for his handling of the pandemic, signed by nurses nationwide. We speak with Allison Valdez about why she wrote the letter.
COVID-19 Laundry Room Job; Detroit 'Stop The Count' Protest
November 05, 2020 20:14 - 41 minutesMJ Ryan of Rhode Island found a unique solution to what's become a common crisis for family members of nursing care patients: the inability to visit their loved ones during the pandemic. She took a part-time job in a care facility's laundry room so she could visit her mother. Also, on Wednesday, a crowd of protesters gathered outside of a vote counting center in Detroit, chanting "stop the count." Sommer Woods helped stave off the crowd and explains what that moment was like.
Michigan Secretary Of State On Election Results; Early Exit Polls
November 05, 2020 20:00 - 40 minutesMichigan's secretary of state talks about election results, including Trump's campaign asking the courts to stop vote counting in the state. And, exit polls show Trump improved his 2016 performance with nearly every racial group other than white men. In terms of class, Joe Biden performed better with voters making less than $100,000 a year. We talk to reporter Eugene Scott about what early exit polls can tell us about who voted and for whom.
Results Of Key Ballot Questions; Georgia Election Update
November 04, 2020 20:02 - 41 minutesNew Jerseyans have voted yes to legalizing recreational marijuana, Uber and other gig-economy companies in California do not have to classify workers as employees, and Massachusetts will not implement ranked-choice voting. The decisions were among the many ballot initiatives in 32 states. Josh Altic of Ballotpedia discusses the results. Also, as votes continue to be counted, Georgia's results in the presidential election are still up in the air. Reporter Emma Hurt has the latest from Atlanta.
Election May Hinge On Legal Challenges; US Exits Paris Climate Accord
November 04, 2020 19:44 - 41 minutesVotes are still being counted in several key states as the results of the 2020 election remains unclear. The race for president may still hinge on legal challenges. We speak with Edward Foley, director of election law at Ohio State Moritz College of Law. No matter who the next president is, Wednesday marks the official exit of the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord. We discuss what's next for the U.S. and climate change leadership.
Key House, Senate Races To Watch; Comedian David Sedaris
November 03, 2020 19:08 - 41 minutesWe speak with NPR congressional reporter Claudia Grisales about the key House and Senate races to look out for on Election Day. Also, humorist David Sedaris discusses "The Best of Me," a new collection that he's culled from nearly 30 years of work.
Facilitating Civil Conversations About Politics; COVID-19 In Schools
November 03, 2020 18:50 - 41 minutesA recent study of 2,000 people found that 62% felt they couldn't express political opinions without offending someone. John Wood Jr., a national leader with the group Braver Angels, talks about bridging the divide. And, Dr. David Rubin says there hasn't been a lot of transmission of the coronavirus at schools that are following rigorous protocols with masks, social distancing and ventilation.
Post-Election Resistance; Voter Safety At Polls
November 02, 2020 19:06 - 41 minutesTrump has refused to confirm that he'll concede if declared the losing candidate. Many are taking Trump at his word and are training for peaceful resistance to what they call a "power grab." Among those groups is Choose Democracy, founded by longtime activist George Lakey. He joins us to talk about what they are doing. Also, Tammy Patrick, senior advisor at Democracy Fund, explains what to do if you experience voter intimidation at the polls.
US Election Misinformation; Florida Felons Vote For The First Time
November 02, 2020 18:12 - 41 minutesWith less than 24 hours before voters go to the polls, experts wonder about the role misinformation continues to play in their decisions. We talk to two researchers about the source of misinformation and what false information is being spread. And, in Florida, people with felonies who've completed their sentences and paid all outstanding court fees and fines are able to vote in this election. We check in with Desmond Meade, president and executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Co...
Medieval 'Dies Irae' Scares Today's Audiences; 'Chinatown Pretty' Book
October 30, 2020 18:10 - 42 minutesMusicologist Alex Ludwig joins us to discuss the "Dies irae," the medieval funeral chant that has become popular in film scores. And, authors Andria Lo and Valerie Luu talk about their new book "Chinatown Pretty: Fashion and Wisdom from Chinatown's Most Stylish Seniors."
Women Voters In Philadelphia Suburbs; COVID-19 Long-Hauler Family
October 30, 2020 17:18 - 41 minutesWomen in Bucks County, home to some of the suburbs of Philadelphia, will be an important factor in how the swing state of Pennsylvania will lean. Here & Now's Ciku Theuri talks to two women in the county. Also, the Barrios family in Seneca, South Carolina, are COVID-19 long-haulers. They talk to us about their long-term health concerns and financial restraints.
William Prince On 'Gospel First Nation'; Cooking With Kids
October 29, 2020 20:26 - 41 minutesSinger William Prince talks about his new album "Gospel First Nation." And, with so many children attending school online, it's the perfect time to invite them into the kitchen. Resident chef Kathy Gunst shares three recipes and ideas for bringing kids into the kitchen.
'American Selfie' Shows A Country Divided; California Ballot Measures
October 29, 2020 17:38 - 42 minutesWe talk with filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi about her new documentary, "American Selfie: One Nation Shoots Itself," and the divisions she witnessed when filming people across the country. Also, voters in California are deciding on several high-stakes ballot measures this election — from criminal justice reform to how to classify gig workers. We round up some of the measures with KQED's Scott Shafer.
Voters With Disabilities Face Barriers; Chef Thomas Keller
October 28, 2020 20:15 - 42 minutesAs long lines to vote form, Americans with disabilities face unique barriers to casting their ballots. Sabrina Epstein, whose disability prevents her from standing in line to vote, talks about her challenges and about what government can do to improve accessibility. Also, we speak with chef and restaurateur Thomas Keller about his new book and how his company has fared during the pandemic.
Arizona Democrats Mobilize To Turn State Blue; Big Tech Hearings
October 28, 2020 19:48 - 42 minutesPolls show Joe Biden ahead in Arizona, and if he wins, it would be the first time the state turned blue since the 1990s. We speak with a director of a grassroots group that has been working to register Democrats to vote. And, the Senate Commerce Committee is asking Google, Facebook and Twitter tough questions on Tuesday. Both Democrats and Republicans have expressed interest in revoking Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 for very different reasons, Recode's Sara Morrison te...
Real-Life Horror Stories In 'Spooked' Podcast; Police At Polling Stations
October 27, 2020 18:18 - 42 minutesGlynn Washington, host of WNYC's "Spooked" podcast, joins us to talk about his real-life paranormal experience as well as other stories that appear on the show. Also, Sean Morales-Doyle, deputy director of the Brennan Center, explains why some states require police at polling stations. While police presence makes some voters feel safer, others say they feel intimidated.
Discovery Of Tulsa Massacre Victim Graves; Wisconsin's COVID-19 Surge
October 27, 2020 18:10 - 42 minutesIt's been nearly 100 years since the Tulsa massacres — where as many as 300 Black Tulsa residents were killed. Now, an archaeological dig at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Tusla has unearthed a dozen victims' coffins. Brenda Alford, whose grandparents were survivors of the massacre, joins us. And, COVID-19 cases are surging in Wisconsin. We talk to an emergency physician there.
Amazon Workers Demand Time Off To Vote; Mental Health Crisis
October 26, 2020 18:32 - 41 minutesAmazon warehouse workers are threatening to walk off the job this week unless the company gives all its employees paid time off to vote. They are part of a broader push this year for employers to make it easier for Americans to cast their ballots. Also, the American Psychological Association's newest report says the U.S. is "facing a national mental health crisis that could yield serious health and social consequences for years to come." We talk to one of the report's authors about mental hea...
Luke James On 'To Feel Love/d'; Matthew McConaughey Pens 'Greenlights'
October 26, 2020 17:48 - 42 minutesSinger and actor Luke James joins us to talk about his latest album, "To Feel Love/d," and what it means to make music during these turbulent times in US history. And, Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey talks about his new book "Greenlights."
Zimbabwean Journalist Hopewell Chin'ono; Pennsylvania Voters
October 23, 2020 18:08 - 41 minutesHopewell Chin'ono is a Zimbabwean journalist who was jailed earlier this year for reporting on corruption in Zimbabwe. Out on bail now, he speaks to us about his experience. And, three voters in northeast Pennsylvania react to Thursday night's debate and share their thoughts on the candidates, issues and the election thus far.
Pedaling Across The Great Divide; Local Bookstores Struggle To Survive
October 23, 2020 17:08 - 41 minutesNate Hegyi, host of the new podcast "Facing West," pedaled 800 miles on his bike, from Montana through Idaho and Wyoming to Colorado, listening to Americans ahead of the election. He talks about his journey. Also, Amazon has squeezed out small, local book retailers that can't compete. But for Kalima DeSuze, owner of Cafe Con Libros in Brooklyn, the competition and the pandemic are challenges she's willing to face to keep her community-focused bookstore open.
Higher Education Challenges; Colorado Wildfire Quadruples Overnight
October 22, 2020 18:09 - 41 minutesOhio Wesleyan University's president speaks with us about what the spring semester will look like amid the pandemic, and why the university is undergoing a round of belt-tightening. Also, the East Troublesome Fire in Grand County, Colorado, exploded in size Wednesday night, prompting mandatory evacuation orders for the town of Grand Lake. Colorado Public Radio's Michael Elizabeth Sakas has the latest.
Theodore Roosevelt's Wilderness; COVID-19 Hits Family Farm
October 22, 2020 17:11 - 41 minutesBy the time he left the presidency, Theodore Roosevelt had saved an unprecedented 230 million acres of American land. A new book traces and deconstructs the positive and negative aspects of his crusading environmental leadership. We speak with the author. And, Denise Price of Louisville, Kentucky, says that she and several of her family members contracted COVID-19 in August and have since recovered. But her father unfortunately did not. We speak with Price about the experience.
COVID-19 Surge In Wisconsin; Atlanta Home Equity Theft
October 21, 2020 18:28 - 42 minutesWisconsin Gov. Tony Evers warned Tuesday that the state's "economy is going to tank" if COVID-19 cases continue to surge. There were 1,192 coronavirus patients hospitalized across the state on Tuesday, a record high. We hear from Dr. Nasia Safdar in Madison. Also, unscrupulous investors are preying on Black homeowners in gentrifying Atlanta. As Stephannie Stokes of WABE reports, that's led to devastating consequences for some low-income owners who are cash poor but equity rich.
Ballot Measures In 32 States; A Rare Bird That's Male And Female
October 21, 2020 18:24 - 42 minutesVoters in 32 states will decide on ballot measures in this election. They include recreational marijuana legalization, election reform, tax policy and flag design. We talk about what's on the ballot this year with Josh Altic of Ballotpedia. And, researchers in Pennsylvania recently saw a rose-breasted grosbeak that was male on one side and female on the other. Kara Holsopple of The Allegheny Front reports.
Rents Decline In US's Most Expensive Cities; Kansas City Evictions
October 20, 2020 18:06 - 41 minutesRents are continuing to fall in some of the most expensive cities in the U.S., including San Francisco, New York, Boston, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Roben Farzad, host of Public Radio's Full Disclosure, discusses the market for renters. Also, we speak with Tara Raghuveer, director of KC Tenants, and Gabrielle Diamond, who is facing the possibility of eviction in Kansas City.
Peter Frampton's New Memoir; Military Suicides Rise During Pandemic
October 20, 2020 17:33 - 42 minutesMusician Peter Frampton talks about his new memoir, "Do You Feel Like I Do?" And, military suicides have increased by as much as 20% this year compared to the same period in 2019. Sergio Alfaro, a retired Army medic who deployed to Iraq in 2003 and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, joins us.
Election Night Expectations; Business Lessons From Former Dunkin' CEO
October 19, 2020 18:14 - 42 minutesSenate Democrats have released a report encouraging voters to be patient as some states won't have counted all ballots on election night. We walk through the different scenarios that could take place. Also, we talk with Robert Rosenberg, the CEO of Dunkin' Donuts for 35 years, about his new book "Around the Corner to Around the World: A Dozen Lessons I Learned Running Dunkin' Donuts."
Thanksgiving Plans And COVID-19 Risk; The Myth Of Meritocracy
October 19, 2020 17:07 - 42 minutesMany families are having tough conversations about whether or not they should gather for Thanksgiving this year as the pandemic continues. Dr. Carlos del Rio discusses how to gather in a way that minimizes the risk of spreading COVID-19. And, what if everything we've been believed about America being a meritocracy — where hard work will bring success — is wrong? Harvard professor Michael Sandel joins us to talk about his new book.
The Long History Of Latino Republicans; COVID-19 Could Become Endemic
October 16, 2020 18:34 - 42 minutesPolitical analysts have long predicted that increased voter turnout by Latinos would shift U.S. politics to the left. But to assume all Latinos are Democrats erases the long history of Latino GOP support. Author of "The Hispanic Republican" Geraldo Cadava joins us. And, we speak with one of the researchers at Columbia University who says COVID-19 may become endemic, with recurring outbreaks.
Poet Amanda Gorman On Art In Times Of Darkness; Iowa Voters
October 15, 2020 18:07 - 43 minutesIn the midst of the pandemic and calls for racial justice, many artists are using their energies to help advocate for transformative change. Amanda Gorman, the nation's first Youth Poet Laureate, is among them. We speak with her about poetry as a tool for activism. And, Iowa remains one of the most hotly contested states this election after easily going for President Trump in 2016. Fans at a recent high school football game in Clinton County help illustrate this divide.
'Time' Documentary Shows Toll Of Incarceration; First-Time Voters
October 15, 2020 17:08 - 43 minutesHost Tonya Mosley speaks with Fox and Rob Rich, who are the focus of the new documentary "Time." The film follows their family through the more than 20 years that Rob served in prison for robbery. Also, we hear from three first-time voters who plan to participate in the 2020 presidential election.
People Of Praise, Explained; BLM Co-founder Patrisse Cullors' YA Book
October 14, 2020 18:33 - 42 minutesSCOTUS nominee Amy Coney Barrett's faith is a key part of her appeal to conservative supporters, as well as a cause for concern among some who oppose her nomination. Barrett is a Catholic, but she's also affiliated with the People of Praise. The Wall Street Journal's Vatican correspondent explains. Also, Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors has adapted her book, "When They Call You A Terrorist: A Story of Black Lives Matter and The Power To Change The World," for young readers.
Republican Women On Trump; SCOTUS Confirmation Hearings Continue
October 14, 2020 18:14 - 42 minutesRepublican Ann Ragosta and Catherine Johnson, a former Republican from the Northeast, talk about how they feel about President Trump. And, Senate Judiciary Committee members continue their questioning of President Trump's third Supreme Court nominee judge Amy Coney Barrett on Wednesday. NPR justice correspondent Carrie Johnson joins us with the latest.
'Driving While Black' Documentary; Jacques Pépin's Cookbook
October 13, 2020 18:38 - 42 minutesWe speak with historian Gretchen Sorin who co-created the documentary "Driving While Black." The film, scheduled to air on PBS stations around the country on Tuesday night, unearths efforts to control Black mobility in the U.S. Also, French food icon Jacques Pépin's new cookbook "Quick and Simple" provides not only a vast array of new recipes but also advice on how to make cooking easier.
Comic Jimmy O. Yang On 'The Opening Act'; Google Antitrust Lawsuit
October 13, 2020 18:36 - 42 minutesComedian and actor Jimmy O. Yang stars as a would-be stand-up comic in the new film "The Opening Act." He joins us to talk about the role. And, the Department of Justice is expected to announce a lawsuit against Google as soon as this week. Two members of the House Judiciary Committee discuss what's anticipated to be the biggest antitrust action since the 1990s case against Microsoft.
MacArthur Genius Larissa FastHorse; 5 Ways To Stay Safe This Halloween
October 12, 2020 18:08 - 42 minutesPlaywright Larissa FastHorse talks about winning the MacArthur Genius Grant for her work bringing indigenous perspectives to the stage. And, trying to satisfy your kids' hankering for a proper Halloween without risking your health? An epidemiologist at Harvard University gives us a few tips for celebrating cheerfully but safely.
COVID-19 And Plastic Pollution; Trump Supporters In Arizona
October 12, 2020 17:34 - 42 minutesDave Ford, founder of SoulBuffalo, speaks with us about how the coronavirus has increased the amount of plastic polluting the world's oceans. Also, host Peter O'Dowd speaks with avid supporters of President Trump in Arizona, a swing state that is showing signs of going to a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time since 1996.
Chef Tunde Wey On Why Food Is Political; How To Spur Economic Recovery
October 09, 2020 18:06 - 40 minutesIn our "We Are What We Eat" series, Nigerian chef and writer Tunde Wey shares how the pandemic and the country's renewed racial reckoning have exposed the inequities of the food industry. And, economist Joseph Stiglitz discusses how to spur economic recovery and how much the mounting national debt matters.
Lenny Kravitz's Musical Journey; The Forces Against Gov. Whitmer
October 09, 2020 17:24 - 40 minutesHost Tonya Mosley speaks with Grammy-winning musician Lenny Kravitz about his new memoir "Let Love Rule." Also, we talk to Michigan Radio's Rick Pluta about what we know about the foiled plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and incite a civil war.
Facebook Bans QAnon Groups; Wisconsin COVID-19 Cases Surge
October 08, 2020 18:06 - 41 minutesWe take a closer look at Facebook's decision to ban all pages related to the fringe conspiracy movement QAnon. Also, Wisconsin's health services secretary called the state a "dangerous place" as a surge in COVID-19 cases continues. Among the state's responses is a plan to open a field hospital soon outside Milwaukee.
Vote By Mail In California; New Details Of Breonna Taylor's Death
October 08, 2020 17:52 - 41 minutesThe 2020 election marks the first time California has extended voting by mail to all of its active voters. California's secretary of state discusses this massive expansion in ballot access amid the coronavirus pandemic. And, Louisville has released documents from a police investigation into the killing of Breonna Taylor. WFPL's Amina Elahi walks us through why this release is so important, seven months after Taylor's death.
COVID-19 Treatment And Access; EPA Record On Pesticides
October 07, 2020 18:02 - 41 minutesRegeneron Pharmaceuticals says fewer than 10 people have been given an experimental antibody cocktail it gave Trump to fight COVID-19. We talk with a STAT reporter about the challenges for other Americans who qualify but can't access treatment. Also, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that it was rejecting scientific evidence that the pesticide chlorpyrifos is linked with health problems. This comes after the Obama administration pledged to ban the pesticide.
L.A. Taco Editor Talks City's Iconic Dish; Sen. Tim Kaine On VP Debate
October 07, 2020 17:12 - 41 minutesHere & Now explores Los Angeles' most iconic dish — the taco — and what food can tell us about the city's many neighborhoods with L.A. Taco editor-in-chief Javier Cabral as part of our "We Are What We Eat" series. And, ahead of the only vice presidential debate, we speak with Sen. Tim Kaine, who debated Pence in 2016 as Hilary Clinton's running mate when she was the Democratic presidential nominee.
Voting Questions, Answered; Nobel Prize Winner In Physics
October 06, 2020 18:07 - 41 minutesWe asked listeners to submit questions about voting this year. Professor Edward Foley, director of the election law program at The Ohio State University, has the answers. Also, three physicists have won this year's Nobel Prize in physics for black hole discoveries. Two of them, Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez, received the prize "for the discovery of a supermassive compact object at the center of our galaxy." We speak with Ghez.