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1,741 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days 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
What options remain for Jacob Wideman?
May 05, 2023 18:05 - 59 minutes - 54.4 MBJacob 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 co...
Discontent looms over King Charles III's coronation; 'The Great American Baking Show'
May 05, 2023 16:49 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBAP'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,...
How one company is making millions on water; The impact of Gen Z voters
May 04, 2023 19:26 - 26 minutes - 24 MBNew 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 Tedd...
Cate Blanchett on Syrian refugee crisis; Gun violence rate differs across regions
May 03, 2023 15:57 - 23 minutes - 22 MBCongress 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 ...
Research finds rent control reduces affordability in long run; Supreme Court reform
May 02, 2023 16:42 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBOn 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 S...
May Day protests erupt in France over pension reform; Who owns history?
May 01, 2023 17:07 - 25 minutes - 23 MBFirst 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 ...
Air Guitar World Championships; Graphic novel explores racism and oppression
August 24, 2022 19:52 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBThere are some good vibrations in the air as preparations begin for the Air Guitar World Championships this Friday in Finland. Justin "Nordic Thunder" Howard, 2012 air guitar world champion and judge of this year's competition, joins us. And, we revisit a conversation with Sara Alfageeh and Nadia Shammas, co-authors of the fantasy graphic novel "Squire" about a young girl who dreams of becoming a knight.
Cool off with cold soup recipes; College campus health care providers and abortion
August 24, 2022 19:52 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MBChef Kathy Gunst shares three soup recipes that make for a simple, easy dinner or lunch and can be served cold or, if you find the weather turns, are equally good served hot. And, as the fall semester begins at colleges across the country, the health care landscape has changed in many places since the spring, after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in late June. Dr. Jessica Higgs, president of the American College Health Association, joins us.
Preserving Detroit's United Sound Systems; 'The Impossible City'
August 23, 2022 20:06 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBMiles Davis, Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin all recorded at United Sound Systems in Detroit. The 1916 brick building that houses the studio was designated a historic landmark in 2015, but local preservationists are worried that may not be enough to protect it forever. Michelle Jahra McKinney of the Detroit Sound Conservancy joins us. And, journalist Karen Cheung talks about her book "The Impossible City: A Hong Kong Memoir" and reflects on growing up in Hong Kong following the handover from ...
25 years after Rodgers & Hammerstein's Black 'Cinderella'; Testing pets for COVID
August 23, 2022 20:03 - 41 minutes - 38 MBNPR Pop Culture Happy Hour's Aisha Harris revisits the iconic version of "Cinderella" staring Brandy Norwood and Whitney Houston on its 25th anniversary. And, Los Angeles residents who may have exposed their pets to COVID-19 can now get their furry friends tested for free. Karen Ehnert, the chief veterinarian for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, joins us.
Santa Fe Opera's 'M. Butterfly'; Book 'Good Grief' explores pet loss
August 22, 2022 17:55 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBThis week sees the Santa Fe Opera's final performance of the world premiere of "M. Butterfly." The opera explores issues of gender, racism and the often fraught relationship between East and West. Here & Now's Emiko Tamagawa reports. And, E.B. Bartels, the author of the new book "Good Grief: On Loving Pets Here and Hereafter," talks about the human-pet bond and why their pets' passing can cause owners profound grief.
Elvis Costello sets out on tour; Monkeypox outbreak and sex
August 22, 2022 17:51 - 41 minutes - 38 MBRock & Roll Hall of Fame musician Elvis Costello talks about his album "The Boy Named If." Costello is now out on tour. And, as the monkeypox outbreak continues, experts explain why it's important to keep sex front and center of the conversation. NPR's Andrew Limbong reports.
'Election' author Tom Perrotta brings back Tracy Flick; What's next for AMC?
August 19, 2022 17:09 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBTom Perrotta introduced the world to Tracy Flick in his 1998 novel "Election," which was made into a film starring Reese Witherspoon. Now he has a new novel about the character, "Tracy Flick Can't Win." Here & Now's Emiko Tamagawa talks with Perrotta about the character and the book. And, with "Better Caul Saul" ending and AMC's other big show "The Walking Dead" nearing its final season, what's next for the network? NPR TV critic Eric Deggans weighs in.
Legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter; 'The Afghanistan Papers'
August 19, 2022 17:09 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBGrammy-winning jazz bassist Ron Carter plans to celebrate his 85th birthday with a concert at Carnegie Hall on May 10. We revisit a conversation with Carter from March. And, Craig Whitlock, investigative reporter for The Washington Post, talks about what went wrong in Afghanistan over the two decades the U.S. had troops there. He wrote the book "The Afghanistan Papers: A Secret History of the War."
Baseball umpires have it rough; The attack on Salman Rushdie and free speech
August 18, 2022 18:11 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBUmpires aren't a favorite among baseball fans. It's a position that's long drawn criticism from those who don't agree with the calls. But umpires love the job anyway. Colorado Public Radio's Vic Vela reports. And, author Salman Rushdie was about to give a lecture on artistic freedom when he was stabbed in front of an audience largely made up of fellow writers. Many view this as a direct attack on free speech. PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel joins us.
'Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage'; Afghan interpreter in immigration limbo
August 18, 2022 18:11 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBThere's lots of trash at the bottom of hundreds of ponds on Cape Cod, Mass. One group of older women finds joy in digging it up. Eve Zuckoff of WCAI reports. And, a new memoir tells the story of one Afghan interpreter who fought alongside Marines — and then had to fight American bureaucracy to come to the U.S. The authors of "Always Faithful," Maj. Tom Schueman and Zainullah "Zak" Zaki, join us
Jazz up your summer playlist; American Airlines to purchase 20 Boom Supersonic jets
August 17, 2022 18:22 - 42 minutes - 39 MBWhat's on your summer playlist? Keanna Faircloth, host of the "Artimacy" podcast, talks about some new jazz releases. And, American Airlines is now the third carrier to place an order for a set of Boom Supersonic jets. The jets are set to be ready for passengers before 2030 and will half the time it currently takes to cross the Atlantic. Here & Now's transportation analyst Seth Kaplan joins us.
Frank Morrison's 'Kick Push'; A year after the Afghanistan withdrawal
August 17, 2022 18:22 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBFrank Morrison talks about his children's book "Kick Push," which tells the story of a young skateboarder who has difficulty adjusting to his new neighborhood. And, Zamzama Safi was a translator for the U.S. military in Kabul and was evacuated last year. She talks about her new life in America. JC Hendrickson of the IRC also discusses the path ahead for Afghan refugees in the U.S.
Climate change book recommendations; How did the GOP get here?
August 16, 2022 18:21 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MB"The Stacks" creator and host Traci Thomas talks about her picks for thought-provoking non-fiction and fiction books that address climate change. And, author and Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank says the rise of former President Donald Trump comes from seeds planted and nurtured in Republican politics years ago. His new book is called "The Destructionists: The Twenty-Five Year Crack-Up of the Republican Party." Milbank joins us.
Megan Thee Stallion's 'Traumazine'; First vaginal fluid transplant in the U.S.
August 16, 2022 18:21 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBMegan Thee Stallion's rise defines the word meteoric. Music writer Taylor Crumpton talks about "Traumazine," the latest album from the rapper. And, many women in the U.S. have bacterial vaginosis, or BV, which in some cases is linked to serious, long-term health issues. Doctors haven't been able to offer a good treatment for it until now. WBUR's Gabrielle Emanuel reports on the country's first vaginal fluid transplant performed in Massachusetts General Hospital.
'There Are Moms Way Worse Than You'; Facebook's abortion privacy case
August 15, 2022 17:56 - 42 minutes - 39 MBWe revisit a conversation with Glenn Boozan, author of "There Are Moms Way Worse Than You." The book uses examples of bad parenting from the animal kingdom to soothe moms who might be worried about their parenting skills. And, the parent company of Facebook gave law enforcement private messages between a mother and her 17-year-old daughter about getting abortion pills. What does this tell us about tech companies and user privacy? Alexandra Givens, the president and CEO of the Center for Democ...
Household cats are an invasive species; Water advisory in Michigan
August 15, 2022 17:56 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBAn institute in Poland has declared the household cat an invasive species. What's so dangerous about these cats? Laura Helmuth, editor-in-chief at Scientific American, joins us. And, tens of thousands of Michiganders have been told to boil their water due to an advisory implemented. Michigan Radio's Briana Rice talks about the situation and when regular water service might return.
Why you shouldn't let your job define you; Fans worried about HBO Max and Discovery+
August 12, 2022 18:26 - 41 minutes - 38 MBThe pandemic has changed so many ways in which the world operates, including work. Maybe it prompted you to question your career and your relationship with work. We revisit a conversation with writer Arthur Brooks. And, a merger between HBO Max and Discovery+ in 2023 has some fans focused on what won't be on the new service. NPR's TV critic Eric Deggans joins us.
Charlottesville's religious, Black communities; The Arctic is warming faster
August 12, 2022 18:26 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBA violent far-right rally in Charlottesville prompted soul-searching and calls to address racism. Five years later, religious and Black communities are still pushing. Host Scott Tong reports from Charlottesville. And, a new study confirms some of the worst fears of climate scientists worried about runaway global warming. Lead author Mika Rantanen of the Finnish Meteorological Institute joins us.
4 ripe, juicy tomato recipes; Kentucky grocery flooding
August 11, 2022 17:47 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MBChef Kathy Gunst shares four new tomato recipes to give your summer a little sauce. She also explains how to shop for tomatoes. And, Gwen Christon, who owns the only grocery store for miles around the small town of Isom, Ky., talks with us about how flooding there devastated her store.
Charlottesville's Jewish community; Threatened wildlife species preservation bill
August 11, 2022 17:47 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBFive years after the Unite the Right march in Charlottesville, Va., turned deadly, we hear from members of the city's Jewish community about starting a dialogue to combat white hate. And, the new Recovering America's Wildlife Act would overhaul how the country funds efforts to protect endangered plants and animals. Sen. Martin Heinrich, a Democrat from New Mexico who sponsored the bill, joins us.
'How to Navigate Life'; Ukrainians resettle in Alaska
August 10, 2022 18:02 - 41 minutes - 38 MBToday's college students are struggling with the demands of life. Authors Belle Liang and Tim Klein are devoted to helping them and join us to discuss their new book. And, four Ukrainians have resettled in Alaska and are living on a retired ferry that they hope to transform into a museum. Eric Stone of KRBD gives us the report.
Air conditioning as a human right; Drug-resistant bacteria
August 10, 2022 18:01 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBAs record-breaking heat spans almost every continent, should air conditioning be a human right for the billions without it? Dr. Morgan Bazilian of the Colorado School of Mines weighs in. And, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is concerned about antibiotic-resistant bacteria as new data shows the pandemic caused it to surge in hospitals. Dr. Chris Murray of the University of Washington joins us.
R.K. Russell on NFL's relationship with LGBTQ+ players; Barbara Kruger's NYC exhibit
August 09, 2022 18:03 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBBack in 2019, R.K. Russell came out as bisexual and found his job chances in the NFL evaporate. We hear from him. And, artist Barbara Kruger reworked some of her pieces and included new works with text from the web in exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art and the David Zwirner Gallery in New York City. Karen Michel reports.
Whitney Houston's legacy; Reproductive choice in other species
August 09, 2022 18:03 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBIt's been a decade since we lost one of the most beloved artists of our time: Whitney Houston. We revisit a conversation with Gerrick Kennedy, author of "Didn't We Almost Have It All: In Defense of Whitney Houston." And, evolutionary biologist Deena Emera talks about how females of many species have evolved to maximize their own and their offspring's health.
Diversifying historical romance novels; The case for an Interstellar Probe
August 08, 2022 17:17 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBScientist Ralph McNutt, Jr. wants NASA to approve an Interstellar Probe that would explore the expansive stretches of space beyond the influence of our sun. He explains why. And, historical romance novels mostly feature white main characters. Beverly Jenkins and Courtney Milan, two best-selling authors of color, talk about what it's like to write within the genre.
Jet and Ebony Magzines' archives; PFAS contamination in a rural Massachusetts
August 08, 2022 17:17 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBThe National Museum of African American History and Culture and Getty Research Archive have acquired the Johnson Publishing archives, which include archives of the iconic publications Jet and Ebony. Museum director Kevin Young talks about the process of making the collection public. And, PFAS chemicals are known as "forever chemicals" because they don't really decompose and removing them is complicated. We're joined by Staci Rubin from the Conservation Law Foundation and Westminster resident ...
The new hit Netflix show 'Uncoupled'; Grammy winner Aoife O'Donovan's new album
August 05, 2022 17:53 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBWithin a week since its release, Netflix's new original series Uncoupled starring Neil Patrick Harris has quickly leapt into the streaming service's top 10. Darren Star, who created Sex and the City, is also behind this show — and there seem to be some similarities. NPR's TV critic Eric Deggans joins us. And, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Aoife O'Donovan reflects on her musical life (and shouts out to Joni Mitchell) on her new album "Age of Apathy." The singer-songwriter talks about the al...
Portland's gun problem swells; Invasive Burmese pythons harm the environment
August 05, 2022 17:46 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MBPortland's homicide rate is roughly double the nationwide rate. Mayor Ted Wheeler, who is putting funding back into the police department and has issued a new emergency declaration to try and deal with the gun problem, joins us. And, the 2022 Florida Python Challenge kicked off Friday morning in Florida. Conservation biologist Ian Bartoszek talks about capturing the heaviest Burmese python ever in Florida.
Black men turn to barbers to talk; 'We Are Jane' provides access to safe abortions
August 04, 2022 19:30 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBThe U.S is in the midst of a mental health crisis — especially in the Black community. Confess Project is one organization turning to local barbers to get Black men and boys to open up and seek help. Barber Craig Charles joins us. And, reviving the mission of a group from the 1960s, "We Are Jane" seeks to aid in proving safe abortion access in Chicago after the overturn of Roe v. Wade. South Side activist and founder of Mothers Against Senseless Killing Tamar Manasseh launched the new initiat...
Kentucky chef delivers food, hope to flood victims; Looking for rare wild ginseng
August 04, 2022 18:33 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBIn the aftermath of widespread Eastern Kentucky flooding, one Kentucky chef is cooking up food for residents affected and traversing nearly-impassible routes to get it to them. Joe Arvin joins us to talk about his efforts. And, ginseng has been cultivated for thousands of years for its medicinal benefits, but it's now endangered. Researchers in Tennessee have found a patch, but they won't share its location. Steve Haruch of WPLN joined researchers in their scouting and reports.
Bad Bunny's enormous success; First fully synthetic mouse embryos
August 03, 2022 18:01 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBWhat's behind Bad Bunny's enormous success? "Un Verano Sin Ti," the new album by the Puerto Rican superstar, is dominating the music industry. Carina del Valle Schorske, a writer who profiled Bad Bunny in The New York Times Magazine, joins us. And, for the first time in history, researchers have grown mice embryos with no sperm, no egg and no uterus. STAT's Megan Molteni joins us.
Author Bill Littlefield's new novel; Best video games of 2022
August 03, 2022 18:00 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBFor 25 years Bill Littlefield's infectious laugh and thoughtful conversation made NPR's Only a Game much more than a national sports show. Now, the narrator of his new novel "Mercy" shares Littlefield's introspection. He joins us. And, NPR staff and contributors weigh in on their favorite games of 2022 so far. Here & Now's James Perkins Mastromarino breaks down some of the picks.
Rising temps are harming trees; Instagram faces backlash for trying to be like TikTok
August 02, 2022 17:55 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBTree and climate expert Daniel Griffin joins us to talk about how rising temperatures make the current drought in the southwest particularly harmful to trees. And, Instagram is facing backlash from creators for trying to be like TikTok with new app changes. New York Times technology reporting fellow Kalley Huang joins us.
Right-wing think tanks turn into churches; Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan
August 02, 2022 17:54 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBWhy are right-wing think tanks trying to become churches? We learn more with ProPublica's Andrea Suozzo. And, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi lands in Taiwan Tuesday, against the advice of the White House and to the upset of Chinese officials. NPR's Emily Feng gives us the update.
The world's large archive of theatre recordings; AP's first-ever democracy editor
August 01, 2022 17:52 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBThe world's largest collection of live theatre recordings turns 50 this year. To celebrate, the New York Public Library, which curates the massive collection, is welcoming guests to its new exhibit called "Focus Center Stage." Curator Patrick Hoffman joins us. And, several news organizations are developing new teams to report on threats to democracy. The Associated Press' first-ever democracy editor Tom Verdin joins us.
Summer movie picks; U.K. McDonald's raises cheeseburger prices
August 01, 2022 17:52 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBFilm critic Ty Burr, author of the "Ty Burr's Watch List" Substack newsletter, shares his picks for new and classic summer movies. And, in the U.K., McDonald's has raised the price of its cheeseburger for the first time in 14 years. Business Insider's Mary Meisenzahl joins us to talk fast food prices.
Beyoncé's 'Renaissance'; Ke Huy Quan talks 'Everything, Everywhere, All at Once'
July 29, 2022 16:30 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBProfessors Shaun Harper and Lori Patton Davis talk about how Beyoncé's music resonates with meaning for Black scholars fighting for pay equity and recognition in predominantly white institutions. And, Ke Huy Quan stars in the new film "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once." But long before that, Quan was a child actor in "The Goonies," and "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" but moved behind the camera for several decades.
The Newport Jazz Festival returns; Remembering British food writer Diana Kennedy
July 29, 2022 16:30 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBThe Newport Jazz Festival, founded in 1954, was the first annual jazz festival in the U.S. After being canceled in 2020 and shortened in 2021, the festival is back this year. Artistic director Christian McBride joins us. And, Diana Kennedy spent decades chronicling the cuisine of Mexico. She died on July 24 at age 99. We revisit a conversation with Kennedy from 2011.
3 great corn recipes from chef Kathy Gunst; Why gophers glow under blacklight
July 28, 2022 17:07 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBCorn knows no bounds: At the height of summer, resident chef Kathy Gunst can't get enough of it. She shares three new corn recipes and tips. And, over the last few years, researchers have discovered that pocket gophers, flying squirrels, wombats and platypuses all glow under UV lights. Scientists have some theories, but they don't really know why the animals glow. Molly Samuel of WABE reports.
LGBTQ farmers; The community recovery after the Highland Park mass shooting
July 28, 2022 17:07 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBThere aren't many statistics on how many farmers belong to the LGBTQ community in the U.S. But some are making a point of being more visible and creating community. Catherine Wheeler of Iowa Public Radio reports. And, nearly a month after the Highland Park mass shooting, the pain is still raw and real for survivors and loved ones. WBEZ's Susie An reports.
Paul Hollywood's new baking book; Louisville, Kentucky loses theater loved by locals
July 27, 2022 18:29 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MB"The British Bake-Off" host Paul Hollywood gets back to basics in his new cookbook, "Bake: My Best Ever Recipes for the Classics." Hollywood joins us to talk more about his new release, the first one in five years. And, after 50 years as a beloved local landmark, the Village 8 Theater in Louisville, Kentucky is shuttering its doors. WFPL's Stephanie Wolf visits the theater to report on its last days.
'We Met in Virtual Reality' documentary; Florida seagrass is thriving
July 27, 2022 18:27 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBHBO's new documentary "We Met in Virtual Reality" was filmed entirely in virtual reality chat rooms and focuses on the deep relationships that are often formed. Director Joe Hunting joins us. And, even amid environmental catastrophes across the country, in one part of Florida, seagrass is healthy and thriving. It's it one of the largest and healthiest seagrass meadows in the Gulf. WUSF's Steve Newborn reports.
New biography 'Putin'; Hillsong megachurch faces scandals
July 26, 2022 19:51 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MBLongtime foreign correspondent Philip Short talks about his new book "Putin" which is a close examination of the life and career of Russian leader Vladimir Putin. And, scandals, secrecy and the resignation of Hillsong's founder and global pastor Brian Houston in March have led to more than half of its American campuses breaking away from the church. Christianity Today's Mike Cosper joins us.
How wasps impact the planet; Restoration of a crucial fish population
July 26, 2022 19:51 - 41 minutes - 37.7 MBEntomologist and behavioral ecologist Seirian Sumner explains why wasps don't deserve the bad rap they get. And, outdated dams are preventing many fish species from migrating and spawning. One Native American tribe in Nevada is trying to recover the dwindling population of an endangered fish it's relied on for years. Kaleb Roedel of the Mountain West News Bureau reports.