Here & Now Anytime
The 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.
Episodes
The loneliness cure: How new apps are helping people combat isolation
The United States is in an "epidemic of loneliness," according to the former U.S. surgeon general. The internet and social media have played a part in Americans suffering from isolation and mental health declines. But technology isn't all bad. We hear about apps that can help people make friends. Then, in her book "Do You Still Talk To Grandma?," Brit Barron explores what to do when the people we love have views and opinions that might be hurtful to us. She talks about empathy, the problems with social media and the hope for learning, open conversation and transformation. And, then nothing brings people together like food. Here & Now resident chef Kathy Gunst has been easing back into the kitchen after a tennis court fall sidelined her for over a month. She shares insights and a couple of simple recipes.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21/02/25•29m 4s
Will Trump's IVF executive order lower costs?
President Trump this week signed an executive order aimed at expanding access and reducing costs for people seeking in vitro fertilization treatments. The 19th's Shefali Luthra explains what that means. And, some Republicans are talking about cutting Medicaid access to pay for President Trump's proposed tax cuts. Former Ohio Medicaid director Barbara Sears Roshon details what that could mean for people who rely on the program. Then, a slew of recent plane crashes has escalated flying anxiety for many people. Psychologist Andrew Rosen offers some tips for dealing with stress around flying.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
20/02/25•24m 15s
Trump sides with Russia, tossing decades of U.S. foreign policy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says President Trump is spreading disinformation after Trump falsely accused Ukraine of starting the war with Russia. The comments come as the United States begins talks with Ukraine to end the war. Retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges joins us from the former Soviet republic of Lithuania to talk about the shift in U.S. policy towards Russia. Then, one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in this country is the federal government. Now, disability advocates are worried the Trump administration's downsizing of this workforce will have a negative impact that could take decades to make up for. Maria Town, president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities, joins us. And, we're marking Black History Month by looking at the impact of Black artists on popular music over four decades. As we rewind to the 2000s, it seems only proper to focus on Missy Elliott. Author Clover Hope talks about Elliott's impact.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
19/02/25•23m 38s
Mass government firings leave workers 'disappointed,' 'heartbroken,' 'afraid'
The Trump administration has fired thousands of federal workers in recent days. We speak to one of them: Nina Emlemdi, who worked in a division of the Department of Education. And, Lizz Wright always dreamed of performing at the Kennedy Center. But just as she was about to take the stage this week, she learned of President Trump's takeover of the famed arts institution. She explains how she approached the performance. Then, a poll shows that for about 30% of Americans, voice notes are a crucial and intimate way of connecting with other people. Colorado State University's Natalie Pennington joins us to explain the allure of the voice note.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
18/02/25•24m 51s
Federal layoffs hit National Parks, veterans' health care and more
Thousands of federal workers have lost their jobs in recent days. The Washington Post's Lisa Rein talks about the impact of the Trump administration's big cuts to the federal workforce. Then, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine will not recognize any peace agreements made without its participation, as top Russian and American officials arrive in Saudi Arabia for talks on ending the war in his country. Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia, joins us to discuss. And, the January fires in the Los Angeles area devastated communities across Southern California. Among the worst hit was the historic Black community of Altadena. Residents Adonis Jones Jr. and his daughter Rochele Jones discuss their community's history and loss.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
17/02/25•25m 8s
The loneliness cure: How to break the cycle and build connections
A recent Gallup Poll showed that 1 in 5 American adults reports feeling lonely every single day. It's something that former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has called a "national epidemic of loneliness and isolation." We hear from Murthy about the broader impact of loneliness. Then, experts say that loneliness and social isolation carry the same health risks as smoking. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a psychology and neuroscience professor, joins us to discuss how to break the cycle of loneliness and build more social connections in our lives. And, the longest scientific study of happiness has found that strong relationships stand out as the key. Dr. Robert Waldinger talks about what the study shows about the importance of relationships, how they benefit overall health, and how we can improve our own personal connections at any stage of life.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
14/02/25•28m 10s
Trump and Putin will negotiate peace talks. But will Ukraine be at the table?
President Trump says Russia has agreed to negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Ukraine's European allies insist any peace talks must include Ukraine. Ukrainian security analyst Maria Avdeeva joins us. And, after the devastating wildfires in Southern California torched thousands of homes, experts are worried that already-high real estate prices will skyrocket. Los Angeles County real estate agent Richard Schulman shares a picture of what the post-fire real estate market might look like. Then, employers are increasingly using personality tests in their hiring processes. Wall Street Journal columnist Callum Borchers explains the trend.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
13/02/25•20m 45s
What does it really mean to run government 'like a business'?
The idea that running the federal government like a business would improve how it functions has been around for many decades. Elaine Kamarck, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a former Clinton administration who worked on government efficiency efforts, talks about President Trump and Elon Musk's efforts to streamline the government. The U.S. Department of Education is the latest federal agency to wind up on Trump's chopping block. Jon Valant, director of the Brookings Institution's Brown Center on Education Policy, joins us to explain what this means for schools around the country. Then, Trump has made numerous claims about taking control of Gaza over the past week, referring to it as "a big real estate site" and putting forth plans to redevelop it under U.S. ownership. Khaled Elgindy, visiting scholar at Georgetown University's Center for Contemporary Arab Studies, joins us. And, Trump says he's directed the Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies. Jeff Gore, founder of the group Citizens to Retire the U.S. Penny, explains why it might make 'cents' to retire the coin.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
12/02/25•26m 20s
Have Democrats given up on opposing Trump?
Minority Whip Katherine Clark explains what the Democratic Party is doing to push back on President Trump and Republican leadership in Congress. And, After President Trump signed an executive order for 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, many U.S. trade partners threatened retaliation. Roben Farzad of the podcast "Full Disclosure" discusses what the impact of these tariffs could be. Then, some American foreign service workers abroad have been ordered to report home as Trump moves to reduce the scope of the federal government. Thomas Yazdgerdi — president of the American Foreign Service Association — shares what he's been hearing from workers abroad.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
11/02/25•19m 33s
Courts can't keep up with Trump and Musk
Federal judges have paused some Trump administration efforts to slash government programs and fire federal workers, but cases are piling up. Politico's Kyle Cheney tells us more. Then, the National Institutes of Health just announced a funding cap for universities, research hospitals and other scientific institutions. Biomedical researchers have criticized the move and warned that it would damage the development of life-saving technologies. We discuss the impact with Ars Technica's John Timmer. And amid data purges by the Trump administration, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, the interim CEO of the American Cancer Society, talks about the risks of inadequate access to federal health data. Plus, Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway, a Democrat, disagrees with the immigration and trade policies that have emerged in the early days of the second Trump administration. He tells us why.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/02/25•27m 34s
Trump to put most USAID employees on leave
President Trump is set to put all but a few hundred USAID employees on leave, prompting lawsuits from unions that represent foreign service officers. Politico's Nahal Toosi joins us to discuss. And, produce importers in the border city of Nogales, Arizona, are feeling spooked by Trump's lingering threat of tariffs on goods from Mexico. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports. Then, a discovery in southern Arizona could potentially be the oldest firearms ever found in the U.S. Research archeologist Deni Seymour, who dug up the canons, shares more about what she found.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
07/02/25•21m 12s
Trump's plan to detain migrants at Guantánamo Bay before deportation
Ten migrants have been sent from the U.S. to Guantánamo Bay to be held in a military prison that has housed al-Qaida members. NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer talks about the first people sent there and the legal challenges that loom around President Trump's plans for the migrants. Then, many Nicaraguan farmworkers in Wisconsin are staying home, keeping a low profile in anticipation of mass deportations promised by Trump. ProPublica's Melissa Sanchez tells us more. And, Trump's decision to put most staffers on leave from the U.S. Agency for International Development is impacting farmers in the U.S. who grow food that is distributed as part of the Food for Peace program. Nick Levendofsky, executive director of the Kansas Farmers Union, joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
06/02/25•25m 59s
'Destruction, drama and delusion': Trump wants the U.S. to 'own' Gaza
During his meeting with Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump suggested the U.S. take over the Gaza Strip after displaced Palestinians are relocated. Palestinian American journalist Rami Khouri joins us. And, the Trump administration gave federal employees a Feb. 6 deadline to quit their jobs in exchange for pay and benefits through September. But the terms of the deal keep changing. Law professor Nick Bednar explains the uncertainty and legal questions. Then, Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced concerns about Chinese influence over the Panama Canal during a recent trip to Panama. Bloomberg's Eric Martin breaks down the history of China's relationship to the Panama Canal.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
05/02/25•21m 40s
Elon Musk's 'special' status in government
In the past few days, Elon Musk has been very busy with his unpaid, part-time job as a special government employee. Law professor Richard Painter talks about the limits of Musk's power to eliminate entire agencies and their employees. Then, we unpack the latest moves in Trump's second administration through a historical lens, with Princeton University historian Julian Zelizer. And, then a global view of President Trump's threatened trade war. First, the U.S. has imposed new 10% tariffs on goods from China, and China responded by imposing 15% tariffs on coal and liquefied natural gas from the U.S. NPR's John Ruwitch joins us from Beijing. Then, tariffs on goods from Mexico are on hold for now. Washington Post reporter Mary Beth Sheridan tells us more. And, after Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke on Monday, the U.S. also has held off on imposing tariffs on all goods from Canada. We hear from the University of Toronto's Peter Morrow.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
04/02/25•28m 8s
What to expect from Trump's tariffs
The U.S. and Mexico agree to put tariffs on hold for the next month, averting for now a trade war with one of the U.S.'s largest trading partners. Tariffs on goods from China and Canada are still set to take effect. Yale University's Amit Khandelwal joins us to discuss the economic impact of tariffs. Then, Secretary of State Marco Rubio appointed himself the acting director of U.S. Agency for International Development or USAID after Trump adviser Elon Musk said he was shutting down the agency. NPR's Franco Ordoñez breaks down what's happening. And, The Grammys saw the crowning of Beyoncé in a first Best Album and Best Country Album win. We get the latest with Jill Mapes of Hearing Things.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
03/02/25•24m 49s
Lawmakers sounded alarm about crowded DC airspace months before crash
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Democrat from Maryland, was one of several lawmakers who warned months ago about the dangers of the crowded airspace above Reagan National Airport. Van Hollen joins us. And, 14 members of the figure skating community died in the crash. Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Skating Club of Boston, shares how the skating community is mourning. Then, NPR games correspondent James Perkins Mastromarino unpacks the indie hit "Citizen Sleeper 2" with the video game's developer.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
31/01/25•23m 40s
Reverse Course: Your trash causes climate change. Here's how to help
Americans throw out a lot of trash every year, with much of it ending up in landfills, contributing to climate change. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd and Chris Bentley report on what people across the country are doing to tackle the problem. First, construction creates more than 600 million tons of trash in the U.S. every year. But deconstructing buildings instead of tearing them down can help change that. Then, almost all the clothes we wear wind up in a landfill, but companies are now working to build a "circular economy" that gives new life to old textiles. And, Dave and Erin Sheffield run a lucrative business scavenging and reselling goods they find dumpster diving. We tell you how the couple found love and a living by combing through trash.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
31/01/25•34m 5s
How could a mid-air collision happen?
An American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided in mid-air on Wednesday, killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft. Retired pilot Richard Levy explains what might have gone wrong. And, Israel's order to cease UNRWA operations on Israeli soil takes effect Thursday. The ban effectively cuts off the UN agency from delivering aid to Gaza. UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma explains what the ban means for Palestinians who depend on the organization. Then, Dave Sheffield has been dumpster diving for 15 years. Here & Now's Chris Bentley reports on how he and his wife — who he met through dumpster diving — reuse and upcycle their finds.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
30/01/25•26m 0s
Reverse Course: Why cities are choosing 'deconstruction' to tear down old buildings
Construction creates more than 600 million tons of trash in the U.S. every year. Now, some cities are making big changes to the way buildings are demolished. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports. Then, the Trump administration has reversed an order freezing federal grants after it faced a court challenge from nonprofit organizations. Richard Trent, executive director of the Main Street Alliance, talks about how the order sparked confusion. And, results from the Nation's Report Card show that students still haven't recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. Chalkbeat's Erica Meltzer joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
29/01/25•24m 20s
Reverse Course: Fighting the flood of ultra-fast fashion
Fashion trends die quickly, but old clothes can live for years. After it's left your wardrobe, nearly every garment eventually winds up burned for fuel or tossed in a dump, polluting the environment. Here & Now's Chris Bentley reports on efforts to recycle and reuse textiles. And, President Trump has fired more than 12 inspectors general who keep an eye out for corruption, waste, fraud and abuse of power at federal agencies. George Washington University's Kathryn Newcomer details the implications. Then, China's startup app DeepSeek is upending the tech industry. Ina Fried of Axios explains how the global tech industry lost more than a trillion dollars when the free AI chatbot launched.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
28/01/25•27m 34s
Reverse Course: Robot dogs sniff out landfill methane leaks
Landfills are one of the biggest sources of methane emissions in the United States after oil and gas production and agriculture. New technology — such as robot dogs — is helping landfill operators find those leaks and measure them more frequently. Bryan Staley of the Environmental Research and Education Foundation joins us. Then, President Trump's plan for mass deportations is well underway. The Wall Street Journal's Michelle Hackman shares the latest on where migrants are being arrested and the Trump administration's strategy. And, Israel has allowed refugees to return to northern Gaza after Hamas turned over Israeli hostages. Hamas did not initially release a female civilian, jeopardizing the fragile ceasefire deal. The Economist's Anshel Pfeffer joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
27/01/25•26m 42s
Trump order strands Afghan refugees who helped the U.S. military
Thousands of Afghans who helped the U.S. military during the war in Afghanistan are stranded after President Trump suspended the refugee admissions program. Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, joins us. And, a new article from The Atlantic found that communicating via text is harder for men. The article's author, Matthew Schnipper, explains the social implications. Then, many rural Italian towns are offering properties for 1 euro in an effort to revitalize their communities. Rubia Andrade Daniels bought three of them in 2019. Spoiler alert: they were all fixer-uppers.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
24/01/25•21m 41s
Public health experts warn leaving the WHO risks lives
President Trump signed an Executive Order this week to pull the United States out of the World Health Organization, the United Nations agency responsible for global public health. Georgetown University professor Lawrence Gostin tells us why it's a potentially dangerous move. Then, former Republican congressman and advisor to the Jan. 6th committee Denver Riggleman shares his reaction to President Trump's broad grant of clemency to Jan. 6 rioters. And, the Oscar nominations were announced on Wednesday. With film critic Ty Burr, we take a look at some of the top candidates for the Academy Awards.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
23/01/25•24m 46s
Trump administration allows ICE to arrest migrants at schools, churches
The Department of Homeland Security has rescinded Biden-era guidelines that prohibited immigration officers from arresting migrants at sensitive locations like schools and churches. NPR's Joel Rose joins us to explain. And, the fate of TikTok in the United States is still uncertain, and tech companies are responding in numerous ways. Kaya Yurieff of The Information breaks down this legal uncertainty. Then, federal employees who work in diversity, equity and inclusion roles have been placed on administrative leave after President Trump issued an executive order ending federal DEI programs. Roben Farzad, host of the podcast "Full Disclosure," explains the impact of this order.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
22/01/25•19m 27s
Trump's fight to revoke birthright citizenship is headed to court
Many of President Trump's actions on immigration are expected to face significant legal challenges, specifically his executive actions to end birthright citizenship and restrict federal funds to sanctuary cities. The ACLU's Cody Wofsy talks about the lawsuit his group has already filed. Then, Trump granted sweeping clemency to the more than 1,500 people charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, including those convicted of assaulting police officers. Jackson Reffitt, son of convicted Jan. 6 rioter Guy Reffitt, discusses the pardon his father received from Trump on Monday. And, Trump has pulled the U.S. out of the Paris climate agreement. David Cash, who resigned Monday as the New England regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency, joins us to discuss what this means for the global fight to slow climate change.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21/01/25•20m 30s
Trump promises 'golden age' as MAGA returns to the White House
President Donald Trump has been sworn in for his second term. USA Today's Francesca Chambers discusses the ceremony and the slew of executive orders Trump plans to sign. And, Mayor Mark Freeman of Mesa, Arizona, shares what he's anticipating from Trump's second term as president. Then, Trump supporters nationwide are looking forward to Trump's second term and the promises he made on the campaign trail. Jordan Willey, Caleb Bowman and Tracey Danka all voted for Trump and share their hopes for his administration.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
20/01/25•25m 19s
Supreme Court backs TikTok sale-or-ban law. What now?
The Supreme Court upheld a law on Friday that is set to ban TikTok in the U.S. unless the popular video app is sold. NPR's Bobby Allyn tells us more. Also, Marium Zahra, a student in El Paso, Texas, talks about how she uses TikTok and what a ban on the app would mean for her. Then, President Biden celebrated the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal earlier this week and suggested it could have come months ago. But human rights groups, international law experts and even some in Biden's own State Department disagree with Biden's assertion that it was "America's support for Israel" that led to a ceasefire. ProPublica's Brett Murphy joins us. And, legendary baseball broadcaster and former player Bob Uecker died Thursday at age 90. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writer Todd Rosiak reflects on his legacy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
17/01/25•27m 48s
Former hostage negotiator: 'A bad deal is better than no deal'
The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas does not address several issues, including an end to the war in Gaza. But former Israeli hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin says that it's better than no deal. And, Gavin Kelleher, access manager in Gaza for the Norwegian Refugee Council, explains how a ceasefire will impact aid delivery to Gaza. Then, President Biden gave his farewell address on Wednesday. The New Yorker's Susan Glasser reflects on Biden's domestic and foreign policy legacy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
16/01/25•24m 6s
Israel and Hamas reach Gaza ceasefire deal
After 15-months of war, Israel and Hamas have reached a multiphase ceasefire agreement. Adi Alexander, the father of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, talks about the prospects for his son's return under the deal. Then, Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi answered questions during a Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday about whether she'd go after President-elect Trump's enemies. Kim Wehle, former assistant U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., joins us. And, American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn announced has ended her retirement and is already delivering results — with two top sixes in World Cup events over the weekend. We hear from The Athletic's Zack Pierce.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
15/01/25•18m 29s
What caused the LA fires? Investigators are combing the ashes to find out
Emily Guerin, LAist correspondent, shares the latest from the investigations into the cause of the wildfires ravaging California. Plus, Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart weighs in on how his city has been impacted and the long road to recovery ahead. And, Starbucks is reversing its open-door policy that allowed people to hang out or use the bathroom even if they weren't making a purchase. Roben Farzad, host of the podcast "Full Disclosure," explains why. Then, a Bloomberg investigation examines how the largely unregulated fertility industry is exploiting women worldwide. Bloomberg's Natalie Obiko Pearson shares more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
14/01/25•26m 15s
$10 a day to fight deadly wildfires: Incarcerated firefighters battle LA blazes
In California, hundreds of incarcerated firefighters are working to put out the fires that have burned more than 40,000 acres. Sam Levin of The Guardian U.S. tells us more. Then, the federal investigations into President-elect Donald Trump are officially over. Jack Smith, the special counsel appointed more than two years ago to lead investigations into Trump, quietly resigned last week. Former White House ethics lawyer Richard Painter joins us. And, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said his company is ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs and disbanding its DEI team. Axios' Ina Fried discusses the company's rightward shift.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
13/01/25•19m 21s
Pasadena Jewish community saves historic Torahs as wildfires destroy synagogue
The Eaton fire destroyed the home of the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, a congregation that has served Southern California for more than a century. Melissa Levy, the temple's executive director, talks about what was lost to the fire and how her members are faring. Then, the Supreme Court heard arguments Friday on whether the government can force TikTok to be sold or effectively banned in the U.S. because its parent company is Chinese. Slate's Mark Joseph Stern joins us. And, Congress appears close to passing the Laken Riley Act, which would compel the Department of Homeland Security to detain undocumented immigrants accused of crimes like shoplifting and give states more rights to contest certain immigration-related decisions. Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego from Arizona explains why he's voting for it.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/01/25•21m 42s
Five-generation Palisades family escapes wildfires with 175-pound tortoise
The Palisades Fire in Los Angeles has burned thousands of structures and forced the evacuations of thousands. Two of those evacuees are Caitlin Doran and her 175-pound tortoise Tiptoe. Doran shares her experience. And, as Jimmy Carter is honored at a state funeral in Washington, D.C., his former chief speechwriter James Fallows joins us to remember his life and legacy. Then, faith played an important role in Carter's life. Randall Balmer, professor of religion at Dartmouth College, explains its impact on the former president.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
09/01/25•25m 53s
Los Angeles residents evacuate as wildfires blaze
At least two people are dead and tens of thousands are under mandatory evacuation orders as massive wildfires rage across the Los Angeles area, spread by Santa Ana Winds. NPR's Steve Futterman joins us from LA County. Have you been forced to evacuate from your home due to the wildfires? If so, we want to hear from you. Click here. Then, Florida gets a lot of rain, but climate change and breakneck development are draining the state of its water supply. Grist's Sachi Mulkey tells us more. And, to true believers, the real Dr. Martens boots aren't called Dr. Martens. They're actually called Solovair. The New York Times' Jacob Gallagher explains.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
08/01/25•19m 20s
Biden administration to ban medical debt from credit reports
A new rule finalized by the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau would remove close to $50 billion in medical debt from millions of Americans' medical bills. CFPB director Rohit Chopra explains. And, Minneapolis signed off on a federal agreement to reform the city's police department following the 2020 murder of George Floyd. Rachel Marshall of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice talks about what's in the plan. Then, journalist Jesse Holland joins us to talk about "Captain America: The Shield of Sam Wilson," his new book about the state of the Black superhero universe.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
07/01/25•24m 59s
How Jan. 6 reflects a divided nation, 4 years later
Four years ago Monday, a mob fueled by President-elect Donald Trump's lies about the 2020 election stormed the U.S. Capitol to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election by Congress. Harvard professor Alex Keyssar talks about how the story of the Jan. 6 attack has been reframed by Trump and his supporters. Then, after nearly a decade as Canada's prime minister, Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation. The Globe and Mail's Marieke Walsh joins us. And, the start of a new year means many people are thinking about New Year's resolutions — including financial goals for 2025. CBS News' Jill Schlesinger discusses how you can meet your financial targets this year.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
06/01/25•20m 7s
U.S. Surgeon General wants cancer warnings on alcoholic beverages
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy says there's a link between alcohol and cancer. And on Friday, he called on Congress to put warning labels on alcoholic drinks. Dr. Celine Gounder from KFF Health News explains. And, the Biden administration blocked the controversial takeover of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel. Bloomberg's Joe Deaux explains why. Then, a 2023 case involving a controversial diagnosis of "shaken baby syndrome" turned a family's life upside down. Pamela Colloff, reporter for ProPublica and the New York Times Magazine, joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
03/01/25•18m 28s
FBI investigates New Orleans attacker's links to ISIS
Counterterrorism expert Javed Ali shares what we're learning about Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the U.S. army veteran behind Wednesday's deadly truck attack in New Orleans. The FBI says Jabbar posted videos before the attack saying he was inspired by the extremist Islamic State group. Then, one mother whale from Washington state's Puget Sound became famous for carrying her dead calf on her nose in a "tour of grief." Now, her pod has had another baby. KUOW John Ryan's tells us more. And, Jimmy Carter spent only one term as president, but his time in the White House made a lasting contribution. Biographer Kai Bird joins us to talk about Carter: the man, the president and the humanitarian.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
02/01/25•23m 46s
Is California ready for 'the big one'?
A 7.0 earthquake off the coast of Northern California in early December triggered a tsunami warning for parts of the California and Oregon coasts. We ask Lori Dengler, professor emeritus of geology at Cal Poly Humboldt, how prepared the area is for a tsunami. Then, François Brunelle has spent nearly 25 years photographing pairs of nearly identical strangers. His work has caught the eye of other artists, researchers and geneticists interested in the phenomenon of doppelgangers. Also, Cuban pianist and composer Chucho Valdés talks about his new album, "Cuba and Beyond."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
01/01/25•32m 24s
So long 2024: The year in review
We look back on 2024's most interesting science stories with Smithsonian's Joe Spring, from Bird Flu to the hunt for life on the moons of Jupiter. Then, film critic Ty Burr reviews his favorite movies of the year. Also, it was Brat Summer, but what happened the rest of the year? NPR's Aisha Harris surveys the year in pop culture.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
31/12/24•33m 48s
How the Taliban are trying to 'erase' women in Afghanistan
Journalist Mélissa Cornet and photographer Kiana Hayeri documented the daily lives of more than 100 Afghan girls and women in an attempt to reveal what they have called the "different shades of oppression" under Taliban rule. Then, Suzanne Jones runs Eco-Cycle, a recycling center in Boulder, Colorado that specializes in hard-to-recycle materials. It finds new uses for products like books, toilets, bikes, foam, fire extinguishers and mattresses. And chef Kathy Gunst offers tips for New Year's Eve entertaining.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
30/12/24•25m 13s
How women dominated music in 2024
Chappell Roan has had a big year. She joined us back in 2023 to talk about her debut album, the magic of drag shows and queer joy. And, Joni Mitchell's career has spanned more than 60 years. Her legacy is detailed in "Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell" by NPR's Ann Powers. Powers joins us to discuss the biography. Then, French singer Yseult captured the hearts of millions worldwide by singing "My Way" by Frank Sinatra at this summer's Olympics closing ceremony. She talks about her new album "Mental."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
27/12/24•34m 42s
The biggest international news stories of 2024
Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, looks back on the year in world news. Then Mara Kardas-Nelson's book "We Are Not Able to Live in the Sky" explores whether microcredit hurts more than it helps. Microfinancing was once hailed in the U.S. as the ultimate bipartisan solution to global poverty. And we talk to Jessica B. Harris, the author of "A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook" on the first night of Kwanzaa.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
26/12/24•36m 10s
'We smile about it, but we're serious': Searching for elves in Iceland
Robin Young and Karyn Miller-Medzon revisit their 2019 trip to Iceland when they explored the enduring presence of elves, or "hidden folk" in Icelandic culture. Also, on the first night of Hanukkah, Leah Koenig offers some recipes for the Jewish Festival of Lights. She's the author of "The Jewish Cookbook." And for dessert, Peter DiMario reflects on the new cookbook he co-wrote with Judith Choate. "Jiggle!" expands the repertoire of gelatin far beyond the Jell-O mold.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
25/12/24•33m 53s
Hark! The podcast angels sing: Christmas music from 'Messiah' to the Muppets
Charles King's new book "Every Valley" tells the backstory of "Messiah," a staple of the Christmas season widely considered George Frideric Handel's masterpiece. Then, musicologist Martin Clarke discusses the moment of musical ecstasy that accompanies a particular arrangement on "O come, all ye faithful." Find out why the "word of the father" chord has been called "the best chord of Christmas." Also WBUR editor Sara Shukla shares an appreciation of "The Muppet Christmas Carol," and reflects on why it's especially significant to her this year.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
24/12/24•26m 48s
Natural disasters and political setbacks: The year in climate change
David Wallace Wells, author of "The Uninhabitable Earth," reviews the year in climate. The head of the United Nations has described 2024 as a "master class in climate destruction." Then, author Tana French leaves the Dublin police squad where she's set her previous books and sets out for the country in a series of novels where small town politics conceal deadly secrets. "The Hunter" is out in paperback. Also, NPR's James Mastromarino recommends some of the best new board games to play with friends and family this holiday season.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
23/12/24•31m 48s
Musk, Trump and a divided House send government toward shutdown
The House voted down a second try at reaching a deal to avert a government shutdown at midnight on Friday. ABC's Rick Klein discussed what's to come. And, striking Amazon workers — members of the Teamsters Union — are seeking recognition of their union, better working conditions and higher pay. Randy Korgan — the Teamster's National Director for Amazon shares more about the ongoing strike. Then, data centers are driving a huge surge in electricity demand as artificial intelligence and cloud computing grow. Brian Singer, an analyst at Goldman Sachs, looks to the future of data and electricity usage.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
20/12/24•19m 51s
What we know about the first severe case of bird flu in humans
A person in Louisiana has been hospitalized with the first severe case of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. This comes as California Governor Gavin Newsom declares a state of emergency to deal with an outbreak spreading among dairy cows in California. Dr. Abdul El-Sayed of the Wayne County Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services in Michigan joins us to discuss. And, two experts on human rights violations recently visited suspected mass graves in Syria. Stephen Rapp, former U.S. ambassador at large for war crimes, and Mouaz Moustafa of the Syrian Emergency Task Force share what they saw. Then, terminally ill children got to take a magical plane ride to Santa's Workshop. We speak with Captain Bob Zimmerman, who piloted the trip.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
19/12/24•23m 23s
House Republicans push criminal probe of Liz Cheney over Jan. 6 panel
A new report released by House Republicans backs President-elect Trump's push to criminally investigate former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney for her role in investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection. And, Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has been indicted on terrorism charges. WNYC reporter Samantha Max shares what we know so far. And Wendell Potter — former Cigna executive-turned-whistleblower — explains how Wall Street has driven up health care costs. Then, is there a teacher on your holiday shopping list? The Washington Post's Michelle Singletary shares some gift ideas that teachers will love.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
18/12/24•21m 16s
Mar-a-Lago's revolving door: the billionaires influencing Trump
President-elect Donald Trump is assembling a cabinet of wealthy business people and holding meetings with some of the nation's most powerful CEOs. Political science professor Stephen Nelson joins us to explain why it could be a sign of oligarchy in the United States. And, Trump's lie about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio helped define a fiery presidential campaign. Now, PolitiFact is calling it the "Lie of the Year." Editor-in-chief Katie Sanders joins us to discuss the impact the lie has had on Haitian immigrants. Then, four-time Grammy-winning musician Zakir Hussain died Saturday at the age of 73. We pay tribute to his legacy by revisiting Hussain's 2023 conversation with host Deepa Fernandes.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
17/12/24•28m 48s