Here & Now

Breaking news. Supreme Court rulings. Thoughtful interviews. Here & Now reflects the fluid world of news as it’s happening in the middle of the day, with timely, smart and in-depth news, interviews and conversation.

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Robin Young brings more than 25 years of broadcast experience to her role as host of Here & Now. She is a Peabody Award-winning documentary filmmaker who has also reported for NBC, CBS and ABC television and for several years was substitute host and correspondent for “The Today Show.” Learn more

Here & Now co-host Jeremy Hobson started telling stories on the radio when he was a kid and hasn’t stopped since. After joining Here & Now in 2013, he’s helped grow the program into public radio’s indispensable midday news magazine, nearly tripling the audience in just a few years. Learn more

Tonya Mosley is the third co-host of Here & Now, based in Los Angeles. Mosley has been the Silicon Valley bureau chief for KQED, the public radio station based in San Francisco. She is also the host of the new podcast Truth Be Told. As an Emmy and Murrow award-winning television, radio and print journalist, Mosley creatively uses her curiosity and tenacity to find and expose truths for the greater good of society. Learn more

Here & Now is a co-production between NPR and WBUR.

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Carbon removal technology: How far have we come and what does the future hold?

December 8, 2023

Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd and Chris Bentley visited locations across the U.S. to understand how carbon removal technology is working to reverse some effects of climate change. They unpack the promising future of this technology and the limitations of it. And, O'Dowd reports on carbon capture technology that sucks CO2 directly from the air and stores it in concrete used to make buildings, roads and more. While it's certainly helpful in the fight against climate change, critics say it doesn't go far enough. Then, Israeli airstrikes killed Palestinian poet and writer Refaat Alareer on Wednesday along with 6 members of his family. Yousef Aljamal, a fellow Palestinian writer and a close friend of Refaat, joins us to talk about Refaat's life and work.

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A 'concrete' solution to climate change; Depths of Wikipedia

December 7, 2023

A new direct-air-capture plant in Tracy, California, will pull up to 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide directly out of the air each year. The company that built it says the removed carbon will be permanently sequestered inside concrete. As part of our Reverse Course series, Peter O'Dowd went to a concrete plant in San Jose to understand how it works. And, Grist's Jake Bittle talks about the Marshall Islands' plan to adapt to the effects of climate change. Then, writer Annie Rauwerda makes a habit of getting lost among the seemingly endless digital archives of Wikipedia. She created an Instagram account to document some of the best facts she's found. Rauwerda tells us about the weird and wonderful world of Wikipedia.

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These machines suck climate-warming carbon right out of the air

December 6, 2023

Scientists are looking toward carbon removal or ideas to pull greenhouse gasses right from the atmosphere. NPR's Camila Domonoske joins us to talk about direct air capture, or machines that can pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. And, as Democrats and Republicans go back and forth over border funding, The Washington Post's Arelis Hernández joins us to talk about what's really going on at the U.S.-Mexico border. Then, a new study published by the American Psychological Association found that keeping a joyful secret, like a promotion at work or plans for a marriage proposal, can make you feel better than sharing the news right away. One of the study's authors, Katie Greenaway, joins us.

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Carbon capture startups dive for climate solutions in the ocean

December 5, 2023

As money pours into companies promising to take greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere, there's a small but fast-growing sector of startups that want to leverage one of the world's biggest carbon sinks to clean up humanity's climate pollution: the ocean. For our series Reverse Course, Chris Bentley reports on some of the scientists and entrepreneurs developing ways to enhance the ocean's natural ability to take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. And, researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Lab are also looking into how native eelgrass could fight ocean acidification, and how algae could offset carbon emissions in the construction industry. Bentley tells us more. Then, NPR's Aya Batrawy shares the latest from the COP28 summit in Dubai.

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How spreading rock dust on farms could be a climate solution

December 4, 2023

Enhanced rock weathering can help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and instead store it deep within the Earth where it remains for eons. Numerous companies are tapping into this process. Here & Now's Chris Bentley reports and investigates other land-based carbon capture methods. And, Israel is using artificial intelligence to strike non-military targets in Gaza. Israeli investigative reporter Yuval Abraham joins us.

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What war means for future Palestinian and Israeli political leadership

December 1, 2023

Palestinian journalist and storyteller Maram Humaid joins us from Gaza to talk about the end of the seven-day ceasefire. And, as Israel restarts its war against Hamas in Gaza, international political consultant Alon Pinkas talks about the political forces at play in Israel. Tahani Mustafa, senior Palestine analyst at the International Crisis Group, weighs in on what the war means for Palestinian political leadership in Gaza and the West Bank. Then, when the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan two years ago, the militant regime deemed music morally corrupt and banned it. But, as Kabul fell, pianist and composer Arson Fahim found refuge at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Massachusetts. WBUR's Andrea Shea reports.

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Oil production dominates international climate conversations

November 30, 2023

This year's COP climate summit begins Thursday in Dubai. Nigel Purvis, a former U.S. climate negotiator and current CEO of Climate Advisers, joins us to talk about the controversy that will likely ensue when the summit gets underway. And, Oil production is expected to be a central point of discussion both at COP28 and the latest meeting of the OPEC+ group of oil-producing nations. MSNBC anchor and chief economic correspondent Ali Velshi joins us. Then, Henry Kissinger died on Wednesday at age 100. He had an instrumental role in forging relations between the U.S. and China in the 1970s. He also played a heavy role in the carpet bombing of Cambodia from 1969 to 1973. Journalist James Mann and professor at Harvard University Fredrik Logevall join us.

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On college campuses, Israel-Hamas war spotlights free speech concerns

November 29, 2023

Juliette Touma, director of communications for the United Nations Palestine Refugee Agency, talks about what is going on inside Gaza as the temporary ceasefire continues between Israel and Hamas. And, college campuses across America are reeling from heightened tensions, protests and polarizing views in light of the Israel-Hamas war. CEO of PEN America Suzanne Nossel explains the discord that's playing out on university campuses and how higher academia can address and resolve concerns over free speech on their campuses. Then, scientists, including those at NASA, are interested in studying UFOs. But there's a big challenge; it's difficult to collect the data to draw scientific conclusions. Alan Tu of WHYY's The Pulse reports.

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How religious lobbyists made sure abortion bans stayed as strict as possible

November 28, 2023

During an extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, White House officials expect more hostages to be released. Christoper O'Leary, the U.S. government's former director of hostage rescue and recovery, about tactics and strategies to release Americans and others still held. And, Amazon has become the top shipper in the U.S. surpassing the UPS. The feat has only heightened concerns about Amazon and monopolization. Roben Farzad, host of public radio's "Full Disclosure," joins us. Then, there have been debates in many states about what constitutes an exception to strict abortion bans. Very few exceptions have been granted, largely because of successful lobbying by anti-abortion religious activists.

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One economic hurdle people with disabilities face? A limit on savings

November 27, 2023

As Palestinian prisoners return as part of the hostage exchange with Israel, The Washington Post's Louisa Loveluck tells us about it. And, Hagai Levine, head of the medical and resilience team for the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, talks about working with the freed hostages. Then, it's been decades since the government set how much money someone with a disability can keep in savings and still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits. Now a bipartisan proposal in the Senate seeks to raise asset limits from $2,000 to $10,000. Disability rights advocate Patrice Jetter is supportive of the change, but says it's complicated.

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'The Gun Machine' Ep. 8: Accounting for the true cost of gun violence

November 24, 2023

This final episode features a conversation about what it means to survive a shooting. And, host Alain Stephens discusses the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and how the federal government can better support survivors. Find the full podcast on Here & Now Anytime.

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Make Thanksgiving leftovers taste even better the second time around

November 24, 2023

After spending much of Thanksgiving day cooking, you've probably got some leftovers taking up space in the fridge. From a vanilla pudding to a frittata, our resident chef Kathy Gunst offers recipes to transform those leftovers into something possibly even better than the first time you ate them. And, it's been 10 years since Kevin Kwan's novel "Crazy Rich Asians" hit bookstore shelves. The author joins us to break down the inspirations behind the book, the film adaptation that came after and Asian representation in media. Then, there are thousands of wild horses running free on Native American reservations. Tribal governments are left in charge of managing them. On the Spokane Reservation, one woman is working to rehome the animals. Ashley Ahearn reports.

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Feast your ears on Dwight Garner's memoir about eating

November 23, 2023

Mark Kurlansky's new book "The Core of an Onion" includes the history, interesting facts and recipes including the allium. He tells us about it. And, if ever a book was meant to be savored, it's Dwight Garner's new memoir
"The Upstairs Delicatessen: On Eating, Reading about Eating, and Eating While Reading." In it, the New York Times literary critic takes readers on a journey through his food and book-obsessed childhood. Then, "Magic: the Gathering" released a huge new product inspired by Aztec, Mayan, and Olmec history. Guatemalan-American art director Ovidio Cartagena explains how he incorporated Mesoamerican cultures into "Lost Caverns of Ixalan."

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Have we lost empathy amid war in the Middle East?

November 22, 2023

How does climate change shape wildfires? That's the question John Vaillant's book "Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World" seeks to answer. He joins us to talk about fire and the warming planet. And, the war between Israel and Hamas has become increasingly polarized, leading some to question whether we've lost empathy altogether. Jamil Zaki, a psychologist who's devoted his career to studying empathy, joins us to discuss. Then, the new book "Critical Hits: Writers Play Video Games" features essays about video games from acclaimed writers. Authors and "Critical Hits" editors Carmen Maria Machado and J. Robert Lennon join us.

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How eSims are helping thousands in Gaza stay connected amid blackouts

November 21, 2023

New reporting from STAT says the nation's largest insurer, UnitedHealth Group, pushed staff to limit insurance payments by strictly following calculations by an algorithm. It meant some Medicare patients didn't get the rehabilitative care they needed. STAT's Casey Ross talks about the investigation. And, Qatar is mediating hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The country is a U.S. ally, but also home to a Hamas office and a number of Hamas leaders. Professor Gregory Gause talks about Qatar's balancing act. Then, at least 33,000 people in Gaza have stayed connected thanks to the grassroots efforts of people donating electronic sim cards. Egyptian writer and activist Mirna El Helbawi has been leading efforts to get people across Gaza connected to their loved ones and the rest of the outside world.

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UN warns of 'hellish' climate warming; Show-stealing Thanksgiving sides

November 20, 2023

The United Nation's latest Emissions Gap Report reveals that inadequate policies could lead to three degrees Celsius of global warming this century, a scenario described as "hellish." Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry joins us. And, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter died at age 96 on Sunday. Historian and biographer Scott Kauffman joins us to talk about Carter's life and work, including mental health advocacy and international humanitarian efforts. Then, starting to prep for Thanksgiving? These show-stealing slides will complete your holiday table and even outshine the bird. Our resident chef Kathy Gunst offers recipes for a bright salad, stuffed squash and olive breadsticks.

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'The Gun Machine' Ep. 7: Why it's so hard for the ATF to do its job

November 18, 2023

This episode of "The Gun Machine" looks at the agency charged with regulating guns, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, known as the ATF. Find the full podcast on Here & Now Anytime.

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Fuel shortages in Gaza; 'Latingrass' duo combines bluegrass, Venezuelan music

November 17, 2023

Amid fuel shortages and blackouts in internet access, Palestinians in Gaza are disconnected from much of the world, and aid organizations cannot get in contact to help. NPR international correspondent Aya Batrawy joins us. And, the Wall Street Journal has named Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport the best airport this year. Wall Street Journal travel reporter Allison Pohle joins us to break down the rankings. Then, Larry Bellorín and Joe Troop, also known as Larry & Joe, are combining bluegrass music with traditional Venezuelan music in a sound they call 'Latingrass.' The duo joins us to talk about and perform some of their music.

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'Time has not been exhausted yet' hostages taken by Hamas; U.S. ambassador to China

November 16, 2023

U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns joins us to discuss President Biden's four-hour meeting with President Xi Jinping of China on Wednesday. And, peace activist Gershon Baskin is called Israel's most famous hostage negotiator. He talks about a deal that's said to be in the works for the release of some hostages being held by Hamas. Then, in NBC's "Found," one woman makes it her job to find missing people who have slipped through the system. We hear from creator and showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll.

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Palestinian-American family escapes Gaza; Remembering Israeli activist Vivian Silver

November 15, 2023

Helal Kaoud spent over a month pleading with American officials to help her father, brother and uncles — all American citizens — get back home after they were trapped in Gaza when the war broke out. She talks about the struggle to get her family back home and how they're doing now. And, Yael Braudo-Bahat, co-director of the group Women Wage Peace, remembers her mentor Vivian Silver, who dedicated her life to building bridges between Israelis and Palestinians. Silver was believed to have been taken hostage on Oct. 7 by Hamas, but was confirmed dead this week. Then, Iceland has thousands of active volcanoes and seismic activity is common there. But over the past few weeks, there have been thousands of small earthquakes, a town had to be evacuated and scientists believe an eruption could happen at any moment. Volcanologist Thorvaldur Thordarson joins us.

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National Climate Assessment warns of sickness, death; Maui tourists return after fire

November 14, 2023

The fifth annual National Climate Assessment was released and reveals that climate change is already making people sick in the U.S., and sometimes killing people. Grist's Zoya Teirstein joins us. And, a new investigation from ProPublica and The Desert Sun found that just 20 farming families in California's Imperial Valley use more water than some Western states. Janet Wilson, senior environment reporter with The Desert Sun who worked to identify those families, joins us. Then, after devastating wildfires on Maui killed at least 97 people and leveled whole towns, the island is reopening to tourists. Brandon Chu, general manager of the Paia Inn on Maui's North Shore, joins us to talk about recovery efforts.

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Gaza hospitals go dark amidst fuel shortage; Denver mayor on migrant crisis

November 13, 2023

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen as hospitals struggle to maintain operations with little fuel and dwindling medical supplies. We speak The Washington Post's Sarah Dadouch and Dr. Tanya Haj Hassan about the latest from Gaza as conditions deteriorate inside the area's two largest hospitals. And, Florida Democratic Rep. Angie Nixon faced condemnation from post parties after introducing legislation last week calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. Then, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston talks about the challenges the city is facing from large numbers of migrants seeking asylum.

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'The Gun Machine' Ep. 6: How the NRA gained the power and influence it has

November 11, 2023

This episode of "The Gun Machine" looks at how the National Rifle Association grew to have the power and influence it has, and helped ensure the firearm industry's unique legal protections. Find new episodes every Saturday on Here & Now Anytime.

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Abortion at center of politics; 'The Race to Be Myself' by Olympian Caster Semenya

November 10, 2023

Abortion wins on election day are at the heart of many political debates. Additionally, the third GOP presidential candidates debate took place this week, with frontrunner former President Donald Trump absent. Politico's Eugene Daniels and Axios' Margaret Talev join us. And, the National Women's Soccer League final will see OL Reign and NY/NJ Gotham FC face off in San Diego on Saturday. The Gist's Ellen Hyslop joins us. Then, two-time Olympic gold medalist Caster Semenya joins us to talk about her new memoir "The Race to Be Myself." Because of Semenya's elevated testosterone levels, she fought to be recognized as a woman and compete in women's races.

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Gaza aid worker calls for ceasefire; Black voters and abortion rights in Ohio

November 9, 2023

Pediatrician Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan, who is with the humanitarian aid organization Doctors Without Borders, joins us to talk about the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel has agreed to have daily, 4-hour humanitarian pauses in fighting in areas of northern Gaza in order to allow civilians to move to safer areas in the south. William Booth, London bureau chief at The Washington Post, joins us. And, Ohio saw wins for abortion rights on election day. Progressive community organizers are reflecting on the role of Black voters, who they've been working to engage and register to vote. Prentiss Haney, co-executive director of the nonprofit Ohio Organizing Collaborative, and his colleague Pastor Lesley Jones join us. Then, November is the time to see some exciting space phenomena. Streaks of light from the Taurid and Leonid meteor showers will be visible this season and the Euclid space telescope is sending its first images from a million miles away. Kelly Beatty, senior editor at Sky and Telescope, joins us.

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UAW's Shawn Fain on successful strikes; 5 years after The Camp Fire

November 8, 2023

On Tuesday, Democrat Andy Beshear won re-election in a deep-red Kentucky's governor race. Ryland Barton, the managing editor of Kentucky Public Radio, joins us to break down the result. And, the United Auto Workers union scored major victories in tentative contracts with Detroit's Big Three automakers. Union president Shawn Fain joins us to talk about the six weeks of strikes that scored the successes. Then, it's been five years since The Camp Fire in Paradise, California, decimated close to 19,000 structures. Though recovery efforts have been steady, there's still a long way to go as residents continue to bounce back. Here & Now's Ashley Locke reports.

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Utah's Great Salt Lake in crisis; Families of Israeli hostages plead for safe return

November 7, 2023

Host Scott Tong speaks to Merav Raviv and Itay Raviv, who came to Washington D.C. from Israel to plead for international action to negotiate the safe return of family captured by Hamas in the Oct. 7 attacks. And, prolonged drought and overuse have brought the Great Salt Lake in Utah to the brink of collapse, threatening the lives of the animals and the people who live there. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports. Then, Robert "Mack" McCormick's massive and closely held collection of blues music and research from the 1950s and 60s is seeing the light of day. Susannah Nix, McCormick's daughter, and John Troutman, curator of music and musical instruments at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, join us.

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U.S. life expectancy falls; Hear Lera Lynn's music in new space-western video game

November 6, 2023

One month into the Israel-Hamas war, Isreali air strikes have killed more than 10,000 people in Gaza. NPR's Lauren Frayer joins us to discuss. And, after steadily climbing for decades, life expectancy in the U.S. has fallen, largely due to chronic illness. Reporter Akilah Johnson contributed to the Washington Post's series "Dying Early: America's Life Expectancy Crisis" and joins us. Then, singer-songwriter Lera Lynn has lent her talents to an unlikely source: a video game. Even though the game "Endless Dungeon" is set on a fantastical space station, players can hear Lynn's new music serenade them at a Western-style saloon. She joins us to talk about it.

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'The Gun Machine' Ep. 5: The police are one of the gun industry's biggest customers

November 6, 2023

This episode of "The Gun Machine" looks at the rise of military-style weapons, like the Glock pistol, in police departments and federal law enforcement, and the corresponding rise in the budgets of those departments. Find new episodes every Saturday on Here & Now Anytime.

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Phoenix closes major encampment; Romney's path from GOP candidate to pariah

November 3, 2023

We hear the latest on the war between Israel and Hamas from the Washington Post's Susannah George. And, KJZZ's Katherine Davis Young talks about the closure of The Zone, an encampment of unhoused people that Phoenix officials finished clearing out this week. Then, journalist McKay Coppins about his new book "Romney: A Reckoning," a profile of the senator and former presidential candidate Mitt Romney done with Romney's full cooperation.

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Rabbi interrupts Biden with call for ceasefire; The Beatles release 'final song'

November 2, 2023

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby joins us to talk about the Biden administration's response to Israeli strikes on Gaza, calls for ceasefire and how Americans in Gaza are faring. And, Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg interrupted a speech by President Biden to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. We talk with Rosenberg about it. Former hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin joins us to talk about why he's breaking contact with a Hamas member he's known for 18 years. Then, The Beatles have released their 'final song' called "Now and Then." It's been 45 years in the making, with John Lennon writing the first bars in 1978. Author and Beatles aficionado Tim Riley joins us.

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Free tattoo removal for former gang members; Teens talk cyberbullying and fake news

November 1, 2023

A new study says we have between six to 12 years to get to zero greenhouse gas emissions — a critical goal to keep the planet from warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and beyond. Co-author Robin Lamboll joins us. And, gang members and victims of sex trafficking are often forcibly branded by pimps and gang leaders, making it difficult to escape. At the Radiance Clinic, dermatologists provide free tattoo removal. Dr. Shadi Kouroush and nurse practitioner Rachel Niemiec tell us more. Then, social media has proven to be detrimental to the physical and mental well-being of children, especially teenagers. High school seniors An'Davantae Bussey and Leanne Nasser talk about how they're navigating the vast digital landscape.

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'The Exorcist' turns 50; 'Alan Wake 2' offers uniquely frightening gameplay

October 31, 2023

The United Autoworkers Union has reached a tentative agreement with the Big Three automakers: General Motors, Ford and Stellantis. Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton and final assembly worker at the Ford plant in Wayne, Michigan, Tiffanie Simmons, join us. And, 1973 horror classic "The Exorcist" turns 50 this year. It's had a profound impact on the horror genre since it came out. Author Nat Segaloff joins us to talk about the enduring legacy. Then, it took Remedy Entertainment 13 years to develop the sequel to the cult horror classic video game "Alan Wake." The sequel blends filmed acting and gameplay for uniquely scary scenes. Here & Now's James Perkins Mastromarino reports.

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Psychological impact of witnessing a mass shooting; Fall in love with pumpkin recipes

October 30, 2023

Israeli tanks and troops are reportedly moving further into Gaza. The Health Ministry in Gaza reports that the Palestinian death toll from the war has surpassed 8,300 people. Reuter's Emily Rose joins us. And, Dr. Sandro Galea talks about the mental health toll of witnessing a mass shooting on kids and teenagers. Then, resident chef Kathy Gunst has come up with three new recipes using fresh pumpkin.

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'The Gun Machine' Ep. 4: Many guns on the streets of the U.S. are illegal

October 28, 2023

In the fourth episode of the WBUR and Trace podcast, "The Gun Machine," we look at the problem of urban violence and get a snapshot into the types of guns available on the street. These days those include military-grade weapons. Find new episodes every Saturday on Here & Now Anytime.

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What's ahead for new House Speaker; Books offer context to Israel-Palestine history

October 27, 2023

Rep. Mike Johnson has been elected as Speaker of the House. Chad Pergram of Fox News and Darlene Superville of the Associated Press join us to talk about what is next for him in this role and more in recent political news. And, a 43-foot railroad spike arrived at the steps of the Utah state capitol in Salt Lake City this week. It was commissioned to honor the laborers, mostly of Chinese or Irish descent, who risked their lives building the transcontinental railroad. Max Chang, a leader of the Spike 150 organization, joins us. Then, as the crisis in Israel and Gaza wears on, creator of "The Stacks" podcast Traci Thomas turns to books about the ongoing regional conflict for more context. She shares her picks for fiction and nonfiction books on the subject.

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Who is new House Speaker Mike Johnson?; 'The Persian Version' makes Sundance history

October 26, 2023

Israel's war with Hamas after the Hamas attack is causing a devastating humanitarian toll in Gaza. Much less importantly, the war also raises questions in Israel about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his past actions toward Palestinians. The New York Times' Roger Cohen joins us. And, Louisiana politics reporter Greg Hilburn about how Rep. Mike Johnson rose to the speakership and his conservative agenda, which includes work as general counsel for a group that supported hardline stances on LGBTQ rights. Then, writer-director Maryam Keshavar won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival for a second time — a first for the festival. Now, her film "The Persian Version" is coming out in movie theaters in a rolling national release.

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What's inside Colorado's lawsuit against Meta; Fuel shortage in Gaza

October 25, 2023

Relief efforts in Gaza may end Wednesday night without renewed fuel deliveries, according to the United Nations Relief Agency. Reuters Jerusalem correspondent Emily Rose talks about the latest in the crisis. And, Colorado is leading a joint federal lawsuit along with dozens of other states against Meta. The states allege Meta intentionally uses features designed to get children and teens addicted to social media sites. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser shares more details. Then, author Joanna Ho talks about her latest picture book, "Say My Name," and the importance of celebrating names and pronouncing them correctly in order to form meaningful connections with people. Plus, groundbreaking actor Richard Roundtree has died at the age of 81. We remember his life and legacy.

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Grandson of Israeli hostages; Why U.S. allows food additives banned in EU

October 24, 2023

Palestinian authorities say Israeli attacks have killed at least 5,300 people since the war started after Hamas' attack on Israel, which killed around 1,400 people. The Washington Post's Steve Hendrix shares the latest. And, Daniel Lifshitz, grandson of released hostage Yo-Have-Ed Lifshitz, talks about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and his hope of still making peace with Palestinians. Then, some food additives that have long been banned in the European Union are still in use in the United States. A report by STAT explains why the Food and Drugs Administration has been slow in banning those potentially harmful additives. STAT's Nicholas Florko joins us. Plus, a new toy certification called MESH embraces mental, emotional and social health. Two members of the MESH task force join us.

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Possible Israeli invasion of Gaza; Meet Youth Poet Laureate Salome Agbaroji

October 23, 2023

Israel is preparing its forces for a possible ground invasion in Gaza. Gen. David Petraeus, former CIA director and commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, joins us to talk about it. And, former Trump lawyers Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro were charged alongside Trump for alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. They both took plea deals and agreed to testify in future cases. Gwen Keyes Fleming, former district attorney in DeKalb County, Georgia, joins us to discuss what this means. Then, Nigerian-American Salome Agbaroji is this year's National Youth Poet Laureate. She's using her platform to celebrate Blackness and use joy as an act of resistance. Agbaroji joins us to talk about her work and advocacy.

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'The Gun Machine' Ep. 3: Why Americans buy guns

October 21, 2023

How do you convince a bunch of civilians that they need to keep buying new guns? In Episode 3 of "The Gun Machine," host Alain Stephens talks about the man who wrote that playbook: Samuel Colt. He also helped seed the fantastical version of the American West that is often misremembered as fact today. Find new episodes every Saturday on Here & Now Anytime.

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Voices from Gaza; 'Silver Dollar Road' explores Black landowners losing property

October 20, 2023

As war rages on between Israel and Hamas, civilians across the region are suffering. We hear an update about the 21-year-old Israeli Adi Meisel, who disappeared after Hamas attacked a music festival. And, we hear from people trapped within Gaza. And, NBC's Sahil Kapur and the Wall Street Journal's Vivian Salama discuss why the leadership crisis in the House GOP deepened this week, and what the political fallout might be from President Biden's trip to Israel this week after the bombing of a hospital in Gaza. Then, director Raoul Peck's new documentary "Silver Dollar Road" centers on one family who had their land taken from them even though several family members live on the property.

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Peace process in Israel-Hamas war; Kathy Gunst's recipes to change up chicken

October 19, 2023

Egypt has agreed to allow aid trucks into Gaza to help with the ongoing humanitarian crisis. NPR's Jane Arraf joins us to talk about it. And, the Israel-Hamas war is just the latest in conflicts that have plagued the region for decades. Aaron David Miller, former deputy special coordinator for Arab-Israeli negotiations at the State Department, joins us to talk about what the conflict means for the peace process. Then, having chicken for dinner again? Our resident chef Kathy Gunst joins us to offer three recipes to change up your chicken dishes. Those recipes include chicken and white bean chili, chicken adobo and chicken Milanese.

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Saxophonist Joshua Redman's 'Where Are We; Explosion at Gaza hospital

October 18, 2023

NPR's Ruth Sherlock talks about a devastating explosion at a Gaza hospital that killed hundreds of people on Tuesday. President Biden says that an explosion at a Gaza hospital appears to have been set off by Islamists. But intelligence remains murky. NPR national security correspondent Greg Myre tells us more. And, wartime leaders often get a wave of popular support. But in the case of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that does not appear to be the case. International political consultant Alon Pinkas joins us. Then, each song in the new album "Where Are We" by acclaimed jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman is about a place — from New England to Alabama, from Philadelphia to Phoenix. Redman talks about his new record and his musical journey.

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Who is Rep. Jim Jordan?; Alexandra Pelosi's 'The Insurrectionist Next Door'

October 17, 2023

University of Michigan professor Javed Ali and former U.S. Army intelligence officer and director of the Spy Museum Christopher Costa join us to talk about the war between Israel and Hamas from a military standpoint. And, Ohio Republican Jim Jordan is making a bid for House speaker. Aaron Blake, senior political reporter for the Washington Post, joins us to talk about who Jordan is. Then, Alexandra Pelosi's new documentary "The Insurrectionist Next Door" showcases people who participated in the Jan. 6 riots at the Capitol. Pelosi joins us to explain what she found out by sitting down and having conversations on the topic.

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Medical debt is crushing working-class people; The rich history of Palestine

October 16, 2023

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is still ongoing, and air organizations are responding. Michael Capponi, founder and president of the Global Empowerment Mission, joins us. To understand the context of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, one must understand the history of the country of Palestine and the different forces that led to it being occupied by Israel. Rashid Khalidi, professor of modern Arab studies at Columbia University, joins us. And, some local grassroots organizers hope to use funds from the American Rescue Plan to relieve medical debt for residents. Organizers Afua Atta-Mensah "Glitter" Felten tell us what they're pushing for in Florida.

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'The Gun Machine' Ep. 2: Tracing the roots of the culture of fear used to sell guns

October 14, 2023

Gun advertising sows seeds of mistrust and the promotes need to carry a gun for self-protection. But protection from whom? In Episode 2 of "The Gun Machine," host Alain Stephens talks to historian Carol Anderson about the racist roots of the Second Amendment and travels down to Florida to talk to Black gun owners about why they carry. Find new episodes every Saturday on Here & Now Anytime.

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Misinformation amid Israel-Hamas war; 'World Central Kitchen Cookbook' recipes

October 13, 2023

Palestinians are evacuating the northern part of the Gaza Strip amid relentless Israeli airstrikes. Norwegian Refugee Council's Shaina Low joins us. As violence escalates in the Middle East, misinformation runs rampant. Even news outlets and President Biden have fallen into the trap. Bellingcat researcher Kolina Koltai joins us to talk about how it's been spreading and how to avoid contributing to it. And, on Saturday parts of the Western and Southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and South and Central America will be able to see an annular eclipse. Sky and Telescope senior editor Kelly Beatty tells us how to see it safely. Then, Chef Jose Andres, founder of World Central Kitchen, talks about the organization's work providing fresh meals to people in crisis. The newly released "World Central Kitchen Cookbook" details some of those recipes.

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Father of missing Israeli man; Palestinians grapple with humanitarian crisis in Gaza

October 12, 2023

The Washington Post's Sarah Dadouch joins us to talk about the Israeli siege on Gaza. Sagui Dekel-Chen was last seen fighting off Hamas militants who stormed his kibbutz on Saturday morning. He hasn't been heard from since. We speak to his father, Jonathan Dekel-Chen, who is pleading for his son's safe return. And, the Palestinian community is trying to cope with news of family members in Gaza facing displacement, and lack of food, water, or power. Palestinian American Najwa Alsadi, a business owner from New Jersey, joins us. Then, May Pang is the subject of the new film "The Lost Weekend: A Love Story." Pang and the late John Lennon had a relationship from 1973 to 1975 that was later characterized as Lennon's "lost weekend."

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Palestinians trapped without resources; Mother pleads for missing daughter in Israel

October 11, 2023

NPR's Aya Batrawy talks to Palestinians trapped in Gaza without food, fuel, water or other resources amid numerous Israeli airstrikes. Last weekend, Hamas militants attacked a music festival near the Gaza border. Ahuva Maizel, whose 21-year-old daughter Adi is missing after attending the festival, joins us to explain what her family is feeling. Following the attack last weekend, Israel declared war on Hamas and launched multiple airstrikes on Gaza amid supply blockades as well. Destruction from the strikes has displaced almost 200,000 people in Gaza. Lifelong Gaza resident and translator Jason Shawa joins us.Hamas, the armed group controlling Gaza, has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007. Khaled Elgindy, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and director of its Israeli-Palestinian affairs program, offers context on how the group came to be.

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