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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Summer grilling recipes; Activist challenges Uganda's new anti-LGBTQ law

June 1, 2023

Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, a founding mother of the LGBTQ rights movement in Uganda, talks about her challenge to Uganda's new law that calls for the death penalty for some gay people. And, MSNBC's Ali Velshi, discusses Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data that shows fewer babies were born in the U.S. in 2022 compared to the year before. Then, as another summer grilling season begins, resident chef Kathy Gunst has new recipes to share. Plus, Samantha Brown, host of her travel series "Places to Love" on PBS, shares her tips and tricks to plan a successful summer getaway.

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The history of spy animals; 'Blue Ribbon Kitchen' offers award-winning recipes

May 31, 2023

Recycling plastic creates microplastics that contaminate the air and water, a new study found. Grist reporter Joseph Winters joins us to talk about what this means amid a pollution crisis. And, an alleged Russian spy has surfaced in the waters of Sweden. The spy, Hvaldimir, is a beluga whale. There is a long history of animals being used for espionage in military conflict, and Manchester Metropolitan University lecturer Gervase Phillips joins us to unpack it. Then, Linda Skeens won 25 ribbons at the Virginia-Kentucky district fair last summer. She's cataloged this impressive feat in a new book, "Blue Ribbon Kitchen." The cookbook details her award-winning recipes and offers some insight into her life in Appalachia.

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What's next for the debt ceiling deal?; Andy Cohen's 'Daddy Diaries'

May 30, 2023

A six-story building in Davenport, Iowa, partially collapsed and nine people have been rescued so far. Officials say the building is a total loss and will be demolished on Tuesday. WVIK's Herb Trix joins us. Then, President Biden and House Speaker McCarthy reached a proposed deal on the debt ceiling debate. The House Rules Committee will consider it. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), who helped negotiate the deal, joins us. And Samantha Sanders, director of government affairs and advocacy for the Economic Policy Institute, joins us to talk about who will be most affected by this proposed deal. And, most people know Andy Cohen as an eccentric TV personality who spars with the "Real Housewives" and co-hosts New Year's Eve specials with Anderson Cooper. But he's also written 10 books, the most recent of which titled "Daddy Diaries." Cohen joins us to talk about the book and his journey through single parenthood.

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Montford Point Marine shares experience with racial segregation; Summer movie picks

May 29, 2023

The House is slated to vote Wednesday on the debt ceiling deal hashed out over the weekend by President Joe Biden and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. National Economic Council Deputy Director Bharat Ramamurti and the Washington Post's Jeff Stein join us. And, First Sgt. William "Jack" McDowell, Marine Corps was among the first Black men enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. His granddaughter, Sonia Smith Kang, tells us about his service. Then, Memorial Day is the traditional start of the summer movie season. John Horn, arts and entertainment reporter for LAist, gives us a preview.

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La Marisoul and Los Texmaniacs' 'Corazones and Canciones'; Misogynoir in hip-hop

May 26, 2023

La Marisoul and Max Baca of Los Texmaniacs talk about their latest album, "Corazones and Canciones." And, Maverick City Music is a diverse collective that's changing the Christian music landscape. Maverick City Music co-founder Jonathan Jay and member Norman Gyamfi talk about what they bring to contemporary Christian music. Then, Sidney Madden and Rodney Carmichael, hosts of the NPR podcast "Louder Than A Riot," talk about how the specific discrimination against Black women plays out in hip-hop.

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Companies pull back LGBTQ support; How one Tina Turner superfan cherishes her legacy

May 25, 2023

Target says it's removing some of its Pride Month merchandise from store shelves after it received threats that made employees feel unsafe. But critics say that Target's decision sends a signal to right-wing extremists that their intimidation is working. NBC News' Ben Collins tells us more. And, Tina Turner was a true icon in every sense of the word. Superfan Donovan Marcelle, who once had the opportunity of a lifetime performing with her on stage during her reunion tour in 2000, joins us. Then, children of color face multiple barriers when it comes to learning how to swim. We learn about a new initiative called Swim Seattle that aims to tackle racial disparities in drowning deaths in the city.

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Uvalde pastors reflect on 1 year since shooting; A24's 'You Hurt My Feelings'

May 24, 2023

One year ago, a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde Texas. The community is still grieving. Pastor Tony Gruben and Pastor Joe Ruiz join us. And, A24's film "You Hurt My Feelings" explores the dynamic of a marriage in crisis after the wife discovers her husband has been lying about liking her latest book. Writer-director Nicole Holofcener joins us. Then, how many Kyles does it take to break a world record? An event in Kyle, Texas sought to answer that by bringing together as many people named Kyle as possible. Kyle Gassiott of Troy Public Radio.

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How a baby's early experiences shape their health later in life; Colorado River deal

May 23, 2023

Arizona Department of Water Resources director Tom Buschatzke and California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot talk about a temporary deal to restrict the use of Colorado River water while Western states come up with a longer-term plan to share the river's limited water amid a historic drought. And, researchers are learning more about how relationships with caregivers and sound nutrition can impact a child's immune, metabolic, and cardiovascular systems as they get older. Dr. Jack Shonkoff tells us more. Then, climate change is here, but your child likely isn't learning much about it at school. We learn about the state of climate literacy in education from Jennifer Jones of the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists and science writer Mary Batten.

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The labor fight against AI; Military spouses often feel overwhelmed and alone

May 22, 2023

A big part of the WNBA's growing popularity is the return of Brittney Griner — the star player returning to the Phoenix Mercury after enduring a harrowing stay in Russian detention. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd was at her first home game on Sunday night. Then, AI has become a sticking point in the ongoing strike by the Writers Guild of America. What happens in Hollywood could have implications for other industries, too. Signal Foundation President Meredith Whittaker tells us more. Then, many of the wives — and husbands — of active-duty military members say they feel isolated. A new pilot peer support group aims to help military spouses find connection and resources. We hear from three spouses across the country.

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3 fresh pea dishes to celebrate the end of winter; Shakespeare's first folio

May 19, 2023

Officials at the Alpine Crest Elementary School canceled a program designed by librarian Caroline Mickey to be sensitive to children who might not have a mother. Mickey and Hamiton County School Board representative Ben Connor join us. And, Shakespeare's first folio was published 400 years ago. The Folger Shakespeare Library in D.C. has 82 of the 235 known surviving copies and is currently renovating to exhibit them all free to the public. Folger librarian Greg Prickman tells us more. Then, resident chef Kathy Gunst shares three new recipes using peas, which are in season.

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'Love to Love You, Donna Summer'; Drug overdoses in U.S. slightly increased in 2022

May 18, 2023

The World Meteorological Organization found that our planet is on track to break record levels of heat over the next five years And we may pass a major climate change threshold. MSNBC's Ali Velshi joins us. And, Columbia University professor Katherine Keyes talks about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that found drug overdose deaths increased by 2% last year. Then, between 1976 and 1982, Donna Summer had more top-10 hits than any other recording artist. Now, the new documentary "Love to Love You: Donna Summer" tells the singer's whole story. Summer's daughter Brooklyn Sudano made the movie. We speak with Sudano.

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Women senators fight South Carolina abortion ban; Audiobooks recommendations

May 17, 2023

South Carolina lawmakers Katrina Shealy and Margie Bright Matthews — two of five "sister senators," a bipartisan group of the only women in the state senate who are banding together to fight a near-total ban on abortion in a special session that starts this week — join us. And, STAT's Brittany Trang talks about a promising study that tested a patch for toddlers with peanut allergies. Then, "The Stacks" podcast creator and host Traci Thomas shares recommendations from the more recent crop of audiobooks.

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Ugly side of We Buy Ugly Houses; Bisa Butler's art weaves together history and hope

May 16, 2023

Special counsel John Durham issued a report that criticizes the FBI for its investigation into the 2016 Trump campaign. Washington Post reporter Devlin Barrett joins us to talk about the report. And, you've probably seen a sign that says "We Buy Ugly Houses" in your neighborhood somewhere. A new report from ProPublica uncovered the ugly side of the company's business tactics. Anjeanette Damon, one of the ProPublica reporters who reported the story, joins us. Then, Bisa Butler creates vibrant, electrifying quilt portraits using scraps of clothes. Her pieces weave together the culture and history of Black American life. Her new exhibit, "The World is Yours," is on display now at the Jeffrey Deitch Gallery in New York. Butler joins us to talk about her work and inspirations.

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Can cereal and ice cream help you sleep?; The end of Title 42

May 15, 2023

Sheriff David Hathaway of Santa Cruz County, Arizona, talks about the situation along the border after the end of the border policy known as Title 42. Then, The City reporter Gwynne Hogan discusses the struggle to find shelter for thousands of migrants being sent to New York City. Over the weekend, Mayor Eric Adams announced that the shuttered Roosevelt Hotel will be used as a temporary shelter. And, if you're like most Americans, you may not have slept particularly well last night. Sleep-promoting cereal, ice cream and chocolate bars are gaining traction. But do they work? Charles Czeisler, chief of the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, weighs in.

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The fate of the imperiled Colorado River and attempts to mitigate disaster

May 12, 2023

A water shortage on the Colorado River has put tremendous strain on the states that rely on it as a main water source. The fate of California's Salton Sea is tied to the future of the river, and a catastrophic drought has only worsened conditions. As the river's water supply dwindles lower and lower, farmers in different states fight over the allocation of resources. Farmers who rely on the water to grow crops are needing to cut way down on water consumption, but some states are still receiving significantly more water than others. Tensions are especially high between farmers in Arizona and California. But there have been some efforts to reduce the water needed to maintain agricultural industries, and vertical farming is one of them. It won't replace traditional field agriculture, experts say, but it's a step toward growing crops with fewer resources. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports on the devastation of the Colorado River and its rocky future.

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'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' drops; Efforts to save birds in danger

May 11, 2023

The public health order Title 42 comes to an end Thursday. We speak with two migrants to hear why they left their home countries and hope to claim asylum in the U.S. Jennifer Babaie, director of legal services at Las Americas immigrant advocacy center, also joins us. And, over the past 50 years, one-third of North America's birds have disappeared, according to a 2019 study. Journalists Anders Gyllenhaal and Beverly Gyllenhaal talk about their new book "A Wing And A Prayer: The Race To Save Our Vanishing Birds." Then, Nintendo releases its biggest game in years on Friday, the latest in the massively influential "Legend of Zelda" series. It comes after the "Mario" movie broke records. The Washington Post's Gene Park tells us more.

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Whaling logs and climate change; The 11 most endangered places in the U.S.

May 10, 2023

On Tuesday, a jury in Manhattan found former President Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation of writer E. Jean Carroll. Jane Manning, director of the Women's Equal Justice Project and a former sex crimes prosecutor, joins us. And, researchers found that 19th-century whaling logs contribute to climate science as sailors meticulously logged currents, weather and more. Timothy Walker from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth approached Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution with the idea for research. Then, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has released its 2023 list of the most endangered places in the U.S. Included in the list of 11 are a gas station, a church and a cemetery. Katherine Malone-France, chief preservation officer with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, joins us.

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'My Father's Brain' explores the effect of Alzheimer's disease; No Mow May

May 9, 2023

Brett Cross, whose son Uziyah Garcia was killed in the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, talks about the bill in the Texas legislature that would raise the minimum age to buy certain semi-automatic rifles from 18 to 21. And, author and cardiologist Sandeep Jauhar discusses his new book "My Father's Brain: Life in the Shadow of Alzheimer's," which intertwines information about the disease and how it's treated with his own family's story of coping when his father developed Alzheimer's. And, proponents of the No Mow May movement are urging homeowners not to mow those lawns for the month to preserve and create habitat for birds, butterflies and bees that pollinate our plants. We hear more about the movement and why it's controversial.

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Is the digital media era ending?; A Day Without Child Care

May 8, 2023

A man drove his SUV into a crowd of people outside a shelter for migrants in Brownsville, Texas, Sunday morning. The driver killed 8 people and injured 10 others. Gaige Davila, a reporter for Texas Public Radio's Border and Immigration Desk, joins us. And, are we coming to the end of the digital media era? Ben Smith, author and former editor-in-chief of Buzzfeed News, joins us to talk about his new book "Traffic: Genius, Rivalry and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral" and why he thinks the age of digital media is ending. Then, more than 700 child care providers are shutting down for the day in at least 20 states. They're rallying for better pay for educators and more affordable care for families. We speak with BriTanya Brown, the owner of a child care business in Stamford, Texas, and advocate Latoya Gayle.

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What options remain for Jacob Wideman?

May 5, 2023

Jacob 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 commits a terrible crime, as Jake did, is there anything they can do to prove they deserve to be free again? We also return to the question of why Jake killed Eric Kane in 1986. There's one last piece of the puzzle that might bring a little more clarity, and Jake tries to explain it in his own words. Listen to the full series on Here & Now Anytime. Find a transcript and photos here.

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Discontent looms over King Charles III's coronation; 'The Great American Baking Show'

May 5, 2023

AP'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," joins us. "The Great American Baking Show" — the U.S. version of "The Great British Bake Off" — debuts on the Roku channel Friday. Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith tell us about the new show.

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How one company is making millions on water; The impact of Gen Z voters

May 4, 2023

New 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 Teddy Landis — share what they think fellow 20-something voters want to hear on issues such as abortion and gun control.

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Cate Blanchett on Syrian refugee crisis; Gun violence rate differs across regions

May 3, 2023

Congress 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 of their homes. Cate Blanchett — actor and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees goodwill ambassador — discusses her recent trip to Jordan and meetings with Syrian refugees. Then, gun violence and mass shootings are daily occurrences in the U.S., but new research shows that rates of gun violence differ across the country. Colin Woodard, researcher and director of the Nationhood Lab at Salve Regina University in Rhode Island, joins us.

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Research finds rent control reduces affordability in long run; Supreme Court reform

May 2, 2023

On 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 San Francisco that found that in the long run, rent control drove up rents because it led a number of landlords to convert their housing to other uses and it reduced the supply of rental units.

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May Day protests erupt in France over pension reform; Who owns history?

May 1, 2023

First 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 behind paywalls, the answer is unclear. Filmmaker Richard Misek joins us to talk about his new documentary, "A History of the World According to Getty Images."

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How a parole violation sent Jacob Wideman back to prison — possibly for life

April 28, 2023

Six months after Jacob Wideman was released from prison on home arrest, his parole officer told the parole board that Jake was doing well. But other people were coming to a different conclusion. In Part 6 of Violation, we hear interviews and testimony from Jake, his attorneys, parole officials and others as we piece together the events leading up to the parole violation that sent Jake behind bars again — possibly for life. Subscribe to Here & Now Anytime for new episodes each Friday. Find a transcript and photos here.

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Is your pet miserable?; Investors and opponents on ESG strategies

April 28, 2023

Congress is still divided over the debt limit. Republicans passed a bill that would raise the debt ceiling — but dramatically cut spending. But it's unlikely to pass in the Democrat-controlled Senate. Rep. Jim Clyburn, assistant House Democratic leader, joins us. And, are our pets actually miserable? Animal ethicist Jessica Pierce joins us to answer that uncomfortable question. Then, banks and investment firms using ESG — environment, social and governance investing — are the subject of a new culture war. Opponents say that firms using ESG strategies are pushing a liberal agenda, but proponents say they're just making smart business decisions.

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The influence and absurdity of QAnon; Disney takes DeSantis to court

April 27, 2023

Sen. Dick Durbin, Democrat of Illinois and chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, speaks about the Republican plan to raise the debt ceiling while cutting spending and about attempts at Supreme Court ethics reform. And, we get the latest on the clash between Disney and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis from MSNBC economics correspondent and anchor Ali Velshi. Then, by now, many are familiar with QAnon, the once-fringe conspiracy group that gained millions of supporters in the U.S. and abroad over the last 5 years. What's the latest on the group, particularly as former President Donald Trump gears up for the 2024 primary? Author Will Sommer joins us to talk about his new book, "Trust the Plan: The Rise of QAnon and the Conspiracy That Unhinged America," a deep dive into QAnon.

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How to talk about mental health in the workplace; Books by transgender authors

April 26, 2023

The Environmental Protection Agency is set to impose strict new regulations on power plants. It could force existing plants to rely on technologies like carbon capture and hydrogen. Energy analyst at the Rhodium Group John Larsen joins us. And, discussion of mental health has become less taboo over the years. But is there a right or wrong way to discuss it in the workplace? The Wall Street Journal's Callum Borchers joins us. Then, bans on books in school libraries and elsewhere often target those that tell LGBTQ stories. With laws limiting the right of transgender people often in the news, creator of "The Stacks" podcast Traci Thomas offers a list of books by transgender authors or telling transgender stories.

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Remembering Harry Belafonte; Why 'uhs' and 'likes' belong in our language

April 25, 2023

Harry Belafonte, the musician, actor, and civil rights activist, died Tuesday morning at the age of 96. NPR's Elizabeth Blair looks back on Belafonte's impact on music, culture and equality. And, Bed, Bath & Beyond plans to wind down operations at 360 stores and 120 BuyBuy Baby stores with closing sales beginning Wednesday. But the big box retailer wasn't always circling the drain. Bloomberg Opinion retail columnist Leticia Miranda tells us more. Then, linguist Valerie Fridland talks about her new book "Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad Language," which dives into the history of abused speech mannerisms like "ums" and discovers that they have much more value than we think.

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Can you pull yourself up by the bootstraps? NAACP warns of 'state takeover'

April 24, 2023

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed a new set of laws that would bolster the power of law enforcement and make other changes. The NAACP's Abre' Conner talks about the organization's challenge to the new laws. And, can you pull yourself up by your own bootstraps? It's a myth that defines the American dream. It's also the subject of Alissa Quart's book "Bootstrapped: Liberating Ourselves from the American Dream." Then, the captain of a shrimp boat from Texas won the international Goldman Environmental Prize. Diane Wilson won a $50 million court case against a company dumping harmful plastics into the water. She joins us to talk about the award and her work.

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Life expectancy improves for Black people who live near Black doctors; 'Woke' banking

April 21, 2023

Advocates working to address racial health disparities call a new study about Black physicians "groundbreaking" and "a wakeup call." STAT's Usha Lee McFarling tells us more. And, bills in Republican-led states that push back on so-called "woke" investing and banking have real-life impacts. There are political winners and real-life losers. We look at a small city in Texas that is taking a financial hit because of a law that bans doing business with banks that "discriminate" against the gun industry. Then, Rob Quicke, founder of the College Radio Foundation, tells us about this weekend's 8th-annual Vinylthon fundraiser to support the next generation of radio broadcasters.

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Life on parole: How a violation put Jacob Wideman back in prison

April 21, 2023

Jacob Wideman was released from prison in 2016 after 30 years behind bars and seven hearings in front of the Arizona parole board. You may have heard the term "mass incarceration" — this idea that the U.S. locks up more people than any country in the world. But lately, scholars and activists have also been talking about "mass supervision." There are almost 2 million people in U.S. prisons, but there are almost 4 million people on probation or parole. In Part 5 of Violation, we examine what life is like for the millions of people on parole in the U.S., and describe what happened when Jacob Wideman was on parole. Jake didn't know it when he was first released, but his freedom would only last nine months — and there were people on the outside working to put him back inside. Subscribe to Here & Now Anytime for new episodes each Friday. Find a transcript and photos here.

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Looking to Norway for changes to U.S. prison system; Best modern board games

April 20, 2023

In recent news, common mistakes that anyone could make like knocking on the wrong door or pulling into the wrong driveway have resulted in gun violence, and in one instance, death. Washington Post national columnist Philip Bump joins us to talk about how paranoia and guns intersect. And, Tommy "Shakur" Ross recently visited two prisons in Norway. He joins us to talk about what he found and California Gov. Gavin Newsom's plan to make the San Quentin prison more like Norway's prisons. Then, board games are having a renaissance. From increased convention attendance to cult followings, their popularity is palpable. Here & Now's resident gamer James Perkins Mastromarino joins us with the latest.

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Biden's 'historic' child care order; Immigration law seperates family

April 19, 2023

President Biden has signed an executive order that includes directives aimed at making child care more accessible and more affordable. Jen Klein, director of the White House Gender Policy Council, tells us more. And, the violence in Sudan has spilled into a fifth day in spite of a ceasefire being put in place by the two warring sides. Sara Musa El Saeed, NGO Corus International's Sudan Director, joins us. Then, Navy veteran Ed Markowitz is living Canada because his wife is currently barred from living in the U.S. due to federal immigration law. He joins us along with Ashley DeAzevedo, the president of American Families United, a group that is fighting to fix situations like Markowitz's.

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Activists march for Jayland Walker; 'The Phantom of the Opera' ends Broadway run

April 18, 2023

A special grand jury came back Thursday with no charges for the eight police officers who shot and killed Jayland Walker, a young Black man, in Akron, Ohio, last summer. Activists march for justice on Tuesday. Rev. Raymond Greene Jr., leader of Freedom BLOC, or the Black Led Organizing Collaborative, joins us. And, when Democratic Rep. Justin Jones joined protestors rallying against gun violence, he was expelled from the Tennessee House along with another young, Black lawmaker. They were both reinstated days later. Jones joins us. Then, "The Phantom of the Opera" ended its 35-year Broadway run on Sunday. It's the longest-running musical in Broadway history. Actor George Lee Andrews, who appeared in 9,382 performances, reflects on the show and its end.

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Credit card debt questions, answered; Fox-Dominion defamation case begins this week

April 17, 2023

Former federal prosecutor Ankush Khardori talks about the strengths and weaknesses of the defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News. Dominion accuses Fox of knowingly spreading falsehoods about its vote counting in the 2020 presidential election. And, we get an update on the Boston Marathon results from Alex Ashlock, reporter and former Here & Now staffer, at the finish line. Then, our personal finance guru answers your questions on paying down credit card debt. Jill Schlesinger, a CBS News business analyst and host of "Jill on Money," joins us.

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How Jacob Wideman faced his mental health struggles behind bars

April 14, 2023

Two years after he murdered Eric Kane, Jacob Wideman was transferred from county jail to the Arizona Department of Corrections to begin serving a life sentence. At 18 years old, Jake was thrust into a world where the only way to feel safe was through physical aggression and bravado. He had many years of practice pretending he wasn't suffering from mental health struggles in his youth, but now, Jake had to push those struggles even further out of sight as he faced a series of challenges in prison, each more difficult than the last. In Part Four of the "Violation" podcast, we follow his decades-long journey through the Arizona prison system and hear how he prepared to tell his life story to the parole board.

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Clarence Thomas' history of failing to disclose expenses; What is 'woke' investing?

April 14, 2023

A suspect related to the Pentagon documents leak has been arrested. The suspect is a 21-year-old member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. Ellen Nakashima, national security reporter for the Washington Post, joins us. And, a new revelation shows Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas sold property to Texas billionaire Harlan Crow and failed to disclose it. Jane Mayer, chief Washington correspondent for the New Yorker, outlines Thomas' history of similar behavior. Then, what is "woke" investing? It's a term given to ESG, or environment, social and governance investing. It's when investment firms consider climate change or other issues when making financial decisions. And some lawmakers want to ban it. Here & Now investigates.

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The latest on abortion pill; Does AI discriminate against parents with disabilities?

April 13, 2023

The drug Mifepristone is used in most medication abortions in the U.S. Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk overturned the FDA's approval of the abortion drug. A federal appeals court will grant partial access to the drug while federal rulings play out, but impose stricter regulations about how it can be used. The Washington Post's Caroline Kitchener and The 19th's Shefali Luthra join us. And, e-cigarette manufacturing company JUUL has agreed to settle a case brought by six states and Washington D.C. for lying about the harm of vaping and marketing to children. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser joins us. Then, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, uses AI technology to predict which children could be at risk for harm. The Justice Department is getting involved after an investigation found the technology may be discriminating against parents with disabilities.

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The emotional toll of treating gunshot victims; Herbie Hancock on life and friendship

April 12, 2023

Dr. Jason Smith is the chief medical officer at the University of Louisville Hospital. The hospital treated victims of Monday's mass shooting at a bank in the city, and Smith joins us to talk about the emotional toll that doctors, nurses and other emergency room workers face when treating gunshot victims so frequently. And, the Department of the Interior has offered two potential plans of action to cut water usage from the imperiled Colorado River. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports on the federal government's attempts to protect the large reservoir after 23 years of drought. Then, jazz legend Herbie Hancock turns 83 on Wednesday. The pianist and composer joins us to discuss life, death, music and his decades-long friendship with a fellow jazz icon, the late saxophonist Wayne Shorter.

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Why so many autistic kids get expelled from preschool; Clint Smith's 'Above Ground'

April 11, 2023

The U.S. Department of Justice is appealing a ruling suspending the Food and Drug Administration's approval of mifepristone, a drug used in medication abortions. If the ruling holds, it would effectively ban the sale of the pills across the country. We hear from Laurie Bertram Roberts, executive director and co-founder of the Mississippi Reproductive Freedom Fund. And, we talk with the University of California Riverside's Jan Blacher, the co-author of a new study about high rates of expulsions from preschools for autistic kids. Then, in "Above Ground," Clint Smith writes about the everyday joy, anxiety and exhaustion of parenthood with young children. He joins us.

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Irish priest on 25 years since Good Friday peace agreement; The 'Olympics of hula'

April 10, 2023

The abortion drug Mifepristone has been used effectively and safely for medical abortions for more than 20 years. But amid conflicting federal rulings over abortion, the drug's future remains unclear. Mary Ziegler — legal historian, law professor and author — joins us. And, it's been 25 years since the Good Friday Agreement ended decades of violence in Northern Ireland. Father Kevin Mullan reflects on the peace deal and on building bridges between religious communities. Then, the Merrie Monarch Festival, often called the "Olympics of hula," celebrates its 60-year anniversary this week. It's the world's most prestigious hula competition and is held in Hilo. Kimo Kahoano, the competition's longtime host, joins us.

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Life without parole: How the board works — and doesn't — in the U.S.

April 7, 2023

What happens at parole boards is a huge part of Jacob Wideman's story — and his story tells us a lot about the parole system in America. After serving 25 years behind bars for killing his summer camp roommate, Eric Kane, Wideman went before a parole board in Arizona for the first time. Starting with his first hearing in 2011, he was denied parole over and over. Except for one time. Part 3 of the "Violation" podcast, examines parole boards, largely secretive institutions that operate in many states with few rules and little oversight. Subscribe to Here & Now Anytime for new episodes each Friday. Find a transcript and photos here.

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Biden's transgender athlete proposal; Israel launches airstrikes on Lebanon, Gaza

April 7, 2023

AP's Darlene Superville and NBC's Sahil Kapur talk about the latest in politics this week, including a published report that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas did not disclose lavish travel and vacations hosted by a conservative donor. And, the Washington Post's Sarah Dadouch talks about the Israeli airstrikes on Friday morning. The attacks came in response to a barrage of rockets that were fired from south Lebanon toward northern Israel. Then, NBC Out's Jo Yurcaba talks about the Biden administration's proposal to change Title IX. It would outlaw broad bans on trans athletes but still allow some restrictions on participation. Logan Casey of the Movement Advancement Project also joins the conversation to share more about the status of anti-trans bills in state legislatures.

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3 recipes to spring into Passover and Easter; Michigan abortion ban repealed

April 6, 2023

Michigan Radio's Rick Pluta about the politics that led to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's signing Wednesday of a bill to repeal a 1931 abortion ban in Michigan, which went into effect after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last June. And, resident chef Kathy Gunst shares three new recipes for Passover, Easter, or other spring celebrations. Then, film scoring professor Jon Burlingame looks at some classic TV themes and talks about his new book, "Music for Prime Time: A History of American Television Themes and Scoring."

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The charges against Trump, explained; Health care for LA's unhoused population

April 5, 2023

Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz defeated former State Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly in a divisive election on Tuesday for an open Supreme Court seat. Chuck Quirmbach of WUWM in Milwaukee explains the results and what we can expect now from the court. And, WBEZ's city government reporter Mariah Woelfel talks about Brandon Johnson's win in the Chicago mayoral election. Then, former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Tuesday to 34 felony charges. He's accused of covering up payment to an adult film actress to conceal an alleged affair and influence the 2016 election. Election lawyer Jerry Goldfeder explains the charges. Plus, in Los Angeles, a street medicine team is turning to technology to better serve the needs of people who are homeless. STAT's Mohana Ravindranath joins us.

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Gun control controversy in Tennessee; 'Reflections on Captivity' tells of POW life

April 4, 2023

Republican state lawmakers in Tennessee are moving to expel three Democrats from office for chanting along with gun control demonstrators at the state capitol. Blaise Gainey, political reporter at WPLN in Nashville, joins us. And, OPEC+ — a group of oil-producing nations — voted to cut oil production by more than one million barrels a day. This came as a surprise to the White House and has already led to a surge in oil prices. Roben Farzad, host of public radio's "Full Disclosure" joins us. Then, 50 years ago, Porter Halyburton, a Navy lieutenant junior grade at the time, was listed as "killed in action" after being shot down over North Vietnam. However, he was alive and survived as a prisoner of war for more than 7 years. Halyburton tells his story in a new book called "Reflections on Captivity" and joins us.

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Adopting a desert tortoise; How media is covering the Trump indictment

April 3, 2023

Wisconsin voters on Tuesday will decide the whether the state Supreme Court will have a conservative or liberal majority. The outcome will likely determine abortion access, election law and whether a heavily-Republican gerrymandered map will remain in place. WUWM news reporter Chuck Quirmbach joins us. And, journalist Brian Stelter talks about how the media is covering the first-ever indictment of a former president. Then, the Arizona Game and Fish Department started its annual desert tortoise adoption program this week. More than 300 animals are available this year, mostly because people illegally breed them at home. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd met a few of the reptiles to learn how they adapt to the harsh desert climate and why the population of some species has dropped rapidly in recent years.

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What Trump's indictment means; Ramadan recipes from two Muslim chefs

March 31, 2023

USA Today White House correspondent Francesca Chambers and NPR senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro talk about the first-ever indictment of a former president on charges related to a hush money payment scheme and cover-up. And, millions of people on Medicaid could lose their coverage in the coming weeks as pandemic-era protections end. Dr. James Schultz joins us. Then, the communal aspect to the celebration of Ramadan includes congregations of prayers and community dinners full of traditional foods special to this month. Muslim chefs Ifrah F. Ahmed and Nafy Flatley tell us all about their tasty Ramadan recipes.

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