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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Older LGBTQ activists offer wisdom; Spring-inspired brunch recipes

March 22, 2023

A deadly fungal infection is on the rise, a new report shows. Candida auris, or C. auris, is harmless to most, but can be deadly to immunocompromised and elderly people. Dr. Meghan Lyman, chief medical officer in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's mycotic diseases branch, joins us. Then, as anti-LGBTQ legislature and rhetoric flare up across the country, older LGBTQ activists have some wisdom for the younger generations. Barbara Satin is a long-timer faith leader and transgender woman. She joins us along with Kierra Johnson, executive director of the National LGBTQ Task Force. And, spring has officially sprung. Indulge yourself with some rich, sweet and savory brunch recipes from our resident chef. Kathy Gunst shares recipes for fried eggs with asparagus, lemon-ricotta pancakes and buttermilk biscuits.

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Asian seniors find 'sacred space' in ballroom dance; Wyoming bans abortion pills

March 21, 2023

Wyoming is the first to explicitly ban abortion pills by law. Will Walkey of Wyoming Public Media explains the new law and the legal challenges that lie ahead. And, NPR news editor Larry Kaplow was a print reporter living and working in Baghdad 20 years ago. Kaplow joins us to mark the 20th anniversary of the start of the U.S. war in Iraq. Then, the San Francisco Chronicle's Cecilia Lei spoke with Asian seniors in the San Francisco Bay area, two months after 11 people were killed at an Asian ballroom dance studio in Monterey Park. Lei discovered that "this isn't just about mental or physical exercise, it's about community connection" and joy in the face of tragedy.

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Navajo Nation goes to Supreme Court over water; Chineke! Orchestra on tour

March 20, 2023

It's been 20 years since U.S. troops stormed into Baghdad at the start of the Iraq war based on the dubious claims of weapons of mass destruction. Retired U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus calls it a "massive cautionary tale." And, the Navajo Nation has been battling for access to Colorado River water. Before the Supreme Court on Monday, the Navajo Nation will argue the federal government has failed to live up to its duty to provide the tribe with an adequate water supply. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports. Then, the Chineke! Orchestra is on its debut North America tour. The group is one of Europe's top orchestras and the first majority Black and ethnically diverse professional orchestra from the continent. Founder and double bass player Chi-chi Nwanoku joins us.

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Violation trailer: Who pulls the levers of power in the justice system?

March 17, 2023

Violation, a new podcast from The Marshall Project and WBUR, tells the story of how a horrible crime has connected two families for decades. The series explores suffering and retribution, as well as power and privilege. It also pulls back the curtain on parole boards — powerful, secretive, largely political bodies that control the fates of thousands of people every year. Hosted and reported by The Marshall Project's Beth Schwartzapfel, Violation debuts on March 22. Listen to new episodes each Friday on Here & Now Anytime.

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The groups behind anti-trans legislature; Carbon capture pipelines in Midwest

March 17, 2023

Texas is moving to take over Houston's public school system. It would be one of the largest state takeovers in U.S. history. Dominic Anthony Walsh, education and families reporter for Houston Public Media and Zeph Capo, president of the Texas American Federation of Teachers, join us. And, Madison Pauly, a reporter at Mother Jones, joins us to talk about her findings of a coordinated effort at the state level that's resulted in a wave of legislation to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Then, there's an ongoing fight over the proposed construction of a pipeline for carbon capture and storage in the Midwest. Nara Schoenberg of the Chicago Tribune joins us.

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Will selling TikTok to a U.S.-owned company make us safer?; How to master a craft

March 16, 2023

Security analyst Jim Walsh talks about the release of a video Thursday morning showing that Russian jets interfered with a U.S. drone in international waters over the Black Sea on Tuesday and forced the U.S. military to down it. And, TikTok parent company ByteDance says the Biden administration is ordering it to sell the video-sharing app to an American-owned company or face being banned in the United States. Axios media reporter Sara Fischer tells us more. And, in his new book "The Real Work: On the Mystery of Mastery," New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik attempts new skills including drawing, baking and boxing, and ponders what the experiences teach him. Gopnik talks about the book.

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Former chief on Detroit policing; Margaret Atwood releases short story collection

March 15, 2023

The Environmental Protection Agency has moved to limit the amount of "forever chemicals" called PFAS in drinking water to the lowest detectable levels. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, birth defects and other health issues. Sharon Lerner, reporter for ProPublica, joins us. And, in 2003, the Detroit Free Press uncovered the use of excessive force and improper arrests and detainments in the Detroit Police Department. Under federal oversight, did the state of policing change? Former Detroit police chief and one of the city's first Black police officers, Isaiah McKinnon, joins us. Then, acclaimed author of "The Handmaid's Tale" Margaret Atwood explores loss, aliens and dead cats in the freezer in her new short story collection, "Old Babes in the Wood." Atwood joins us to discuss the stories.

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Recovering from major bank collapses; 'My Vermont Table' offers tastes of the state

March 14, 2023

After Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank failed, many customers were left confused. Sheila Bair, former chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, joins us to discuss. And, the Federal Reserve is dealing with raising inflation in conjunction with bank failures. Roben Farzad, host of public radio's "Full Disclosure," joins us to talk about the Fed's next steps. Then, President Biden recently approved an oil and gas drilling project in Alaska after campaigning against drilling in 2020. It's just the latest in policy changes that go back on some of Biden's former progressive platforms, angering some Democrats. Princeton presidential historian Julian Zelizer joins us. And, Vermont celebrates six seasons yearly, and each one has distinct ingredients that can make some sweet and savory delicacies. Chef Gesine Bullock-Prado lays out recipes that honor each part of the year in her cookbook, "My Vermont Table."

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3 years of COVID-19; 'Schoolhouse Rock' turns 50. Do we need a new, updated version?

March 13, 2023

Over the weekend, two major banks in the U.S. failed: Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. President Joe Biden offered reassurance that the banking system is safe. Kathryn Judge, professor of law at Columbia Law School, joins us. And, we've hit the 3-year mark since COVID-19 broke out. More than 1.1 million Americans have died from the virus and the cause of it remains unknown. Dr. Leana Wen joins us to break down reflections and lingering questions. Then, "Schoolhouse Rock" is 50 years old. The educational, animated songs first premiered in 1973 between Saturday morning cartoons, and are credited with teaching millions about everything from grammar to civics. Paul Ringel, history professor at High Point University in North Carolina, joins us.

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Sen. Warren on debt ceiling, inflation; Oscars; Health concerns post-train derailment

March 10, 2023

Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts talks about the looming fight over the debt ceiling and the Federal Reserve's projections that 2 million people will be out of work before the end of the year under the current policy. And, activist Erin Brockovich talks about what she's advising East Palestine residents to do to ensure they get compensation and that the company is held accountable for the accident and the impact on the community. Then, 16 of the nominees in the acting categories at this Sunday's Oscars are first-timers. We get a preview and some predictions from Aisha Harris, co-host of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour.

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Aboriginal land acknowledgments; Chipperfield: Architects can tackle climate crisis

March 9, 2023

The Department of Justice issued a report that found that the Louisville Police Department has a pattern of using excessive force and targeting Black residents. Local activists see the report as "vindication," a justification of their long-held claims against the department. Chanelle Helm, an organizer and activist with Black Lives Matter Louisville, joins us. Then, Here & Now's Deepa Fernandes recently visited family in Australia. While listening to the radio, she heard broadcasters acknowledging the indigenous land they were on. That's the norm in Australia, but what is the significance? Aboriginal artist Tess Allas joins us. And, Pritzker Prize-winning architect David Chipperfield's work is often described as "understated." Now, Chipperfield is more interested in how cities develop than in designing individual buildings. He joins us.

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3 delicious date recipes; The Beatbox House goes global

March 8, 2023

This is the first International Women's Day in 50 years where American women do not have the right to abortion. Washington Post correspondent Abha Bhattarai joins us. And, the State Department sends musicians from all genres to places where people don't have many opportunities to meet performers from America. The Brooklyn-based Beatbox House will travel to Asia for beatbox competitions, workshops and collaborations with local artists. Members Chris Celiz and Gene Shinozaki join us. Then, resident chef Kathy Gunst has delved into dates with three new delicious recipes.

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California residents still digging out snow; Former BET CEO releases 'I Am Debra Lee'

March 7, 2023

Four Americans were kidnapped in Mexico last week, and according to U.S. and Mexico officials, two of them have been found dead. Another is injured. Alfredo Corchado, Mexico City bureau chief for the Dallas Morning News, joins us. Then, residents of Georgetown, California are still digging themselves out of several feet of snow. The forecast predicts rain next. Georgetown resident Alayna Poplan joins us. And, former Black Entertainment Television CEO Debra Lee released a memoir titled "I Am Debra Lee." The book details her life, including reflections on Aretha Franklin, Chris Brown and a #MeToo moment she endured. Lee joins us to talk about the book.

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Judy Heumann's legacy; 'The Great Escape' tells of human trafficking in Mississippi

March 6, 2023

Judy Heumann is known as the mother of the disability rights movement. Her advocacy and lobbying eventually led to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Rebecca Cokley, U.S. disability rights program officer with the Ford Foundation, joins us to talk about what today's activists can learn from Heumann's legacy. Then, an investigation by the Washington Post uncovered evidence of a massacre in Tigray carried out by Eritrean troops just days before a peace deal was made. Katharine Houreld led the investigation and joins us. And, labor organizer Saket Soni's new book "The Great Escape: A True Story of Forced Labor and Immigrant Dreams in America" details his work in helping Indian workers lured to Mississippi to repair oil rigs post-Katrina and essentially imprisoned by their employers. Soni joins us.

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Pandemic food assistance ends; Remembering jazz legend Wayne Shorter

March 3, 2023

The House Ethics Committee is moving forward with an investigation into New York Republican Congressman George Santos. And President Biden ruffled some feathers on Thursday when he told Senate Democrats he won't stop Republicans from repealing D.C.'s new crime law. USA Today's Francesca Chambers and ABC's Rick Klein join us. And, starting this month, the extra pandemic food benefits have ended and left households with anywhere between $95 and $250 less per month for groceries. Michael Flood, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, explains what the loss in SNAP means for food assistance services. Jeana Lee, a single mother who's now receiving more than $200 less for groceries starting this month, also joins us Then, NPR contributor Michelle Mercer remembers jazz giant Wayne Shorter.

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What causes Havana Syndrome?; Dispelling misinformation about hospice care

March 2, 2023

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met for the first time since the war in Ukraine began a year ago. Both attended the G20 meeting in India. NPR diplomatic correspondent Michele Kelemen joins us. And, Havana Syndrome is an unexplained illness that has plagued and injured American intelligence officers and diplomats worldwide. But U.S. agencies say foreign adversaries are not to blame. Shane Harris, an intelligence and national security reporter at the Washington Post, joins us. Then, former President Jimmy's Carter's stay in hospice has sparked discussion about what this type of medical care entails. Hospice nurse Rebecca Gatian and hospice patient John Shannon join us to explain.

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Sugar farming pollution burns area residents; The origins of a common depression test

March 1, 2023

WBEZ's Tessa Weinberg talks about what's next in the Chicago mayor's race now that Lori Lightfoot has become the first mayor in 40 years to lose re-election after one term, in part because of high crime rates. And, STAT's Olivia Goldhill explains how the idea for a common test for depression actually came from a marketer for the antidepressant Zoloft. Then, scorching sugar fields is an expedient method of farming. But it is messy and dirty. Tons of ash fall from the sky. Area residents in south Florida call it black snow, and it is making some of them sick. Journalist Sandy Tolan tells us more.

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'The Big Myth' examines belief that free market is a right; MLB introduces new rules

February 28, 2023

President Biden's plan to cancel billions of dollars in student debt will go before the Supreme Court Tuesday. A number of states have sued, citing government overreach. But do they have the right to do that? Danielle Douglas-Gabriel of the Washington Post and professor William Baude join us. Then, Major League Baseball implemented a pitch clock and other new regulations to speed up the game, which have caused some drama in spring training games so far. Washinton Post national baseball writer Chelsea Janes joins us to unpack the changes. And, Americans have long believed that free markets are a fundamental right. The new book "The Big Myth: How American Business Taught Us to Loathe Government and Love the Free Market" explores where that idea came from and its validity. Naomi Oreskes, who co-authored the book with Erik M. Conway, joins us.

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Rihanna and Lady Gaga are up for Oscars; What happens to train derailment waste?

February 27, 2023

The Environmental Protection Agency has given approval for contaminated waste to continue to be shipped out of East Palestine, Ohio. Professor Timothy Townsend explains what is likely to happen to the waste. And, if a Texas federal judge rules to temporarily ban mifepristone from the market, women nationwide could lose access to medication abortions. Texas Tribune women's health reporter Eleanor Klibanoff shares the latest on the case. Then, we take our annual listen to the nominees for the Best Original Song at the Oscars with Variety writer and film music professor Jon Burlingame.

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Could vertical farming be a climate solution?; Sick, elderly dog finds forever home

February 24, 2023

The Russo-Ukraine war is close to hitting its 1-year mark. Dara Massicot, a senior analyst at the RAND Corporation, joins us to talk about Russia's military capacity and the future of the war. Then, vertical farming uses drastically less water than traditional, outdoor farming. While the Colorado River is imperiled and farmers feel the effects, could it be a solution to a hotter climate and water conservation? Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports. And, older dogs, specifically those with ailments or special needs, have more trouble finding forever homes than puppies. Bendu is a 10-year-old diagnosed with terminal cancer. He only has 6 months to a year left to live, but recently moved into his forever home and couldn't be happier. Stina Sieg of Colorado Public Radio reports.

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Farmers prepare for fight over Colorado River; Bowl recipes for every meal

February 23, 2023

Former Jan. 6 special committee member Rep. Adam Schiff of California talks about House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's decision to share the video of the Jan. 6 riot with Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Then, farmers in Yuma, Arizona, and the Imperial Valley of California produce the vast majority of the country's leafy greens in the winter. But a crisis on the Colorado River is threatening the water supply. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports. Then, resident chef Kathy Gunst shares recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner bowls.

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Salton Sea's ecological disaster; Hurricane clues found in ocean sediment after Ian

February 22, 2023

A few weeks ago, a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, releasing a mix of toxic chemicals into the environment. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine joins us to talk about the cleanup. Then, the Salton Sea — California's largest lake — is under threat from drought and over-allocation of water from the Colorado River. The lake is shrinking rapidly and many of the surrounding areas are riddled with toxic waste. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports from California. And, it's been five months since Hurricane Ian ravaged Florida, and many residents are still picking up the pieces. Ocean sediments can identify storms going back nearly a millennium, and paleoclimatologist Jo Muller joins us for more.

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The fall of plant-based meat substitutes; Black bookstore owners' recommendations

February 21, 2023

The Lever's Matthew Cunningham-Cook co-wrote a detailed examination of how the rail industry has fought tougher regulations on freight trains carrying hazardous chemicals through residential neighborhoods such as East Palestine, Ohio. He joins us. And, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Tuesday that his country would suspend participation in the New START treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement with the U.S. Massachusetts Institute of Technology security analyst Jim Walsh joins us. Then, plant-based meat substitutes, like Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger, seemed so promising a few years ago when they began being marketed widely. Since then, sales of plant-based meat have slumped. Bloomberg food reporter Deena Shanker tells us why. And, as a bonus, three Black bookstore owners across the country to get their recommendations on books by Black authors they think others would enjoy.

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Bing AI chatbot is not behaving well; What Russian elites really think of Putin's war

February 20, 2023

Jimmy Carter has entered hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia. At 98, Carter is the oldest living former president. WABE's Sam Gringlas joins us to discuss his legacy, particularly in Georgia. Then, Microsoft's new Bing AI chatbot hasn't been heaving as it should. The technology is still in its beta version. James Vincent, senior reporter with The Verge, joins us. And, it's been about a year since Russia invaded Ukraine. We get a view from Russia of the war and find out what Russian elites really think about Vladimir Putin's war from The Washington Post's Catherine Belton.

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'Mario' creator Shigeru Miyamoto visits Super Nintendo World; End of StripperWeb

February 17, 2023

Axios senior contributor Margaret Talev and Associate Press White House reporter Darlene Superville talk over the week in politics. And, legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto spoke to NPR about Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood, which opens Friday. He looks back on how he created Mario and how the character evolved. Then, Marla Cruz talks about her piece in New York Magazine about the end of StripperWeb. It was a place where adult entertainment workers across the country could come together to share information and dressing room lore, without having to hide or sanitize their work.

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'Every Voice' explores marginalized classical musicians; Northern Syria relief effort

February 16, 2023

A train carrying toxic materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio two weeks ago. Now, residents in the area are looking for answers and transparency from officials. Brooks Sutherland, health reporter with the Cincinnati Enquirer, joins us. Then, northern Syria is in the midst of earthquake relief efforts as the Assad regime just began allowing aid to reach affected areas. Louisa Loveluck and Ishaan Tharoor of the Washington Post join us. And, a new podcast out Thursday aims to explore the marginalized histories present in classical music, including the problematic — and often racist — portrayals of Black characters in some of Mozart and Verdi's most famous operas. "Every Voice" host Terrance McKnight joins us.

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First postpartum depression pill; Patients continue to receive costly ambulance bills

February 15, 2023

Members of a search and rescue team from the Los Angeles County Fire Department are in Turkey assisting with earthquake recovery. LA firefighter Frank Infante speaks to us from Turkey. And, out-of-network ambulance bills can be extremely high and unaffordable for many patients. STAT's Bob Herman joins us. Then, the Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the first-ever pill to target postpartum depression. Psychiatrist Nancy Byatt and mother Stephanie Hathaway — who credits the drug Zulresso with saving her life — tell us more.

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5 years after Parkland shooting; Florida removed content from AP Black history class

February 14, 2023

Senators received a closed-door briefing on the unidentified aerial objects shot down over North America last weekend. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) joins us to discuss what she's learned. Then, it's been 5 years since a gunman opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. 17 people were killed. Has anything changed in Florida since the tragedy? WLRN reporter Gerard Albert III joins us to discuss. And, the pilot for an Advanced Placement class on Black history is at the center of a national debate rooted in Florida. The state cut many topics from the final version of the class. University of California Los Angeles history professor Robin D.G. Kelley joins us. And, for Valentine's Day, producer Kalyani Saxena surveyed listeners about their favorite romance tropes and shares some recommendations.

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How a group of Sarah Lawrence students ended up in a cult; Flying objects shot down

February 13, 2023

People have returned to their homes in East Palestine, Ohio, after the huge train derailment and toxic chemical release. But questions remain. Julie Grant of The Allegheny Front joins us. And, the U.S. has shot down more flying objects, as China accuses the U.S. of illegally flying balloons over its airspace. NPR's Greg Myre shares the latest. Then, last month, 63-year-old Larry Ray was sentenced to 60 years in prison for extortion, sex trafficking and forced labor, after luring his daughter's roommates from Sarah Lawrence College into what authorities are calling a cult. The docuseries "Stolen Youth" follows the students through nearly a decade with Ray. Director Zach Heinzerling and former cult member Felicia Rosario talk about the new series.

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Hollywood's depiction of Brown girls; Earthquake displaces Syrian refugees once again

February 10, 2023

After moving to Turkey 12 years ago, Syrian refugee Assalah Shikhani is, again, one of the thousands displaced by the recent earthquakes. She joins us. And, the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs clash this weekend in Super Bowl 57 in Arizona. NPR sports correspondent Tom Goldman gives us a preview. Then, when Mindy Kaling's new HBO show "Velma" premiered in January, it was met with a wave of backlash from members of the South Asian community. Many felt that Velma —who in the show is a South Asian teenager — was yet another harmful depiction of supposedly ugly Brown women on TV. Writer Sakeina Syed unpacks the discourse.

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Midwest welcomes large livestock operations; Child care shortages abound across U.S.

February 9, 2023

Syria is still dealing with the aftermath of a deadly earthquake in Turkey that affected the surrounding area. Doctors Without Borders, or Médecins Sans Frontières, are working on recovery efforts. Syrian officer Sherwan Qasem joins us.Then, Missouri, Nebraska and other Midwest states are trying to attract more CAFOs — concentrated animal feeding operations. CAFOs produce a lot of waste, which some residents are against. Eva Tesfaye of Harvest Public Media reports. And, working parents across the nation are struggling to find child care, some calling dozens of places before finding somewhere with an opening. Child Care Aware of America's Michelle McCready joins us. When California Democrat Jimmy Gomez wore his baby son in a carrier to the House floor last month, he got a lot of attention. He's using that spotlight to work toward addressing issues that affect working families.

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Sen. Booker and Rep. Johnson react to State of the Union; San Diego's poet laureate

February 8, 2023

Democratic Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Republican Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota share their reactions to Tuesday night's State of the Union address and the potential for a police reform bill. Then, the labor market is strong with unemployment at a 50-year low. And the Federal Reserve is continuing to raise interest rates to bring down inflation. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers weighs in. And, the new poet laureate of San Diego says growing up, he didn't feel welcome into the space of poetry. Now, Jason Magabo Perez, the son of Filipino immigrants, is empowering diverse communities to use poetry as a tool to tell their own stories.

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AMC's new movie ticket strategy; Pastor and professor leads nation's psychologists

February 7, 2023

An earthquake in Turkey left more than 5,000 people there and in Syria dead. The region sits in a very active seismic region. Mustafa Erdik, professor emeritus of earthquake engineering, joins us to explain the science and geology behind the disaster. Then, in an effort to recoup lost profits during the earlier days of COVID-19, AMC Theatres released a plan to charge different fares based on where customers choose to sit. Movie-lover and host of public radio's "Full Disclosure" Roben Farzad joins us. And, despite a history of conflict between faith and mental health, there's some evolution in recent years. Thema Bryant is a pastor, professor and the new president of the American Psychological Association. She says that mental health professionals are acknowledging spirituality in their practice more recently. Bryant joins us.

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Earthquake kills thousands in Turkey, Syria; This teacher challenged book bans

February 6, 2023

Residents and officials in southeastern Turkey and northwest Syria are assessing the damage from a devastating earthquake that struck the area Sunday, killing more than 2,300 people. NPR's Peter Kenyon joins us from Istanbul. Then, locals in northeastern Ohio are being urged to evacuate the area due to fears of a potential explosion caused by a train derailment. Julie Grant, managing editor for The Allegheny Front, shares the latest. And, Summer Boismier was an Oklahoma high school English teacher who gave her students a QR code that led to the Brooklyn Public Library's page on banned books. Controversy ensued, leading her to quit her job ultimately. She talks about the "brain drain" these state regulations result in, as aspiring educators avoid areas where lessons are strictly regulated.

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Remembering David Crosby: A good friend shares their decades of music and banter

February 3, 2023

For the last 30 years, writer Steve Silberman and late rock legend David Crosby remained in constant contact. Now, the author is still in shock after the loss of his dear friend. In this bonus episode, Silberman remembers Crosby's hope, humor and impact on music.

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Humpback whale strandings in the Northeast; Video game soundtrack composer

February 3, 2023

China is now saying that a suspected spy balloon spotted over Montana is actually a civilian weather balloon that strayed off course. The Pentagon said Thursday that it was tracking a high-altitude surveillance balloon. Here & Now security analyst Jim Walsh joins us. And, scientist Jooke Robbins talks about the recent humpback whale beaching on the East Coast. Then, for the first time ever, video game soundtracks have their own category in the Grammys. Stephanie Economou talks about her nomination for the score to "Assassins' Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok."

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The state of police reform; Businesses to hire more people with criminal records

February 2, 2023

Tyre Nichols' death from injuries caused by Memphis police officers has reignited nationwide calls for police reform and federal action. Harvard University Professor Yanilda Gonzalez explains what can be done. Then, experts recommend that people with increased risk for ovarian cancer have their fallopian tubes removed in some circumstances. New York Times reporter Roni Rabin joins us. And, for people in the U.S. who have criminal records, finding housing or a job can be a struggle. But, some businesses are making deliberate efforts to hire ex-offenders to lower that barrier to work. Dane Linn, senior vice president at Business Roundtable, joins us.

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Skate shop owner reflects on Tyre Nichols; How much dark chocolate is safe to eat?

February 1, 2023

Sac Ramp Skate Shop owner Christopher Dean reflects on the life of Tyre Nichols, who will be buried in Memphis, Tennessee, on Wednesday. Skateboarders in Sacramento, California, where Nichols grew up, will remember him at a "homegoing celebration" on Saturday. Then, meteorologist Mark Elliot talks about the freezing rain and brutal cold that is causing power outages across Texas, Arkansas and other states in the region. And, a new study by Consumer Reports confirms that most dark chocolate is contaminated by heavy metals lead and cadmium. So what does that mean for consumers? And how did the metals get there in the first place? James Rogers, director of food and safety research at Consumer Reports, joins us.

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Surgeon general calls gun violence an 'epidemic'; How Waco reverberates today

January 31, 2023

Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has long called gun violence in America an epidemic. He's pushing for more research into gun violence and what the government can do to prevent it. Then, a federal appeals court ended Johnsons & Johnson's attempt to sidestep lawsuits over its baby powder Monday. The company tried to use a bankruptcy filing to block the nearly 40,000 lawsuits from people alleging its baby powder contains asbestos. NPR's Scott Horsley joins us. And, author Kevin Cook talks about his new book, "Waco Rising: David Koresh, the FBI, and the Birth of America's Modern Militias."

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Coping with racial trauma from Tyre Nichols' death; VA school reopens after shooting

January 30, 2023

The Memphis Police Department has disbanded its SCORPION unit. The acronym stood for "Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods," and the specialized unit of five officers was charged in the death of Tyre Nichols. Keith Taylor, an adjunct professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, joins us. And, Tyre Nichols' death shocked the nation, but many weren't surprised as more information about police brutality came to light. How does the Black and Brown community — in Memphis and around the country — move forward from this racial trauma? Trauma therapist Resmaa Menakem joins us. Then, earlier this month, a 6-year-old shot his teacher in a Virginia classroom. Monday, the Richneck Elementary School in Newport News reopens for the first time since. Thomas Britton has a 6-year-old in the same class as the shooter and joins us.

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Tyre Nichols' family lawyer on charges; Breaking barriers to Asian mental health care

January 27, 2023

Tyre Nichols died at the hands of Memphis police officers earlier this month at what should have been a routine traffic stop. One of the attorneys representing Nichols' family, Antonio Romanucci, joins us. And, the Biden administration is proposing changes to the U.S. census and federal surveys that research shows will make data on Latinos and people of Middle Eastern or North African descent more accurate. NPR correspondent Hansi Lo Wang joins us. Then, the Asian Mental Health Collective started during the pandemic to provide free therapy and work toward erasing the stigma around mental healthcare. The group is rallying counselors across the country amid shootings targeting Asian communities. Jeanie Chang, board president of the Asian Mental Health Collective joins us.

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Economy expands in Q4, but fear of recession looms; 'The Persian Version' at Sundance

January 26, 2023

U.S. GDP rose 2.9% in the final quarter of 2022. It beat expectations, but fears of a recession still loom large among economists. MSNBC's Ali Velshi breaks down the latest numbers. And, we check back with Isom, Kentucky, grocery store owner Gwen Christon, six months after flood waters ruined her store, the only grocery store within miles in her small, rural town. Then, the Sundance Film Festival is underway in Park City, Utah. Director Maryam Keshavarz talks about "The Persian Version," a sweeping family dramedy about three generations of Iranian women.

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'My Selma' details growing up Black in 1960's South; Can Congress fix Ticketmaster?

January 25, 2023

Two mass shootings occurred in California during Lunar New Year celebrations, leaving Asian communities in the surrounding areas reeling. They came at a time of increased anti-Asian violence. Anh Do of the Los Angeles Times and Cecilia Lei of the San Francisco Chronicle join us. And, Willie Mae Brown was 12 years old when Martin Luther King Jr. first visited the church in her town. Her new book is "My Selma: True Stories of a Southern Childhood at the Height of the Civil Rights Movement," and Brown joins us. Then, it'll be a cruel summer for Taylor Swift fans who couldn't score tickets to the pop star's tour. After the chaos and Ticketmaster site shutdown, Swifties know there's a problem with Ticketmaster all too well, but now Congress is weighing in. The New Republic's Pablo Manríquez joins us to recap Tuesday's hearing.

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Earth's inner core appears to be slowing; Asian American elders process shootings

January 24, 2023

The nation is now processing a second mass shooting involving Asian Americans in California in the midst of the Lunar New Year. Connie Chung Joe, CEO of Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, talks about the community impact. Then, Elizabeth Day, a senior teaching fellow in geophysics at Imperial College London, talks about new research that shows the Earth's core is spinning at a rate slightly slower than the rest of the planet. And, the Oscar nominations were announced Tuesday morning. "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once" led the way with 11 nominations, including Best Picture. KPCC's John Horn runs down some of the top nominees.

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Lunar New Year shooting in Monterey Park; Scientist loses job for climate protest

January 23, 2023

Lunar New Year is supposed to be a time of joy for Asian cultures. But it's off to a somber start for Monterey Park residents after a shooting over the weekend killed at least 10 people and left at least another 10 injured. Josie Huang reports on Asian American communities in Southern California for KPCC and joins us. And, protests abound in Atlanta, Georgia over constructing a police training facility. A protestor and member of the Forest Defenders, a group of activists living in the South River Forest to protest the facility, was shot and killed recently. WABE's Chamian Cruz joins us. Then, an Earth scientist reportedly lost her job after participating in climate activism protests. Rose Abramoff joins us to talk about being let go from her position at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

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How to see the green comet; Celebrate the Lunar New Year with these delicacies

January 20, 2023

The Federal Reserve will meet later this month to discuss whether to raise interest rates and by how much, amid high inflation. Susan M. Collins, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, joins us to discuss. And, a bright green comet is streaking across the sky right now. Kelly Beatty, senior editor of Sky & Telescope, tells us how to see it. Then, a key part of Lunar New Year festivities is the food, and many have special symbolic meanings or are special dishes reserved for special occasions. Megan Zhang, senior food culture editor for Saveur Magazine, joins us to taste some of the food and explain the story of each treat.

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One man's fight against deportation; T-Rex may be smarter than we thought

January 19, 2023

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says the U.S. will reach its borrowing limit Thursday. But there are some lessons to be learned from 2011 when the U.S. was hurtling towards a default but narrowly averted it. NPR political correspondent Susan Davis joins us. Then, a Massachusetts man is fighting to stay with his family. Fredly Charles is battling against deportation to Haiti. He's one of two people who can take care care of his daughter who has intensive medical needs. Fredly and his wife Tasha Charles join us. And, the T-Rex has always been seen as enormous and terrifying, but not necessarily smart. A new body of research shows that most of us, and "Jurassic Park" may have gotten some things about the dinosaur's intelligence wrong. Suzana Herculano-Houzel, an associate professor of psychology at Vanderbilt University, joins us.

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Gen-Z often isn't seeking out skilled trade careers; Finding paradise with Pico Iyer

January 18, 2023

After Kevin McCarthy stepped into the House Speaker role after a contentious voting process, the new Congress still has many challenges ahead of it. The Associated Press's Lisa Mascaro joins us. Then, if something's broken in your neighborhood, who are you going to call? Probably not Gen-Z. Data shows that the application rate for the younger generation seeking technical jobs dropped by 49% between 2020 and 2022. Paul Iversen, a labor educator with the University of Iowa's Labor Center, joins us. And, travel writer Pico Iyer released a new book called "The Half Known Life: In Search of Paradise." He joins us to look back on nearly five decades of travel and finding paradise in unlikely places.

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Losing GOP candidate arrested in relation to shootings; Supporting child caregivers

January 17, 2023

Republican Solomon Peña, a failed New Mexico state House candidate, was arrested Monday, in connection to a string of shootings at the homes of state and local Democratic leaders. KUNM reporter Bryce Dix shares the latest. And, as lawmakers in New Mexico begin their legislative session, we take a look at how they will prioritize the needs of young children this year. Elizabeth Groginsky, cabinet secretary for early childhood education and care, joins us. Then, Beverly White has been a local television news reporter in Los Angeles for just over three decades. Now that she's retiring, she looks back on her career.

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Sculpture represents MLK's love and legacy; Artist with ADHD creates 'Anti-Planner'

January 16, 2023

"The Embrace," a sculpture on the Boston Common that represents the love between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, was unveiled last week. The sculpture depicts the arms of both wrapped around each other. Artist Hank Willis Thomas designed "The Embrace" and joins us to talk about it and King Jr.'s legacy. Then, last year, numerous popular retailers including Walgreens warned about an increase in organized retail theft. Reporters and local police found little evidence of this, though. Rachel Swan, who has been covering this for the San Francisco Chronicle, joins us. And, the average planner just doesn't work for many people diagnosed with ADHD. That's the case for artist Dani Donovan, who created the "Anti-Planner" to keep herself motivated in a way that works for her. She's heard from others who are prone to procrastination that her model works for them, too. Donovan joins us.

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