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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Planning for post-Election Day lawsuits and disinformation

October 31, 2024

Getting the final election results might take several days. The New York Times' Nick Corasaniti joins us to discuss what could happen during those days of uncertainty. And, TikTok sensation Geo Rutherford makes videos about lakes around the world with eerie histories. She talks to us about her new book, "Spooky Lakes: 25 Strange and Mysterious Lakes that Dot Our Planet." Then, the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched a win in Game 5 to seal a World Series win. Earlier in the season, one lucky fan got to catch several balls between innings. LAist's Josie Huang reports.

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Could the 2024 election normalize political violence?

October 30, 2024

On Tuesday, Kamala Harris spoke at a huge rally at the Ellipse in Washington D.C, where the Jan. 6 riot began. University of Chicago political violence expert Robert Pape joins us to talk about what could be ahead for the country. Then, critics of the National Archives and Records Administration say the agency is trying to water down the thorniest parts of American history, according to new reporting from the Wall Street Journal. Reporter Rebecca Ballhaus tells us more. And, a new $11 billion wind farm and transmission line will produce clean energy for cities in the Southwest. As part of our ongoing climate series Reverse Course, Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd traveled to remote parts of New Mexico and Arizona to report on the challenge of adding new transmission lines to the U.S. grid.

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How Trump's MSG rally is playing in Pennsylvania

October 29, 2024

Pennsylvania could decide the presidential race. Spotlight PA's Katie Meyer joins us to break down how the campaign is shaping up in the key battleground state. And, new research shows that more Americans than previously thought consider themselves living "paycheck to paycheck." Roben Farzad, host of the "Full Disclosure" podcast, joins us to explain what this means. Then, the Gulf of Mexico has long been an oil hub. But Here & Now's Chris Bentley reports on efforts to integrate energy from offshore wind turbines.

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Immigration questions, answered

October 28, 2024

Throughout the presidential campaign, border policy and migration have remained major talking points. We put your thoughts and questions to Immigration reporter Jack Herrera. Then, the Muslim American advocacy group Emgage Action has endorsed Kamala Harris for president. CEO Wa'el Alzayat talks about the challenges Harris faces in getting firm support from Muslim and Arab American communities. And, funds from the Biden administration's signature climate law are helping to promote job training programs and efforts to diversify West Virginia's coal-dependent economy. Here & Now's Chris Bentley reports.

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Biden apologizes for federal Indian boarding schools

October 25, 2024

President Biden formally apologized on Friday to tribal communities for the federal Indian boarding schools that operated for 150 years and separated Native American children from their families. Native News Online founder Levi Rickert reacts. Then, are you having a hard time remembering things? Experts say they're seeing more people in their 20s, 30s and 40s experience memory issues. Boston College psychology professor Elizabeth Kensinger joins us. And, novelist Jeff VanderMeer's "Absolution" is a surprise sequel to his celebrated "Southern Reach" trilogy. Here & Now's Chris Bentley talks to VanderMeer.

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Why James Carville is sure Harris will win

October 24, 2024

We get the view on the 2024 election from two veteran strategists. First, pollster and communications specialist Frank Luntz talks with us about why he thinks Vice President Kamala Harris has lost momentum. Then, famed Democratic political consultant James Carville tells us why he is certain Harris will win the presidential race. And, on election day, voters in 41 states will vote on more than 140 ballot measures. Ballotpedia's Ryan Byrne joins us to talk about the trends.

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Former chief of staff warns of a second Trump term

October 23, 2024

Less than two weeks before the election, Donald Trump's former White House Chief of Staff tells the New York Times that he believes the former president meets the definition of a fascist. The Washington Post's Philip Bump tells us more. Then, Matthew Broderick stars in a new adaptation of "Babbitt," the acclaimed Sinclair Lewis novel. Broderick talks about how the play brings the 1922 book into the present. And, more than 24 million Americans listen to noncommercial music stations each week. For Public Radio Music Day, we highlight two of those stations.

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Threats of political violence are rampant. What could happen after the election?

October 22, 2024

The upcoming election has brought threats of political violence against judges and election workers. Rachel Kleinfeld, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, joins us. And, new research suggests the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles may be linked to dementia. STAT's Megan Molteni explains. Then, Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro has a new album out called "Blues Experience." He teamed up with a founding member of Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood, on it and joins us to talk about his music.

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How election deniers could disrupt the 2024 election

October 21, 2024

A watchdog group is warning about possible efforts by election deniers to disrupt the certification of votes this year. Noah Bookbinder, president of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, joins us. Then, what's next for the hostages still being held in Gaza? Former Israeli hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin talks about how to move toward a hostage release and the end of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. And, sea glass collecting has grown in popularity in the last 10 years. Host Robin Young goes glassing on Boston's Revere Beach

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After Yahya Sinwar's killing, hostages' family members have new fears

October 18, 2024

What does the death of Oct. 7 architect Yahya Sinwar mean for the hostages still in Gaza? Sharone Lifschitz, whose father is being held hostage, joins us to talk about why she and other hostage families are pushing Israel to negotiate a deal. And, Fox News launched a Spanish-language news program called "Fox Noticias." Author Paola Ramos talks with us about how former President Donald Trump is making inroads in the Latino community. Then, Here & Now's resident games expert James Perkins Mastromarino breaks down some spooky, newly released games perfect for the Halloween season.

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Hamas leader killed in Gaza

October 18, 2024

Israel says a military operation in Gaza killed, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the architect of the Oct. 7 attack. We get the latest from Daniel Levy of the U.S. / Middle East Project. Then, what should voters know about mail-in ballots? Elections expert Wendy Underhill joins us, along with Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, who shares his concerns about the timely delivery of ballots by the U.S. Postal Service. And, the film "Hundreds of Beavers" was made on a low budget during two Wisconsin winters. Since then, the film has developed a cult following. We speak with co-writer Ryland Brickson Cole Tews.

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How Michigan's Arab American community could decide the 2024 election

October 16, 2024

The swing state of Michigan has a big Arab American population. Many Democrats in that community want to abandon their party over its support of Israel's war in Gaza. Host Deepa Fernandes traveled to Michigan to report on how voters are feeling. And, Vice President Kamala Harris did a town hall Monday night with popular radio host Charlamagne tha God, while Former President Donald Trump did an interview with Bloomberg News. NPR's Ron Elving joins us to talk about what those interviews revealed. Then, in his new book "Framed," John Grisham and his co-author Jim McCloskey write about people who were convicted of crimes because of poor policing and incompetent "expert witnesses." Grisham joins us.

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Everybody thinks polling is broken. Here's what you should know.

October 15, 2024

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic Rep. Colin Allred will face off in a debate Tuesday night. KUT's Blaise Gainey tells us about the close Senate race. Then, how much do polls matter to the election? NPR's Domenico Montanaro discusses what people should look for in polling. And, aid trucks have made it into North Gaza after a customs dispute led to Israel blocking entry for relief agencies. UNWRA's Juliette Touma joins us. Plus, French singer Yseult stole the show at this year's Olympics closing ceremony when she sang "My Way" by Frank Sinatra. Now, she's out with a brand new album called "Mental." She joins us to talk about it.

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How Pennsylvania is ramping up security ahead of Election Day

October 14, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Elections departments across Pennsylvania are heightening security efforts and trying to tackle misinformation as the political climate heats up. Votebeat Pennsylvania's Carter Walker joins us. And, Asheville, North Carolina, was home to a thriving arts district before Hurricane Helene swept through. Fleta Monaghan, the founder of an art studio and school, tells us how the community is working to recover. Then, Monty Python founding member Eric Idle's new book, "The Spamalot Diaries," tells the story of how the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" became the Tony-winning Broadway musical "Spamalot." Idle joins us to talk about the book.

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Trump vows to 'save vaping'

October 11, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. We discuss the latest in politics with Jonathan Martin of Politico and Julia Terruso of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Then, former President Donald Trump is vowing to "save vaping." His promise comes after he reportedly met with a leading e-cigarette representative. Tevi Troy, author and former lobbyist for JUUL, joins us. And, Yom Kippur begins Friday night. Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of the Park Avenue Synagogue talks about the holiday, last year's Oct. 7 attacks, and what it means to be Jewish today.

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How politics divide an Arab American family in Michigan

October 10, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Florida is cleaning up after Hurricane Milton blew through the state, leaving millions without power. NPR's Greg Allen and Florida resident Tricia Rand join us to explain the impact of the storm. And, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule requiring all lead pipes to be replaced in a decade. Federal officials say it will improve public health. EPA Administrator Michael Regan joins us. Then, longtime Palestinian rights activists, Huwaida Arraf and Adam Shapiro, live in Michigan. Many Arab Americans there are divided on whether to vote for Democrat Kamala Harris or for a third-party candidate in the 2024 election. Here & Now's Deepa Fernandes reports from Michigan.

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The billionaires who control Texas GOP politics

October 9, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Florida's west coast Wednesday night or early Thursday. Rep. Jared Moskowitz talks about his bipartisan call for Congress to pass another $15 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster response. Then, an investigation by The New York Times and ProPublica finds that two billionaire preachers hold the keys to the Republican Party in Texas. Reporter Ava Kofman talks about two men, their influence and interests. And, Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras discuss this year's performances at El Tiny.

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How Tampa is preparing for Hurricane Milton

October 8, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Tampa General Hospital director of public safety Tony Venezia joins us to talk about how the hospital is preparing for Hurricane Milton. The hospital installed a temporary flood wall ahead of Hurricane Helene, but Milton is expected to be much stronger. And, the new book "Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment" profiles the video game developer's meteoric rise and the controversies that followed. Author Jason Schreier joins us. Then, Virginia-based singer and rapper Anees joins us to discuss his hit song "Sun and Moon," his family history, and his outspoken support for Palestinians.

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1 year of Israel-Hamas war: Palestinian family and Nir Oz resident tell their stories

October 7, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. The Supreme Court is beginning a new term, with cases about guns and transgender care on the docket. Slate's Dahlia Lithwick joins us. Then, Irit Lahav survived the Hamas attack on her kibbutz last year. Lahav describes how Nir Oz residents are doing and whether they want to return to their homes on the border with Gaza. And, Dr. Alaa Ali is a Palestinian American doctor in Dearborn, Michigan, who has a large family network in Gaza. Over the past year, he's lost more than 100 people in his immediate and extended family there. Ali tells the story of his relatives.

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For star Saoirse Ronan, filming 'The Outrun' filled her with gratitude

October 4, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Dockworkers have temporarily suspended their strike at ports along the East and Gulf coasts after reaching an agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance. Director of the National Economic Council Lael Brainard joins us. Then, one family tells their story of surviving the catastrophic flooding in the mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. Plus, Hurricane Helene unleashed devastating floods in East Tennessee. At least 11 people died. WUOT's Pierce Gentry reports. And, Saoirse Ronan about her new film "The Outrun." Ronan stars as a young woman struggling with alcoholism in the Orkney islands of Scotland.

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If you were going blind, what would you want to see?

October 3, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. The number of election deniers and conspiracy theorists is growing in official capacities related to the election. Marc Elias — one of the attorneys who helped overturn nearly every legal challenge related to the 2020 election — joins us to share his concerns. And, Najat Aoun Saliba, a member of Lebanon's parliament, joins us from Beirut for an update on the Israeli airstrikes Thursday. Then, after learning their children had a rare genetic disease that would eventually take their eyesight, a family from Montreal set off on a world journey. Parents Edith Lemay and Sébastien Pelletier say they want their children to see as much as they can while they have the time.

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A look inside Kyoto's new Nintendo Museum

October 2, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Israel is vowing to retaliate after Iran fired ballistic missiles into Israel on Tuesday. So how does Iran view the escalating conflict with Israel? Author Trita Parsi weighs in. Then, four previously unknown recordings of the late Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan have been rediscovered and released on a new album called "Chain of Light." Composer Michael Brook and scholar Hussein Rashid join us. And, the Nintendo Museum opens in Kyoto, Japan, on Wednesday. NPR's Anthony Kuhn reports.

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Jimmy Carter celebrates his 100th birthday

October 1, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Israel has launched its first ground invasion into Lebanon since 2006. NPR international correspondent Ruth Sherlock joins us. And, misinformation about the election is spreading online. Renee DiResta joins us to discuss the Stanford institution she helped lead that aimed to fight election disinformation until it also became the target of disinformation. Then, Oct. 1 is Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday. Longtime radio host Diane Rehm interviewed him more than 10 times and joins us to reflect on his legacy

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Political films to watch as election season heats up

September 30, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. An Israeli strike Friday killed Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah, sending shockwaves through the region. Lawrence Freedman, emeritus professor of war studies at King's College in London, talks about Nasrallah's background and impact. Then, one under-the-radar item on Tim Walz's resume that may come up in Tuesday's vice presidential debate is his many trips to China. The Financial Times' Demetri Sevastopulo tells us about Walz's relationship with China. And, film critic and "Ty Burr's Watchlist" creator Ty Burr shares a list of films you might want to check out this election season if the real-life political drama isn't enough.

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Film footage of JFK assassination is now up for auction

September 27, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. New York Mayor Eric Adams has pleaded not guilty to federal bribery and conspiracy charges. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is second in line to be mayor if Adams should resign or be removed. Lander joins us to talk about why he's calling on Adams to step down. And, the footage from a man who filmed former President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963 is now up for auction after it was discovered decades later. Stephen Fagin, curator for the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, joins us. Then, Saturday Night Live celebrates its 50th anniversary this week. Ithaca College Professor Stephen Tropiano joins us to unpack the cultural impact of NBC's sketch comedy show.

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Breaking the Bond: What bail reform looks like across the U.S.

September 26, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. The vast majority of people who are arrested in this country cannot afford to pay bail — which is why states across the U.S. have tried to change the system. Marc Levin, chief policy counsel for the Council on Criminal Justice, tells us about those efforts. Then, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on federal charges of bribery and fraud, allegations he denies. WNYC's Bahar Ostadan tells us more. And, about 7 million American adults are suffering from some form of problem gambling, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. Heather Hugelmeyer, senior director of behavioral health at Northwell Health in New York, talks about how to recognize and cope with gambling addiction.

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Breaking the Bond: Why bail reform hasn't made Houston's jail safer

September 25, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. According to legal experts, the end of cash bail for nonviolent misdemeanor offenses made the justice system in the Houston area more fair. But it hasn't made the city's jail complex any safer. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd and Houston Public Media's Lucio Vasquez report on the alarming trend of inmates dying while incarcerated. And, several election officials received packages containing white powder last week. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold was one of those officials. Though the powder was found to be harmless, Griswold joins us to discuss heightened safety concerns leading up to the election. Then, Scottish radio broadcaster Fiona Ritchie retires this month from the NPR program "The Thistle & Shamrock" that she's hosted since 1981. She joins us to talk about her career and her favorite music.

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Breaking the Bond: Political backlash follows effort to reform cash bail in Texas

September 24, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Local governments around the country are reconsidering the use of cash bail. But those changes often lead to political backlash. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd continues his series from Harris County, which ended cash bail in 2019 for most misdemeanors. Then, we talk with Abbas Alawieh, a leader of the Uncommitted movement in Michigan. He has relatives in Lebanon who are trying to find safety from Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah. And, author Ann Patchett talks about her new children's book — called "The Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts."

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Breaking the Bond: How bail reform changed Houston's criminal justice system

September 23, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. It's been nearly 5 years since cash bail was removed for most people charged with misdemeanors in Harris County, Texas, home to Houston. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd heads to Harris County for a special series on how bail reform has changed the criminal justice system there. And, North Carolina is a critical swing state in this year's presidential election. Democrat Kimberly Harding and Republican Dallas Woodhouse explain how they're organizing voters in the state. Then, in his new book, "Category Five: Superstorms and the Warming Oceans that Feed Them," author Porter Fox explores the vital role that oceans play in weather and climate change.

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WNBA playoff preview: What to expect from star teams and players

September 20, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Journalists Jesse Holland and Ron Elving discuss the week in politics, including the fallout from conspiracy theories Trump has spread about immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. Then, Microsoft may soon power its artificial intelligence with an unexpected source: Three Mile Island. The nuclear plant is infamous for the worst reactor accident in U.S. history back in 1979. The Washington Post's Evan Halper tells us more. And, the much anticipated WNBA playoffs get underway this weekend. SB Nation's Noa Dalzell shares a preview of the tournament.

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Halle Berry talks generational trauma and skinning squirrels in 'Never Let Go'

September 19, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Walkie-talkie and pager explosions have killed more than 30 people and wounded thousands in Lebanon. We get the latest on the attacks on Hezbollah members from NPR's Jane Arraf in Beirut. Plus, security analyst Jim Walsh talks about the implications of the attacks. Then, what are Trump and Harris saying about building more homes and making rent affordable? Dennis Shea of the Bipartisan Policy Center joins us. And, Halle Berry talks about surviving off the grid, filming in the woods with bears and bugs, skinning squirrels, and the impact of generational trauma. It's all part of her new film "Never Let Go," out this weekend.

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Why cynics earn less and die earlier — and how hope can help

September 18, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. In Kamala Harris' second high-profile national interview since becoming the Democratic nominee for president, she took questions from members of the National Association of Black Journalists. Politico's Eugene Daniels was one of the interviewers. He joins us. Then, in his new book "Hope For Cynics," Jamil Zaki tackles cynicism and how its rise might be eroding society. Zaki joins us. And, 25 years ago, Neo took the "red pill" and learned the true nature of his reality. New York Times film critic Alissa Wilkinson explains why "The Matrix" is more relevant than ever.

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Suicide after climate disasters is common. How can we prevent it?

September 17, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Schools are reopening in Springfield, Ohio, after bomb threats rocked the community. The city has become a center of anti-immigrant backlash after former President Donald Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance amplified racist falsehoods about Haitian immigrants. WYSO's Kathryn Mobley and Springfield NAACP chapter president Denise Williams give us a picture of Springfield. And, after losing everything in a climate-driven flash flood in 2022, screenwriter and actor Tony Calhoun took his own life. NPR's Rebecca Hersher joins us to remember Calhoun and explore how to prevent other deaths like his. Then, former President Jimmy Carter will turn 100 on Oct. 1. The Carter Center is organizing a concert to celebrate. Jimmy Carter's grandson Jason Carter talks about his grandfather's love for music and who will perform at the concert.

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California coastal erosion is sending homes into the ocean

September 16, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Police arrested Ryan Wesley Routh Sunday after what the FBI says was an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The New York Times' Thomas Gibbons-Neff talks about interviewing with Routh last year. Then, after a student collapsed and died during physical education, an inspection found 170 defibrillators in Houston Public Schools that aren't working. Houston Public Media's Adam Zuvanich tells us more. And, images from the Californian coastal city of Rancho Palos Verdes show homes precariously close to collapsing into the Pacific Ocean. Los Angeles Times reporter Rosanna Xia joins us.

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Why is Friday the 13th considered so unlucky?

September 13, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Author and sociologist Arlie Hochschild shares stories of people facing poverty, the loss of jobs and the rise of the opioid epidemic in Appalachian Kentucky. And she explores what led to their allegiance to former President Donald Trump. And, "Inside Out 2" is out on digital, DVD and Blu-ray, and drops on Disney + on Sept. 25. Kensington Tallman plays Riley in both "Inside Out" and "Inside Out 2" and joins us to talk about the movie. Then, why do people have so many superstitions around Friday the 13th? Phil Stevens, the author of "Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft: Inherently Human," joins us to answer that question.

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The fight for Michigan's open Senate seat

September 12, 2024

Israel's attack on a school shelter in Gaza Wednesday killed 18 people, including six United Nations aid workers. We get the latest from the West Bank and Gaza from the Guardian's Julian Borger. Then, in our look at how eastern Kentucky went from blue to MAGA red, host Scott Tong traveled around the region with Republican activist Roger Ford. And, Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin and Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers are facing off to fill an open Senate seat, being vacated by Democrat Debbie Stabenow. Zoe Clark of Michigan Public joins us.

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How the toxic air from 9/11 is still making former NYC students sick

September 11, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Voters say that the economy is one of the most important issues ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The Washington Post's Jeff Stein joins us to break down what former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris said about the economy in Tuesday's debate. And, Millennials are America's largest and most diverse generation. How are they thinking about the upcoming election? Author Stella Rouse joins us to talk about what's driving Millennial voters. Then, in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attack, students, teachers and other school staffers were sent back to buildings just blocks from the smoldering rubble of the Twin Towers before the area was considered safe. In the years since, exposure to the toxic air has sickened and killed thousands of people. Environmental epidemiologist Maayan Yitshak-Sade and former Stuyvesant High School student Lila Nordstrom join us.

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How the 'collective shame' of addiction shapes politics in Appalachia

September 10, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Long COVID and chronic Lyme disease share similar symptoms and are often misunderstood. STAT's Isabella Cueto discusses how scientists are studying both conditions in the hopes of discovering new treatments. Then, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has a big decision to make: whether or not to sign the country's only major regulations on artificial intelligence. Axios' Ina Fried talks about the bill. And, Appalachian Kentucky has long been at the center of America's addiction crisis. Pike County resident James Browning tells his story of addiction and recovery.

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When coal mining dwindled in Kentucky, regional politics shifted

September 9, 2024

The Justice Department is investigating an alleged Russian disinformation campaign targeting the 2024 election. Bloomberg Business's Jeff Stone talks with us about that and other attempts at election interference. And, Republicans enjoy overwhelming support in rural, white America. But it wasn't always that way. Eastern Kentucky was once a solid Democratic stronghold. Host Scott Tong reports from Appalachian Kentucky about how that happened and what role coal mining played. Then, Jesse Dufton is an avid climber. He's also blind and relies on a headset and his wife Molly's guidance to climb. Jesse and Molly Dufton join us to talk about Jesse's career and his hopes for the 2028 Paralympics.

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In 'Soft Power,' playwright David Henry Hwang tackles anti-Asian racism

September 6, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. The U.S. ambassador to Israel has confirmed the death of an American citizen in the West Bank. CNN's Nic Robertson shares the latest. Then, a new study suggests pediatricians can play a role in gun safety. Rinad Beidas, the study's lead author, joins us. And, "Soft Power" is a gonzo musical about anti-Asian racism, U.S.-China relations, and the chaos of American democracy. We sit down with co-creator David Henry Hwang about how he wrote himself and his political anxieties into the show.

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NFL cheerleaders are still fighting for better pay

September 5, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Inflation is a big issue for many voters this year. And in some areas, inflation issues translate to food crises and lead to people visiting food pantries more often. Leslie Albrecht Huber from Way Forward Resources joins us. And, elections law expert Rick Hasen says the country is "in far better shape" to avoid the kind of election interference we saw in 2020. Then, the NFL season kicks off Thursday night as the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Baltimore Ravens. We preview the season with football journalist Dan Hanzus. Chabeli Carrazana, an economy and childcare reporter with The 19th, also joins us to talk about her investigation into pay transparency for NFL cheerleaders.

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The pecan pie that helped pass the Civil Rights Act

September 4, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have vastly different views on climate change. Time Magazine's Justin Worland tells us more. Then, the Wall Street Journal reports that the CEO of U.S. Steel is pushing back against mounting opposition to the sale of U.S. Steel to the Japanese company Nippon Steel. Reporter Bob Tita joins us. And, chef Anne Byrn's "Baking in the American South" mixes traditional Southern treats with history. Byrn talks about the new cookbook

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Why Pittsburgh museum workers are unionizing

September 3, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. As college comes back into session, students face new rules about protesting after the pro-Palestinian encampments across campuses in the spring. Phi Beta Kappa Society CEO and former Brandeis University President Frederick Lawrence joins us. Plus, former Israeli hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin gives us an update on the massive protests in Israel. And, Pittsburgh has been at the center of an effort to unionize museum workers. President of the local United Museum Workers Jenise Brown joins us. Then, the U.S. Paralympics mixed-four crew won the silver medal in Paris over the weekend. MIT graduate student Emelie Eldracher, is on the team but not a para-athlete. Eldracher joins us to talk about how it feels to win silver.

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Why therapists are leaving insurance networks

September 2, 2024

Federal regulators are suing to block the merger of supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons. The AP's Dee-Ann Durbin tells us more. Then, it can be hard to find a therapist who accepts health insurance. A new investigation finds that's in part because insurers are making it hard for some mental health providers to stay on their plans. ProPublica's Annie Waldman joins us. And, we look back on summer movie season and ahead to the fall with longtime entertainment reporter John Horn.

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Worries and anxieties go up in flames at Zozobra ritual

August 30, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Vice President Kamala Harris gave her first interview since accepting the Democratic nomination. WABE's Rahul Bali and the Detroit Free Press' Emily Lawler join us to discuss how it's playing in swing states. And, Friday night marks the 100th anniversary of the burning of Zozobra, where a structure of Old Man Gloom, stuffed with peoples' worries, anxieties and gloomy thoughts, is set ablaze. Ray Sandoval, chair of the Zozobra committee, joins us. Then, Here & Now's James Mastromarino discusses some major video game releases from August, including "Black Myth: Wukong," a smash hit from Chinese developers better known for mobile games, and the comedy slapformer "Thank Goodness You're Here!"

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How emotions play a role in elections

August 29, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey here or at wbur.org/survey. We explore issues of policing and policies Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump would pursue with the Washington Post's Robert Klemko. Then, we explore the role of emotions in political success with Indiana University political science professor Steven Webster. And, singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo has a new single "Sunlight To My Soul" with the Soweto Gospel choir. She's currently on a world tour. We caught up with her at this year's San Jose Jazz Summer Fest.

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'Fly' documentary shows beauty and peril of BASE jumping

August 28, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. Swing states will determine the 2024 presidential election. Vice President Kamala Harris is taking a tour of Georgia as former President Donald Trump continues campaigning in Michigan. NPR's Domenico Montanaro joins us. And, Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, is facing intense legal scrutiny in Paris. French officials say the platform enables the spread of illegal drugs, child pornography and other criminal activity. The Wall Street Journal's Matthew Dalton answers some questions the case brings up. Then, the extreme sport of BASE jumping is the focus of the new National Geographic documentary "Fly." Two BASE jumpers featured in the film — Scotty Bob Morgan and Julia Botelho Morgan — join us.

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What one supporter of the Vote Uncommitted movement wanted to tell the DNC

August 27, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. In a letter to Rep. Jim Jordan, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he regrets bowing to what he calls White House pressure in 2021 to take down some Facebook posts related to COVID-19. Bloomberg's Kurt Wagner tells us more. Then, at last week's Democratic National Convention, Palestinian American Ruwa Romman supported the Vote Uncommitted movement, backing an immediate ceasefire and an arms embargo to Israel. Romman talks about what she wanted to tell the DNC crowds about the movement's goals as the election approaches. And, "Yo Gabba Gabba" has been reimagined for a new generation of families. The beloved characters are back in a new series airing on Apple TV + called "Yo Gabba Gabbaland!" Co-creators Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz join us alongside the show's new 13-year-old host, Kamryn Smith.

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AI photo editing: What you see isn't what you get

August 26, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. The New Yorker's Dexter Filkins talks about Israel's preemptive missile strike on the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and what might follow. And, Google's new Pixel 9 comes with new artificial intelligence capabilities. Axios' Ina Fried joins us to talk about the ethical implications of AI photo editing. Then, political institutions aren't known for taking risks. But in his new book, election forecaster Nate Silver examines why the 2024 race is different.

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How DJ Cassidy turned the DNC roll call into a party

August 23, 2024

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. Take the survey at wbur.org/survey. The Democratic National Convention is over, and now delegates head back to their home states to build support for Kamala Harris. Here & Now's Chris Bentley has been speaking with delegates in swing states about how they plan to do that. Then, performers who do stunts and behind-the-scenes body movements for video games say they want their work included in AI protections. NPR's Mandalit del Barco reports. And, at the DNC, roll call was set to music for the first time, with a different song played for each state. DJ Cassidy talks about turning a normally unexciting convention roll call into a party.

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