Here & Now Anytime
The news you need to know today — and the stories that will stick with you tomorrow. Plus, special series and behind-the-scenes extras from Here & Now hosts Robin Young, Scott Tong and Deepa Fernandes with help from Producer Chris Bentley and the team at NPR and WBUR.
Tue, April 29, 2025
Is the Trump administration deporting U.S. citizen children?
Several American citizen children have been sent out of the U.S. in recent days, alongside a parent who was deported, including a four-year-old with late-stage cancer. Doris Meissner of the Migration Policy Institute shares more about what's happening. And, Trump border czar Tom Homan visited Rochester, New York Tuesday, after President Trump signed an executive order targeting federal funding for "sanctuary cities". Reporter Gino Fanelli explains more. Then, it has been 80 years since the liberation of Hitler's concentration camps. Elly Gotz, a 97-year-old survivor of Germany's Dachau, and Dan Stone of the Holocaust Research Institute join us. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Mon, April 28, 2025
Marco Rubio's State Department cuts take aim at human rights programs
Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a plan to reorganize the State Department that would eliminate human-rights-focused bureaus and reduce U.S. staff. Jessica Stern, former U.S. special envoy for the human rights of LGBTQ+ persons, joins us. Then, concern is growing that extremism and white supremacism in the military may now be going unchecked. The Trump administration did away with a program to track and combat the issue. Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, tells us more. And, author Chris Whipple talks about the role that President Trump's chief of staff Susie Wiles has played in Trump's action-packed second-term honeymoon period. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Fri, April 25, 2025
Reverse Course: Creating clean water, from extreme recycling to solar desalination
Chicago is set to break ground on a pipeline that will bring water from the Great Lakes to some suburbs whose groundwater is running dry. Joliet, Illinois, is one of those suburbs. Here & Now 's Chris Bentley reports on the question of who is allowed to use Lake Michigan's water. And, as cities across the West brace for a drier future, they're investing in advanced water purification technology. Here & Now 's Peter O'Dowd reports on scientists who are turning wastewater into drinking water. Then, desalination — pulling fresh, drinkable water from saltwater— can offer some relief in areas facing water shortages. Robert Bergstrom, CEO of OceanWell, explains how the company's desalination pods work. And mechanical engineer Amos Winter details how his team uses an electrodialysis system to purify groundwater. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Thu, April 24, 2025
What Russia's deadly attack on Kyiv means for peace talks
President Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for Russia's latest attack on Ukraine. NPR Ukraine correspondent Joanna Kakissis shares the latest from Kyiv. And, Trump announced that he would have a private dinner with the top 220 holders of his meme coin. The Wall Street Journal's Josh Dawsey explains more. Then, musician Anoushka Shankar talks about her new mini album "Chapter III: We Return to Light," her legacy, and her connection to her late father, sitar legend Ravi Shankar. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Wed, April 23, 2025
Sen. Bernie Sanders on 'fighting oligarchy' and rebuilding the Democratic Party
Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders talks about his Fighting Oligarchy Tour and explains where the political battle lines are right now on hot-button cultural issues, health care and more. And, the Food and Drug Administration is responsible for ensuring a safe food supply. But cuts to the FDA have called into question the agency's ability to maintain that standard. NBC News' Suzy Khimm shares what the impact could be. Then, climate change is impacting water supplies around the world. But desalination — pulling fresh, drinkable water from saltwater— can offer some relief. OceanWell CEO Robert Bergstrom and MIT mechanical engineer Amos Winter join us to share more on their work with desalination. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Tue, April 22, 2025
International Monetary Fund downgrades economic growth, blaming Trump's tariffs
The International Monetary Fund warns global economic growth is projected to slow due to uncertainty over Trump's trade war. The news comes as the Dow heads for its worst April since the Great Depression. Roben Farzad, host of the podcast "Full Disclosure," breaks down what's happening economically. And, Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia details his trip to El Salvador to demand the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongfully deported there in March. Then, Joliet, Illinois, is in a long-standing water crisis. A pipeline from nearby Lake Michigan could solve it, but it also opens up a host of other questions about who can drink water from the Great Lakes. Here & Now's Chris Bentley reports. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Mon, April 21, 2025
'Determined to the very end': Francis' legacy as a progressive, Jesuit pope
We reflect on Pope Francis and his legacy with John Allen, longtime Vatican reporter and Crux editor. And, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting a group of Venezuelan migrants over the weekend. Georgetown University law professor Stephen Vladeck explains more about the ruling. Then, as Colorado River water levels dwindle, some cities are looking for alternative ways to curb water shortages. Some are turning wastewater into drinkable water with advanced water purification technology. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd reports. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Fri, April 18, 2025
How to navigate economic turmoil, from tariffs to expensive groceries
President Trump has floated the idea of firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who warned this week of "higher inflation and slower growth." MSNBC's Ali Velshi parses Powell's concerns about the economy and Trump's reaction. Then, board games are booming in part because manufacturing them in China has made them affordable. But the administration's tariffs are strangling game designers. Gwen Ruelle and Sam Bryant, co-owners of Runaway Parade Games, join us. Then, struggling to pay for groceries? Financial coach Allison Bishop joins us to discuss her tips on how to navigate rising grocery prices. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Thu, April 17, 2025
Federal judge threatens Trump administration with contempt charges
Judge James Boasberg says he has probable cause to find the Trump administration in criminal contempt of court for violating orders to pause deportation flights to El Salvador. Former federal prosecutor and law professor Barbara McQuade explains what happens next. And, Pope Francis has moved architect Antoni Gaudí one step closer to sainthood. Pope Francis biographer Austen Ivereigh explains why. Then, what should you do if you're feeling burned out at work? Psychology professor Angela Neal-Barnett offers some tips for overcoming burnout. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Wed, April 16, 2025
Kilmar Abrego Garcia: What's next in the deportation case?
A federal judge is ordering the Trump administration to show what it is doing to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. after immigration officials mistakenly sent him to a notorious prison in El Salvador. We get the latest on his case from longtime federal prosecutor Mary McCord. Then, we get the latest on the antitrust case that put Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on the stand. NPR's Bobby Allyn joins us. And, China's rivalry and trade war with the United States is tangling a Panama Canal port deal in geopolitics. Bloomberg News' Shirley Zhang talks about this saga. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Tue, April 15, 2025
What Trump's showdown with Harvard means for research
President Trump is threatening Harvard's tax status, one day after he froze more than $2 billion in grants to the school after it refused to comply with a list of demands, including cutting diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Harvard psychology professor and co-chair of Harvard's Council on Academic Freedom Steven Pinker explains the impact. And, the Trump administration is using its Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, which rose out of a conservative think tank, to threaten universities. Politico White House reporter Myah Ward explains more. Then, NPR international correspondent Aya Batrawy discusses the latest on the war in Gaza. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Mon, April 14, 2025
What we know about the gang at the center of Trump's deportations
Over the weekend, the Trump administration says it sent another 10 alleged gang members to El Salvador, including some from the Tren de Aragua gang. NBC's David Noriega talks about where the gang comes from and why President Trump is targeting people he suspects are members. Then, NPR Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep and NPR international correspondent Emily Feng discuss how China has changed over the past decade. And, pop star Katy Perry made her debut in space Monday as part of an all-female crew aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard Rocket. While Perry fans are over the moon, NPR's Neda Ulaby has her own ideas about which artists she'd like to see in space. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Fri, April 11, 2025
The deadline to get a Real ID is approaching. Here's what you need to know
The deadline to get a Real ID is May 7. After that, U.S. residents will need a Real ID, a passport or other approved identification to travel domestically and enter federal buildings. Georgia Commissioner of Driver Services Spencer Moore joins us. And, author and chef Eric Adjepong talks about his newest cookbook, "Ghana to the World." Then, Grammy-nominated composer and musician Mehmet Ali Sanlikol fuses traditional Turkish music with other styles on a custom electric oud. WBUR's Andrea Shea shares more about his work. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Thu, April 10, 2025
China and the U.S. face off in escalating a trade war
President Trump has mostly paused his global trade war, though one country still faces steep tariffs: China. China analyst Bill Bishop joins us to explain how this trade dispute could play out. Then, we speak with Liz Picarazzi, founder and CEO of Citibin, which makes welded aluminum rat-proof trash cans, about manufacturing in Vietnam and China and how tariffs are affecting her business and her costs. And, the National Weather Service has put on hold its use of an automated language translation tool that was used to provide severe weather alerts to people who don't speak English. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researcher and meteorologist Joseph Trujillo-Falcón tells us why the move could put lives at risk. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Wed, April 09, 2025
IRS plans to share immigrant tax data with Homeland Security. What will that mean?
The Treasury Department has agreed to share tax data from immigrants living in the United States without legal status with the Department of Homeland Security. Former Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Danny Werfel explains the implications. And, layoffs at the Food and Drug Administration are expected to reduce the workforce by 20%. Susan Mayne, former director of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at the Food and Drug Administration, talks about what those cuts could mean for food safety. Then, Shawnee Baker got a call that her adult daughter, Baylie, had been involved in an accident and was in critical condition. But because Baylie had not designated Baker as her health care proxy, Baker had no say in her daughter's care. Now, Baker is advocating for other parents to take an active role in their adult children's health. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Tue, April 08, 2025
Why the Supreme Court is allowing controversial deportations to continue
A divided Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to use the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans that it claims are members of a gang. Law professor Amanda Frost joins us to explain the decision. Then, Nintendo canceled U.S. preorders for the Switch 2 days after President Trump announced sweeping global tariffs. We discuss headwinds facing the console release with Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser. And, one of the nation's first housing projects is getting a new life as a public housing museum. Here & Now 's Chris Bentley reports. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Mon, April 07, 2025
Why one toy manufacturer says tariffs will be 'fatal blow' to small business
David Mauro, creator of the Talking Jesus Dolls, is an American who stands behind President Trump's 'America First' ideology. But he worries about the impacts Trump's tariffs will have on his business. And, President Trump last week removed the head of the National Security Agency and Cyber Command. Gen. Michael Hayden, former director of the NSA joins us to react to that decision. Then, a stage-four cancer diagnosis hasn't stopped singer Raul Malo from touring the country. The Mavericks frontman joins us to talk about what he learned on the road. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Fri, April 04, 2025
How AI, crypto and social media are making online scams more sophisticated
The Economist podcast "Scam Inc." tells the story of the global online scam industry, which is growing larger and more sophisticated. Host Sue-Lin Wong tells us about speaking with victims and perpetrators of online scams. Then, the vast global industry designed to perfect cyber scams takes in some $500 billion a year. Alona Katz, chief of the Brooklyn District Attorney's Virtual Currency Unit, joins us. And, as the federal government continues to slash jobs, job scammers are reading the headlines. The Washington Post's "Color of Money" columnist Michelle Singletary talks about some of the most common scams, how to avoid them, and what to do if you realize you've been scammed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Thu, April 03, 2025
Trump's trade war goes big
Can tariffs be an effective economic tool? Former U.S. Trade Rep. Katherine Tai says yes, when used strategically. Tai explains what President Trump's sweeping new tariffs mean for American consumers. And, Mark DiPlacido, a policy adviser at the conservative think tank American Compass, makes the case for why Trump's new tariffs make sense. Then, mayors in U.S. cities are standing with Canadian mayors against Trump's tariffs. Daniel Rickenmann, Republican mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, and Mark Sutcliffe, mayor of Ottawa, Ontario, break down what this means for their economies. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Wed, April 02, 2025
The Supreme Court case that could close Planned Parenthood in South Carolina
The Supreme Court heard a case on Wednesday about South Carolina's efforts to stop Planned Parenthood clinics in the state from getting Medicaid funding. Mary Ziegler, law professor at the University of California, Davis, joins us. Then, Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Democrat from Colorado, is leading a push to allow new parents in Congress to vote by proxy instead of in person. She tells us why. And, the Yankees have hit 18 home runs so far — and many of those dingers have come off torpedo bats, which are creating quite a stir in the league this season. The Athletic's Chris Kirschner talks about why these bats are so controversial. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Tue, April 01, 2025
Trump administration sends man to notorious El Salvador prison because of 'error'
In a court filing Monday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement pointed to an "administrative error" for why it deported a man to a prison in El Salvador, even though he has protected legal status in the U.S. We speak with Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, who is a lawyer for the man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Then, Kevin Griffis, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's office of communications, explains his decision to quit his job. And, several bills making their way through state legislatures across the country are tackling elements of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Make America Healthy Again movement. STAT's Isabella Cueto discusses some of the bills that aim to tackle food additives and improve public health. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Mon, March 31, 2025
Why billionaires are trying to swing a Wisconsin Supreme Court election
The money spent on the Wisconsin Supreme Court election is likely to reach $100 million by the end of Election Day on Tuesday, which would make it the most expensive judicial race in American history. We check in on what's at stake with WUWM's Chuck Quirmbach. Then, Rep. Debbie Dingell, a Democrat from Michigan, joins us to discuss the Trump administration's planned 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts. Plus, President Trump told NBC News that he's "not joking" about potentially seeking a constitutionally prohibited third term in office. University of Baltimore law professor Kim Wehle reacts to his comments. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Fri, March 28, 2025
The future of special education under a dismantled Education Department
A special education leader under George W. Bush says the dismantling of the Department of Education will impact students with disabilities. Stephanie Smith Lee talks about what's at stake for the federal law that helped people with disabilities go from institutionalization to institutions of higher education. Then, Medicaid helps lessen financial and logistical barriers that families face to get services for children with disabilities. We hear from policy expert Johanna Lister and mother of two Shiloh Creswell on what could happen if Republicans make cuts to Medicaid. And, artist Loryn Brantz aims to help parents feel seen through the moments of frustration, laughter and love that come with raising kids in her new book "Poems of Parenting." She joins us. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Thu, March 27, 2025
Tufts University student detained by masked federal agents
A Tufts University student from Turkey was arrested by plainclothes agents from the Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday in Somerville, Massachusetts. We speak with attorney Ramzi Kassen. Then, President Trump on Wednesday announced a 25% tariff on cars and car parts assembled outside the United States. Bloomberg's Keith Naughton explains what it means for consumers. And, writers and authors are in an uproar over Meta using LibGen, one of the largest online pirated libraries, to train its AI. We speak with author Victoria Aveyard, whose works appear on the database that may have been downloaded and utilized by Meta. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Wed, March 26, 2025
The group chat heard 'round the world
The Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg talks with us about why he released nearly all of the transcript of the Signal group chat that he was included in, where administration officials planned a deadly military strike on Yemen earlier this month. Then, former deputy assistant secretary of defense Mick Mulroy talks about why he thinks the Signal chat was a "significant breach of security." And, mandolin orchestras were a big deal in the 1920s. They aren't so popular in the U.S. these days. But Jon Kalish tells us how one mandolin orchestra is continuing this musical legacy. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Tue, March 25, 2025
Who are the Venezuelans imprisoned in El Salvador by the Trump administration?
The Trump administration has sent flights of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador. NPR's Sergio Martínez-Beltrán shares what we know about them.Then, while Kansas voted overwhelmingly for President Trump, police are reticent to advance his deportation agenda. Kansas News Service's Zane Irwin talks about why the state is an outlier on immigration enforcement. And, 23andMe, the genetic testing company that helps people learn about their ancestry and health risks based on a DNA sample, is declaring bankruptcy and seeking buyers. Roben Farzad, host of the podcast "Full Disclosure," joins us to discuss what it means for users' data. Plus, attorney Erin Elmouji explains why she signed a letter criticizing the head of her former law firm Paul Weiss for making a deal with Trump to avoid being targeted by the White House. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Mon, March 24, 2025
Columbia agrees to Trump's demands: What's next for universities?
Columbia University has agreed to overhaul its student protest policies to win back $400 million in federal research funding that the Trump administration pulled from the university. Columbia Professor Reinhold Martin joins us to discuss the implications of the university's decision. Then, we catch up with Mohammed Hatem, a young man in Gaza. He tells us what the situation is like on the ground, now that the war has resumed. And, the new book "Everything is Tuberculosis" traces the history of the disease, which for millennia was the world's deadliest infection. Author John Green argues that the global community could work to eliminate tuberculosis, but lacks the will. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Fri, March 21, 2025
Environmental cuts hit poor communities
Lee Zeldin, the new administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, says he's eliminating environmental justice jobs that were largely focused on addressing pollution in low-income and minority communities. Grist's Lylla Younes explains the impact of these cuts. Then, more than 400 Fish and Wildlife Service workers — or about 5% of the agency's workforce — were let go last month. And more cuts to the agency could be on the horizon. Writer and photographer Mark Seth Lender shares concerns wildlife enthusiasts are feeling. And, the number of monarch butterflies overwintering this year in Mexico has nearly doubled, according to the annual census data from the World Wildlife Fund. Biologist Emma Pelton talks about this encouraging sign for the monarch population, as it continues to rebound from dangerously low levels this century. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Thu, March 20, 2025
Why it may become harder to collect Social Security
At the end of March, Social Security recipients will no longer be able to verify their identities over the phone. They'll have to go online or in-person to a Social Security office. AARP's Bill Sweeney explains what the change means for the 72 million Americans who rely on Social Security. And, President Trump is dismantling the Department of Education. The Washington Post's Laura Meckler talks about it means for schools and students. Then, Atlantic writer Derek Thompson joins us to discuss his new book "Abundance," written with the New York Times' Ezra Klein. In the book, they argue that to ensure a better future, America needs to invent more to combat issues like housing inaccessibility, climate change and food insecurity. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Wed, March 19, 2025
Why Trump is going after green card holders and valid visas
We look at two high-profile immigration cases under the Trump administration with Doris Meissner, senior fellow and director for the U.S. immigration policy program at Migration Policy Institute. Then, Democrats have struggled to reach a consensus on the best way to counter President Trump during his second term. Matt Bennett of Third Way, a Democratic centrist think tank, and Usamah Andrabi, communications director for the progressive group Justice Democrats, join us to explain how the party should take on Trump. And, Dr. Razan al-Nahhas, an American emergency room physician, is on her second medical mission to Gaza. She speaks to us from the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, where she's volunteering, about the impact of the latest Israeli airstrikes into Gaza. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Tue, March 18, 2025
Israel ends ceasefire with series of airstrikes into Gaza
Israel launched a series of surprise airstrikes into Gaza on Tuesday, killing more than 400 people, according to Gaza health officials. NPR's Daniel Estrin shares the latest. And, President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine. Cold War historian Sergey Radchenko explains the prospects of a peace agreement. Then, the Trump administration is accusing Maine of sex discrimination for allowing transgender girls to participate in girls' sports. ProPublica's Jennifer Smith Richards breaks down the target the federal government has put on Maine. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Mon, March 17, 2025
She was set to graduate from Columbia in May. Then ICE came knocking
Ranjani Srinivasan was an international Columbia University student finishing up her doctoral program in urban planning. But then ICE came knocking on her door, as a result of President Trump's recent crackdown on foreign nationals who took part in pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses. Srinivasan talks about the circumstances that led to her fleeing to Canada. Then, President of Mount Holyoke College Danielle Holley talks about the Trump administration's attempts to punish conduct, thinking and research at universities that the White House finds objectionable. And, the U.S. carried out strikes on targets controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen over the weekend, killing dozens. Security analyst Jim Walsh joins us to talk about what the strikes signal for U.S. relations with Iran. Plus, the March Madness college basketball tournament gets underway this week. The Gist's Lauren Tuiskula shares a preview. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Fri, March 14, 2025
Lockdown lessons: How COVID-19 reshaped the country
It's been 5 years since COVID-19 began rapidly spreading around the world. A Pew Research study surveyed almost 10,000 Americans, and 72% of respondents said the pandemic drove the country apart. Pew Research Center's Alec Tyson shares the impact of this political divide. And, millions of people lost loved ones to COVID-19. One of the first to die in Connecticut was 35-year-old Michael O'Brien. His father Bill O'Brien discusses grief, keeping memories alive and moving forward. Then, mutual aid helped a lot of folks through the pandemic. What are those community aid networks doing now? Whitney Hu, the co-founder of South Brooklyn Mutual Aid, explains the work her organization is doing, and S. Mitra Kalita of Epicenter-NYC details the future of mutual aid in New York City. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Thu, March 13, 2025
Government shutdown looms as Democrats unite against GOP spending bill
Senate Democrats say they will not provide the support needed to pass a funding bill that House Republicans muscled through their chamber. If the bill fails, the government could shut down this weekend. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) joins us Robin Young to explain his party's strategy. Then, Stephanie Hoopes, the national director of United For ALICE, explains how stock market swings affect the 29% of Americans who fall above the poverty line but still struggle to make ends meet. And, just in time for spring, a new children's book celebrates a blind girl's joy in identifying birds on a nature walk with her aunt. Co-author Anita Sanchez talks about "A Sky That Sings." Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Wed, March 12, 2025
What mass firings at the Education Department mean for students
The Department of Education is cutting nearly half of its staff as part of President Trump's plan to reduce the federal government's role in education. Chalkbeat's Kalyn Belsha explains how this could impact schools, students and the future of education. And, federal employees were ordered to remove pronouns from their email signatures. Some states followed suit, including Texas. Frank Zamora, a former Texas state employee, refused to comply and was promptly fired. Zamora shares his story. Then, Southwest Airlines is dropping one of its most popular policies: free checked bags. Transportation analyst Seth Kaplan explains why. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Tue, March 11, 2025
Philippines ex-President Duterte arrested for alleged crimes against humanity
Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, was arrested Tuesday on a warrant from the International Criminal Court, charging him with crimes against humanity for the thousands killed in a drug war that Duterte waged across his political career. We get the latest from The New York Times' Sui-Lee Wee. Then, Lt. Cmdr. Geirid Morgan, a transgender Navy officer and former rescue diver, talks about President Trump's executive order banning transgender troops from serving in the military. Morgan is one of several plaintiffs in a lawsuit that is challenging the constitutionality of the order. And, music can have profound benefits for humans. Neuroscientist and musician Daniel J. Levitin talks about his latest book, "I Heard There Was A Secret Chord: Music as Medicine," which explains how our brains process music and lays out the evidence for the therapeutic benefits music can have. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Mon, March 10, 2025
Republicans control Congress. Why can't they easily pass a spending bill?
Republican and Democrats in Congress must agree on a short-term spending bill before the government runs out of money on Friday night NBC's Scott Wong gives us the latest on negotiations. And, as people remember Roberta Flack, we meet the songwriter who wrote the lyrics to "Killing Me Softly": Lori Lieberman. Then, Mississippi mother Brandy Moore used crystal meth during her pregnancy. After being spared from a prison sentence, she found her purpose in sharing her story to help others dealing with addiction. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Fri, March 07, 2025
The loneliness cure: How to cope with isolation at work
A recent report from Gallup found that one in five people across the world said they felt lonely on a daily basis. People are lonely in every aspect of their lives — at home, in social settings, and at work. Researcher Constance Hadley joins us to discuss isolation at work. Then, losing your job can be devastating and overwhelming. Career coach Eliana Goldstein shares some advice for what to do after you've lost your job. And, when you're feeling anxious, reach for glimmers— the tiny things in your day that bring you joy. It could be as simple as holding beach stones, listening to birds or snuggling with a pet. Author and licensed clinical social worker Deb Dana tells us more. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Thu, March 06, 2025
Trump takes aim at Social Security
The Social Security Administration is facing a "significant workforce reduction" amid President Trump's government cuts. Martin O'Malley, commissioner of the Social Security Administration under former President Joe Biden, explains the impact of these cuts. And, Randy Carr, the CEO of a company that manufactures patches for uniforms, shares how Trump's trade is affecting his business. Then, Bloomberg investigative reporter Zeke Faux details Trump's plan for a strategic cryptocurrency reserve. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Wed, March 05, 2025
Supreme Court rejects Trump's foreign aid freeze
In a 5-4 ruling on Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration's push to freeze nearly $2 billion in foreign aid payments for work that has already been completed. Georgetown Law professor Mary McCord joins us to explain what the decision means. Then, it's the height of tax season, but the Internal Revenue Service is down thousands of agents, thanks to recent cuts by billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk. One team gutted by Musk's DOGE specialized in making sure the super-rich and big corporations paid their taxes. ProPublica's Andy Kroll tells us more. And, state lawmakers in Oklahoma are now trying to add some professionalism — via a licensing program — to storm chasing in an effort to keep the general public more aware of severe weather in their area. Oklahoma lawmaker Rep. Scott Fetgatter explains. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Tue, March 04, 2025
What Trump's tariffs mean for you
President Trump imposed tariffs on goods coming in from Canada, Mexico and China. Roben Farzad, host of the podcast "Full Disclosure," explains what the move means for consumers, while NPR's Eyder Peralta reports on how Mexico is preparing to respond. And, the tariffs are expected to make cars and trucks in the U.S. more expensive. Bloomberg's Keith Naughton explains why. Then, Shrove Tuesday marks the last day before Lent for Christians worldwide. But to the Pennsylvania Dutch community, it's called Fastnacht Day. The Pennsylvania Bakery manager Rachelle Schenk Womer explains how dense donuts, also called a Fastnacht, sweeten the celebration. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Mon, March 03, 2025
Israel blocks aid to Gaza as it pushes new ceasefire terms
Israel has stopped humanitarian aid to Gaza as the first phase of the ceasefire deal expired this weekend. The Guardian's Julian Borger talks about why Israel has stopped that aid and ongoing negotiations with Hamas. Then, New York Rep. Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, discusses what he thinks needs to happen next in the U.S.-Ukraine relationship after Friday's disastrous meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. David Rennie, geopolitics editor at The Economist, tells us what Europe is doing to contain the fallout from Friday's meeting. And, the company JetWind Power harnesses the wind produced by airplanes to power airports. We speak with Dr. T.O. Souryal about how this technology works and the potential it has to create renewable energy. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Fri, February 28, 2025
The loneliness cure: How 'third spaces' help people build connections
A café. A dog park. A gym. A library. A playground. A bar. We often take these spaces for granted, but they're vital for fighting the loneliness epidemic. We look into how these spaces help people combat isolation and form new connections. And, birds serve as a guide for social advocacy and joy in Tracy O'Kane's memoir "Birding to Change the World." O'Kane explains her newfound passion for birding and how birds influence her activism. Then, the sea glass hunting community is robust and often marked by controversy over what constitutes as 'real' sea glass. Dave Lee Valle, a 'glasser' or sea glass collector, shares a look into the community. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Thu, February 27, 2025
What to know about the Texas measles outbreak
The country's first measles death in a decade was recorded Wednesday in Texas. Health and Human Services head Robert F. Kennedy Jr said Wednesday that the outbreak is not "unusual," something disputed by infectious disease experts such as Dr. Peter Hotez, who joins us. Then, the Trump administration says it's cutting 90% of USAID's foreign aid contracts, according to a White House internal memo and court filings first reported by the Associated Press. Bloomberg's Iain Marlow joins us to explain what's going on with the Agency for Foreign Development. And, the U.S. Agency for International Development providing food and humanitarian aid in Africa and other places is one example of U.S. soft power. Now that it has been dismantled by the Trump administration, some see a soft power void that China may fill. The New Yorker's Jay Caspian Kang tells us more. Plus, as February comes to an end, Here & No w's James Perkins Mastromarino shares the latest and greatest from the gaming world. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Wed, February 26, 2025
Recent plane crashes spark anxiety. Flying is still safe
Recent alarming close calls, near-collisions and fatal airline crashes have sparked worry in plane passengers. Transportation analyst Seth Kaplan explains that statistically, flying is no more dangerous than it has been in recent years. And, the U.S. rejected a UN resolution calling for Russia to immediately pull troops out of Ukraine this week. Ukrainian organizer Oleksandra Matviichuk talks about the three-year anniversary of the war. Then, Elon Musk said federal employees working remotely must return to their offices or be fired. Many have already been let go. Among them is a Fish and Wildlife Service worker, who joins us to share the economic costs of ending critical projects. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Tue, February 25, 2025
The conservative case for Trump's new world order
President Trump said this week that U.S. tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico will go forward when a month-long suspension expires next week. Peter Navarro, Trump's senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, joins us to discuss Trump's trade agenda. Then, U.S. allies have been expressing frustration with some of President Trump's foreign policy moves: falsely blaming Ukraine for Russia's invasion and calling for U.S. control of the Panama Canal, Greenland and the Gaza Strip. Victoria Coates, former deputy national security adviser to Trump in his first term, talks about the world order in Trump's second administration. And, the Trump family has reportedly made nearly $80 million since the election, and that's not counting the crypto assets they've been pushing. Wall Street Journal reporter Rebecca Ballhaus joins us to discuss the Trump family's growing fortunes Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Mon, February 24, 2025
Former NATO chief says Putin 'won't stop' with Ukraine
As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, President Trump is moving closer to Russia, rattling the United States' relationship with Europe and NATO. Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen joins us to discuss. And, Elon Musk sent an email to federal workers on Saturday demanding they detail their weekly accomplishments or be fired. The Washington Post's Carol Leonnig details what's to come. Then, the Trump administration is trying to shut down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. What does that mean for you? Jill Schlesinger, CBS News business analyst, explains. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Fri, February 21, 2025
The loneliness cure: How new apps are helping people combat isolation
The United States is in an "epidemic of loneliness," according to the former U.S. surgeon general. The internet and social media have played a part in Americans suffering from isolation and mental health declines. But technology isn't all bad. We hear about apps that can help people make friends. Then, in her book "Do You Still Talk To Grandma?," Brit Barron explores what to do when the people we love have views and opinions that might be hurtful to us. She talks about empathy, the problems with social media and the hope for learning, open conversation and transformation. And, then nothing brings people together like food. Here & Now resident chef Kathy Gunst has been easing back into the kitchen after a tennis court fall sidelined her for over a month. She shares insights and a couple of simple recipes. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Thu, February 20, 2025
Will Trump's IVF executive order lower costs?
President Trump this week signed an executive order aimed at expanding access and reducing costs for people seeking in vitro fertilization treatments. The 19th's Shefali Luthra explains what that means. And, some Republicans are talking about cutting Medicaid access to pay for President Trump's proposed tax cuts. Former Ohio Medicaid director Barbara Sears Roshon details what that could mean for people who rely on the program. Then, a slew of recent plane crashes has escalated flying anxiety for many people. Psychologist Andrew Rosen offers some tips for dealing with stress around flying. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Wed, February 19, 2025
Trump sides with Russia, tossing decades of U.S. foreign policy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says President Trump is spreading disinformation after Trump falsely accused Ukraine of starting the war with Russia. The comments come as the United States begins talks with Ukraine to end the war. Retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges joins us from the former Soviet republic of Lithuania to talk about the shift in U.S. policy towards Russia. Then, one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in this country is the federal government. Now, disability advocates are worried the Trump administration's downsizing of this workforce will have a negative impact that could take decades to make up for. Maria Town, president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities, joins us. And, we're marking Black History Month by looking at the impact of Black artists on popular music over four decades. As we rewind to the 2000s, it seems only proper to focus on Missy Elliott. Author Clover Hope talks about Elliott's impact. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
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