Here & Now

A live production of NPR and WBUR Boston, in collaboration with stations across the country, Here & Now reflects the fluid world of news as it's happening in the middle of the day, with timely, in-depth news, interviews and conversation. Hosted by Robin Young, Jeremy Hobson and Tonya Mosley.
Airs on:
MON-THU 11am-12pm
24:03
The history of spy animals; 'Blue Ribbon Kitchen' offers award-winning recipes
Recycling plastic creates microplastics that contaminate the air and water, a new study found. Grist reporter Joseph Winters joins us to talk about what this means amid a pollution crisis. And, an alleged Russian spy has surfaced in the waters of Sweden. The spy, Hvaldimir, is a beluga whale. There is a long history of animals being used for espionage in military conflict, and Manchester Metropolitan University lecturer Gervase Phillips joins us to unpack it. Then, Linda Skeens won 25 ribbons at the Virginia-Kentucky district fair last summer. She's cataloged this impressive feat in a new book, "Blue Ribbon Kitchen." The cookbook details her award-winning recipes and offers some insight into her life in Appalachia.
29:03
What's next for the debt ceiling deal?; Andy Cohen's 'Daddy Diaries'
A six-story building in Davenport, Iowa, partially collapsed and nine people have been rescued so far. Officials say the building is a total loss and will be demolished on Tuesday. WVIK's Herb Trix joins us. Then, President Biden and House Speaker McCarthy reached a proposed deal on the debt ceiling debate. The House Rules Committee will consider it. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), who helped negotiate the deal, joins us. And Samantha Sanders, director of government affairs and advocacy for the Economic Policy Institute, joins us to talk about who will be most affected by this proposed deal. And, most people know Andy Cohen as an eccentric TV personality who spars with the "Real Housewives" and co-hosts New Year's Eve specials with Anderson Cooper. But he's also written 10 books, the most recent of which titled "Daddy Diaries." Cohen joins us to talk about the book and his journey through single parenthood.
32:41
Montford Point Marine shares experience with racial segregation; Summer movie picks
The House is slated to vote Wednesday on the debt ceiling deal hashed out over the weekend by President Joe Biden and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. National Economic Council Deputy Director Bharat Ramamurti and the Washington Post's Jeff Stein join us. And, First Sgt. William "Jack" McDowell, Marine Corps was among the first Black men enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. His granddaughter, Sonia Smith Kang, tells us about his service. Then, Memorial Day is the traditional start of the summer movie season. John Horn, arts and entertainment reporter for LAist, gives us a preview.
32:00
La Marisoul and Los Texmaniacs' 'Corazones and Canciones'; Misogynoir in hip-hop
La Marisoul and Max Baca of Los Texmaniacs talk about their latest album, "Corazones and Canciones." And, Maverick City Music is a diverse collective that's changing the Christian music landscape. Maverick City Music co-founder Jonathan Jay and member Norman Gyamfi talk about what they bring to contemporary Christian music. Then, Sidney Madden and Rodney Carmichael, hosts of the NPR podcast "Louder Than A Riot," talk about how the specific discrimination against Black women plays out in hip-hop.
22:59
Companies pull back LGBTQ support; How one Tina Turner superfan cherishes her legacy
Target says it's removing some of its Pride Month merchandise from store shelves after it received threats that made employees feel unsafe. But critics say that Target's decision sends a signal to right-wing extremists that their intimidation is working. NBC News' Ben Collins tells us more. And, Tina Turner was a true icon in every sense of the word. Superfan Donovan Marcelle, who once had the opportunity of a lifetime performing with her on stage during her reunion tour in 2000, joins us. Then, children of color face multiple barriers when it comes to learning how to swim. We learn about a new initiative called Swim Seattle that aims to tackle racial disparities in drowning deaths in the city.
28:10
Uvalde pastors reflect on 1 year since shooting; A24's 'You Hurt My Feelings'
One year ago, a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde Texas. The community is still grieving. Pastor Tony Gruben and Pastor Joe Ruiz join us. And, A24's film "You Hurt My Feelings" explores the dynamic of a marriage in crisis after the wife discovers her husband has been lying about liking her latest book. Writer-director Nicole Holofcener joins us. Then, how many Kyles does it take to break a world record? An event in Kyle, Texas sought to answer that by bringing together as many people named Kyle as possible. Kyle Gassiott of Troy Public Radio.
25:45
How a baby's early experiences shape their health later in life; Colorado River deal
Arizona Department of Water Resources director Tom Buschatzke and California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot talk about a temporary deal to restrict the use of Colorado River water while Western states come up with a longer-term plan to share the river's limited water amid a historic drought. And, researchers are learning more about how relationships with caregivers and sound nutrition can impact a child's immune, metabolic, and cardiovascular systems as they get older. Dr. Jack Shonkoff tells us more. Then, climate change is here, but your child likely isn't learning much about it at school. We learn about the state of climate literacy in education from Jennifer Jones of the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists and science writer Mary Batten.
24:29
The labor fight against AI; Military spouses often feel overwhelmed and alone
A big part of the WNBA's growing popularity is the return of Brittney Griner — the star player returning to the Phoenix Mercury after enduring a harrowing stay in Russian detention. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd was at her first home game on Sunday night. Then, AI has become a sticking point in the ongoing strike by the Writers Guild of America. What happens in Hollywood could have implications for other industries, too. Signal Foundation President Meredith Whittaker tells us more. Then, many of the wives — and husbands — of active-duty military members say they feel isolated. A new pilot peer support group aims to help military spouses find connection and resources. We hear from three spouses across the country.