Here & Now

Former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman is among nearly 100 former intelligence and national security officials who have expressed concern about President-elect Trump's pick of Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence. Sherman joins us to explain why she's concerned the selection of Gabbard could lead allies to think twice about sharing intelligence with the United States. Then, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation this week that would prevent companies that own pharmacies from also owning pharmacy benefit managers, middlemen that oversee prescription drug benefits for companies. "Full Disclosure" host Roben Farzad talks about what the legislation seeks to do. And, according to a new investigation from ProPublica, formaldehyde is in the air we breathe, causing more cancer than any other airborne chemical. ProPublica's Topher Sanders tells us more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Syria's notorious Sednaya prison was known as a "human slaughterhouse," where tens of thousands of people were detained, tortured and killed during the country's 13-year civil war. Jaber Baker was a prisoner at Sednaya. He discusses what it was like inside the prison. Then, Ash Lazarus Orr is a transgender activist from West Virginia. They talk about the road ahead for trans communities in West Virginia. And, renowned hula teacher Vicky Holt Takamine recently won the prestigious Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize, valued at more than $450,000. Holt Takamine joins us to talk about the rich history of the Hawaiian tradition.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Luigi Mangione, 26, has been charged in the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was shot on a sidewalk in Midtown Manhattan last week. The Baltimore Banner's Justin Fenton tells us more. Then, after the sudden downfall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria this past weekend, we hear from Rehab Alkadi, a refugee who entered the U.S. via Chicago in 2015. And, the New York Mets made history this week when it signed Dominican superstar outfielder Juan Soto to a record $765 million contract. Sports Business Journal's Mike Mazzeo joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The United States is assessing what's next for Syria after 13 years of civil war came to an abrupt end this weekend when Syrian rebels seized control of Damascus, ending the repressive 50-year rule of the Assad family. Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia. Security analyst Jim Walsh talks about what lies ahead for Syria, the Middle East and United States foreign policy. Then, President-elect Trump's pick to head the FBI, Kash Patel, lists officials in his 2023 book that he calls "members of the executive branch deep state." Trump has called it a blueprint "to help us take back the White House and remove these gangsters from all of government!" Former FBI special agent Asha Rangappa joins us. And, police on Monday arrested a person of interest in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The New York Police Department says investigators found a document on Luigi Mangione that indicates "ill will toward corporate America." The killing of Thompson is raising fresh questions about what ma

The House DOGE Caucus met Thursday with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who Trump picked to operate the new unofficial Department of Government Efficiency. Caucus Co-chair Rep. Pete Sessions, a Republican from Texas, talks about where he thinks government can be cut. Then, UNESCO has recognized cassava bread as a key part of humanity's cultural heritage. The Miami Herald's Jacqueline Charles explains what kasav, or cassava bread, means to Haiti. And, 2024 brought surprising hits, huge flops, and mass layoffs to the video games industry. We discuss the year's best games and biggest trends with Here & Now's James Perkins Mastromarino.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A new report by one of the world's most prominent human rights organizations accuses Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians during its war in Gaza. Kristine Beckerle, co-author of the report, joins us. And, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, is under scrutiny for his lack of experience, sexual assault allegations and claims he acted inappropriately when he worked at Fox. NPR's David Folkenflick joins us. Then, Poppy Rose has hiked all 48 of New Hampshire's 4,000-foot peaks. Poppy Rose is a fluffy, white, 2-pound bunny. Her owner Bree Schuette brought her on hikes until Schuette developed a rare autoimmune disorder. Now, her friends continue to take Poppy out on hikes while Schuette recovers.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Supreme Court heard a challenge Wednesday to Tennessee's ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender minors. Slate's Mark Joseph Stern looks at what the case could mean for transgender children across the country. Then, South Korean lawmakers are calling to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after an intense night of political drama sparked by several hours of martial law. Sydney Seiler, senior advisor for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins us. And, pro-labor groups in Wisconsin won a court case that restored the ability of unions to bargain collectively. WUWM's Chuck Quirmbach tells us more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Eight children between 2 and 17 years old have arrived in the U.S. from Gaza to receive specialized medical treatment for life-threatening injuries. Here & Now's Chris Bentley reports. And, Islamist opposition group in Syria's reignited civil war is on the rise. Nazareth University scholar of Middle East politics Sefa Secen joins us to explain what this means for U.S. troops there. Then, the National Institute of Standards and Technology is issuing new guidelines for passwords, designed to make passwords easier to manage and more secure. Carnegie Mellon University's Lorrie Cranor joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

President Biden announced on Sunday that he is pardoning his son Hunter Biden. Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer under former President George W. Bush, weighs in. Then, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is leading an effort by governors to "safeguard democracy" when President-elect Donald Trump takes office again. Polis joins us. And, the holiday shopping season is also the most wonderful time of the year for scammers. Expert Jorij Abraham talks about how to spot and stop scams during the busiest shopping season of all.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Rich Benoit of Rich Rebuilds posts popular do-it-yourself car repair videos on YouTube. He talks about his new memoir. Then, some drivers will soon have to pay $9 to bring their cars into the most congested parts of Manhattan. WNYC's Stephen Nessen tells us more. And, 74-year-old Linda Vanderloop just finished the Appalachian Trail with her daughter Hanna, setting the record as the oldest known woman to thru-hike the trail. Vanderloop joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Three tribes in the Southwest are hoping federal lawmakers will pass a water rights deal in the remaining weeks of the year. The agreement would allow many communities to bring piped water to the Navajo Nation, where about a third of households do not have clean water. We hear about the deal from Ethel Branch, attorney general of the Navajo Nation. And, think twice before getting sucked down the rabbit hole of Black Friday madness. Maurie Backman of Motley Fool Money reveals the secret marketing tactics that make holiday sales deceiving. Then, American songwriter Tom Paxton is preparing to give his final public performances next year. The 87-year-old musician reflects on his life and career.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

After more than a year of fighting between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, a 60-day ceasefire has taken effect. Middle East correspondent Borzou Daragahi explains what may follow. And, a Texas library moved author Linda Coombs' history book "Colonization and the Wampanoag Story" to the fiction section. Now, it's rightfully back in the nonfiction area and Coombs joins us to discuss her book and Native American history. Then, spend your holiday weekend relaxing with a movie on your TV. Film critic Ty Burr offers some recommendations of what to stream.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Transportation Security Administration is expecting to screen more than 18 million people this Thanksgiving week — a 6% increase from last year. TSA Administrator David Pekoske tells us more. Then, a new survey found 63% of adults say that speeding and aggressive driving are major problems where they live. We talk about the rise of road rage with Dean DeSoto, CEO of the Community Alliance for Traffic Safety in San Antonio, Texas, and Colten Bonk, one of DeSoto's former students who overcame anger issues and alcoholism. And, hot dish? Or hotdish? Maybe both! Food Network star Molly Yeh talks about the power of the upper Midwest's signature meal.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has become a target of Republicans. Former FBI agent Michael German talks about what may happen to the FBI under the incoming Trump administration. And, challenging drought conditions this fall across the U.S. has impacted cranberry harvests in the Northeast. Massachusetts cranberry grower Steve Ward talks about what that means for Thanksgiving. Then, multi-award-winning artist John Legend has a new album out — and it's an album for kids. Legend joins us to talk about the inspiration behind it and how he worked with his family on it.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Former far-right Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been indicted with dozens of others in an alleged attempt to overthrow the government after Bolsonaro lost reelection in 2022. NPR's Carrie Kahn joins us. Then, Beth Dozier is socially liberal but was raised in a conservative family. Back in 2020, the election tore her family apart. For 2024, they decided to put family over politics. We speak with Beth Dozier and her father, John William Dozier. And, resident chef Kathy Gunst has dreamed up three new dessert suggestions for this Thanksgiving.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Leila Sadat, law professor at Washington University, joins us. And, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson is banning transgender people from using bathrooms on the House side of Capitol Hill that don't correspond to their gender assigned at birth. It's in response to the election of the first openly transgender member of Congress. News and politics editor at Teen Vogue Lex McMenamin unpacks the controversy with us. Then, 10 years of rule by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist party have taken India's government in an authoritarian direction. Journalist Rahul Bhatia's book "The New India" explores the unmaking of the world's largest democracy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

President-elect Donald Trump says he plans to nominate former TV host Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The agency oversees insurance programs covering more than 150 million Americans. Julie Rovner of KFF News breaks down Dr. Oz's views on health care. Then, the ACLU filed a lawsuit this week against ICE, seeking more information about how it might carry out large-scale deportations in the incoming Trump administration. The ACLU's Eunice Cho joins us. And, comedian, actor and author Jenny Slate recently released "Lifeform," a new collection of essays about life, love and having a child. Here & Now's Emiko Tamagawa speaks with Slate.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ukraine fired U.S-supplied long-range missiles into Russia for the first time, a U.S. official confirmed to NPR. Washington Post chief Ukraine correspondent Siobhán O'Grady joins us to break down what the development means and look back at 1,000 days of war in Ukraine. And, the Department of Justice is set to take another crack at breaking up what it perceives to be a monopoly held by Google's parent company Alphabet. Roben Farzad, host of the podcast "Full Disclosure," explains the ideas being considered. Then, popular video game company Roblox says it is taking new steps to keep children safe after a financial research firm labeled the platform a "pedophile hellscape." Roblox chief safety officer Matt Kaufman explains what he thinks those changes will accomplish.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

President-elect Donald Trump has tapped wealthy entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to cut the federal budget. But just how much waste is there to trim? The Brookings Institution's Elaine Kamarck explains. Then, Tracey Danka voted for Trump. But her husband Ed Danka voted for Kamala Harris. The couple discusses how they get along, despite their political disagreements. And, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has called for an end to the practice of putting fluoride in water. University of Iowa's Steven Levy takes a closer look at what that would mean for dental health.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We look at President-elect Donald Trump's picks for his incoming administration and what's expected from the next Republican-controlled Congress with USA Today's Francesa Chambers and NBC's Scott Wong. And, a jury found the Virginia-based contractor CACI liable for "conspiring with" U.S. soldiers to "inflict torture" at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. We take a look at the decision with The New York Times' Mattathias Schwartz. Then, Sy Montgomery, author of the bestselling "The Soul of an Octopus," talks with us about her new book, "What the Chicken Knows," which explores the extraordinary individuality and intelligence of the ordinary fowl.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy