Here & Now Anytime

Peter O'Dowd, an investigative reporter focusing on climate and energy, teams up with William Shobe, a public policy expert from the University of Virginia. They explore the rising interest in geothermal energy, revealing how fracking techniques have revived its potential in the U.S. West. O'Dowd visits New Mexico to uncover geothermal resources, while Shobe analyzes Virginia's struggle to balance a 100% renewable goal with surging data center demands. Their insights highlight the innovative intersections of technology, policy, and sustainable energy.

Katie Huff, an associate professor at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign and former U.S. Department of Energy official, dives into the pivotal role of nuclear energy in our future. She discusses the reopening of old plants like Palisades and Three Mile Island to meet rising electricity demands driven by AI. Huff sheds light on the challenges of scaling up nuclear for decarbonization, including regulatory hurdles and costs. She also explores the promise of small modular reactors and the importance of government support and standardization in achieving a nuclear revival.

Join Matt Viser, the White House bureau chief at The Washington Post, who gives intriguing insights from a recent Trump rally, highlighting mixed messages on affordability. Alongside Christina Llewellyn, a tax policy expert from North Carolina State University, they delve into California's proposed billionaire tax. They explore the complexities of taxing wealth, the potential pros and cons, and the risk of billionaires relocating. Their lively debate covers the feasibility, equity, and historical context of wealth taxes, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

Chris Miller, a historian and author of "Chip War," discusses the recent policy shift allowing Nvidia to sell AI chips to China, which could impact the global AI landscape. He explains how this change could benefit China while highlighting its ongoing technological lag. NPR's David Folkenflik dives into Paramount's aggressive bid for Warner Bros., exploring the tangled web of financing involving Trump allies. The conversation raises concerns over future media consolidation and its potential implications for journalism.

Kim Wehle, a law professor and former U.S. attorney, delves into the Supreme Court's consideration of presidential powers regarding the FTC commissioner. Bobbi-Jeanne Misick discusses the heightened immigration enforcement in New Orleans, highlighting community fears and the impact on local businesses. Alexandra Lange reflects on the late Frank Gehry's extraordinary legacy, exploring how his innovative use of everyday materials transformed modern architecture and left a lasting mark on the landscape.

Join Chuck Wexler, a policing policy expert, as he sheds light on the tension between local police and federal immigration enforcement. Khalid Omar, a community organizer, shares the trauma and resilience within Minnesota's Somali-American community amid harsh rhetoric and ICE operations. Adding a quirky twist, researcher Raffaela Lesch discusses her fascinating study on urban raccoons, revealing signs of early domestication and their adorable differences from rural counterparts. A mix of serious and playful topics awaits!

Fiona Hill, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and former National Security Council official, shares her insights on the ongoing war in Ukraine and its broader implications. She argues there's no imminent resolution to the conflict, highlighting Europe's heavy reliance on U.S. military support. Hill emphasizes Ukraine's innovative military strategies and the potential consequences of diminishing U.S. involvement. Additionally, she discusses how recent U.S. boat strikes in the Caribbean send significant geopolitical signals to both Russia and China.

Madison McVann, a reporter for the Minnesota Reformer, discusses President Trump's inflammatory remarks on Somali immigrants, shedding light on community fears and targeted ICE operations in Minnesota. Eleanor Beardsley, NPR's foreign correspondent, provides insights into the failed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing ongoing regional tensions. Wailin Wong from NPR's Planet Money explains the impact of the Dell family's $250 gift to children's investment accounts, exploring how financial literacy and contributions can address wealth inequality.

This episode features Elliott Abrams, a former U.S. official and advocate for regime change in Venezuela, and Tom Bowman, an NPR Pentagon correspondent. Abrams argues that military strikes are necessary for change in Venezuela, emphasizing a strategy that includes amnesty for defecting officials. He also analyzes the potential for Maduro to survive sustained U.S. pressure. Bowman discusses the Pentagon's controversial strike orders, raising accountability questions amidst the scrutiny over military actions. The conversation reveals deep implications for both U.S. foreign policy and Venezuelan democracy.

Juan Sebastián González, a former policy expert at the Biden administration's National Security Council, delves into the legal implications of Trump's decision to pardon drug trafficker Juan Orlando Hernandez while simultaneously targeting drug boats. Franco Ordoñez, NPR's White House correspondent, reveals bipartisan concerns over potential war crimes linked to these strikes. Dr. Monica Gandhi from UCSF discusses the troubling absence of World AIDS Day commemoration and its impact on global HIV awareness and funding, raising alarms about the future of AIDS policy.