Here & Now Anytime

Grace Griffin, a digital producer and reporter, catches up with Pinkshift, a punk band resonating with activism and social justice. They discuss their album "Earthkeeper" and how it channels rage into love, tackling issues like immigration and solidarity with Palestine. The band highlights the importance of confronting societal injustices through music. Griffin dives into punk's rich history and the challenge of tokenization post-2020, all while celebrating the spirit of community and mutual aid in their musical journey.

Catherine Hayhoe, an atmospheric scientist and chief scientist at the Nature Conservancy, discusses the implications of dismantling the National Center for Atmospheric Research, emphasizing its irreplaceable role in climate science. Jane Perlez, a veteran journalist and former New York Times Beijing bureau chief, analyzes the shifting U.S.-China relations, including the complexities surrounding Taiwan and the impact on technology and security. Both guests explore critical themes of misinformation and how these geopolitical dynamics shape global leadership.

Francisco J. Monaldi, an energy policy expert at Rice University, discusses Trump's blockade on Venezuelan oil, highlighting its potential to wreak havoc on the economy, devalue currency, and escalate inflation. He questions whether such sanctions can topple Maduro, noting the regime's past resilience. Claire Lai, daughter of pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, shares heartfelt insights on her father's life sentence and ongoing advocacy for his release, offering a personal glimpse into their family's battle against repression.

Nomi Kaltmann, an Orthodox rabbi from Melbourne, shares the shaken Jewish community's response to rising antisemitism in Australia following the alarming attack at Bondi Beach. She details a significant surge in both old and new antisemitic sentiments. Meanwhile, Andrew Tabler, a former National Security Council member, provides insight on ISIS's ongoing threats, the recent ambush in Syria, and the challenges facing U.S. forces. Together, they illuminate the intertwined impacts of extremism both locally and globally.

Ref Bari, a brave Physics graduate student at Brown University, shares his harrowing experience of fleeing a classroom shooting, mistaking gunshots for construction noise and hiding for two hours. He discusses the ensuing anxiety and community fear. Marina Rosenberg, Senior VP at the Anti-Defamation League, addresses the alarming rise in antisemitism linked to the Bondi Beach attack in Australia. She emphasizes the need for a national action plan and cross-community solidarity to combat these challenges.

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.