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'The Muppets' turn 50 Oct 16, 2026

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"The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny," Kiran Desai's 2025 novel, is a sprawling, multi-generational family saga that plays out across four continents in the late 1990s. Desai talks about her epic second novel and the power of solitude.
Then, "The Muppets Show" is turning 50. We speak with Bonnie Erickson, the creator of the Miss Piggy puppet, and Dave Goelz, the only human who has played Gonzo.
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Does Ukraine still trust the U.S.? Oct 15, 2026

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A U.S.-provided Starlink satellite has been a critical tool in Ukraine’s war against Russia. But, Ukrainian drone operator Dmytro Veselov says disruption in that system has caused an "irreversible" breach of Ukraine’s trust in the U.S.
Then, the latest analysis by the Cook Political Report finds more and more House races shifting toward Democrats. Erin Covey, editor with the Cook Political Report, breaks down the potential for Democrats to win control of the House.
And, in the aftermath of a high-profile sexual assault case at Cornell University, the school suspended all fraternity parties through the end of the school year. Nicholas L. Syrett from University of Wisconsin-Madison weighs in on whether fraternities can be reformed.
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Michael Lewis on the ‘Blockers’ who fought DOGE Oct 14, 2026

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The Department of Government Efficiency lasted just a few months in 2025, but its impact will last for years. That's not because it made the government more efficient — it failed to meaningfully reduce federal spending — but because it hollowed out several government agencies and demonized federal workers. A new book tells the story of DOGE through the eyes of career civil servants who fought back. It’s called “Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State,” by Michael Lewis. He speaks to host Scott Tong.
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Where Republicans are spending their energy — and money — before midterms Oct 13, 2026

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Midterm elections are three weeks away, and recent polls show more excitement from Democratic voters than Republicans. The Boston Globe’s James Pindell weighs in on if that matters, what Republicans want from elections and where big donors like Elon Musk are putting their money.
Then, in India, Gen Z protesters are fighting for free and fair elections after more than 130 million people were removed from the country’s voter roll. New Delhi-based reporter Suhasini Raj of the New York Times explains what protesters are demanding and the violent crackdown from the state.
And, Grammy-winning singer and musician Laufey is using her platform to encourage fans to go to their local library and sign up for library cards. She talks about the importance of libraries as a third space and how reading has inspired her songwriting.
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Author Tommy Orange confronts the phenomenon of 'pretendians' Oct 12, 2026

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Cheyenne author Tommy Orange found out that one of his favorite Indigenous writers wasn't actually Indigenous. Then, he interviewed him. Orange shares what he learned and the long history of "pretendians," non-Indigenous people claiming to be Indigenous.
Then, Brian Frange, who calls apples the "greatest fruit to grace the earth," has made it his calling to rank and re-rank at least 100 varieties of the fruit, based on 10 criteria, including density, skin, flesh, crispness, beauty and, of course, taste. Frange joins us to talk about his rankings, the unlikely origins of the apple, and the fact that planting the seeds from any variety of apple will produce a new species, making grafting the only way to produce known apple types.
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Is universal child care working in New Mexico? Oct 09, 2026

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Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller reflects on the state of child care access and affordability in New Mexico, and why he's opening up underused city spaces for child care providers.
Then, three years since Israel’s war in Gaza began, more than 80% of the region’s infrastructure has been damaged, according to the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees. The Middle East Institute’s Jaser AbuMousa explains what it would take to rebuild the region.
And, journalist and Here & Now guest host Celeste Headlee shares more about her book, “Freedom’s Daughters.” In it, she tells the story of her great grandmother, Carrie Still Shepperson, a Black woman who educated and organized former enslaved people and their families following the Civil War.
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Data centers are making noise in American politics Oct 08, 2026

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The construction of data centers in Ohio has become a contentious issue in the Senate race there. The issue at the center of several races across the country this November. Ohio Public Media's Karen Kasler tells us more.
Then, in the Ukrainian frontline town of Oleshky, residents can't get out, and food and medical supplies can't get in. Kyiv Independent reporter Yuliia Taradiuk tells us about the dire humanitarian situation.
And, the trillion-dollar longevity industry has attracted nonprofit hospitals, raising questions about lending scientific authority to controversial practices. STAT's Sarah Todd explains why nonprofits are opening longevity clinics.
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Facebook whistleblower says it's time for AI whistleblowers to speak up Oct 07, 2026

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In 2021, Frances Haugen released tens of thousands of internal Facebook documents showing the company knew its algorithms were promoting extremism and contributing to teen mental health concerns. Her story is now the focus of the upcoming film “The Social Reckoning.” Haugen explains how whistleblowers inside artificial intelligence companies could regulate the technology.
And, 12 B-1 bombers are back in the U.S. after being removed from the UK over security fears. Ret. Navy Adm. Mark Montgomery explains how this will impact the U.S. military's air capability and preparedness.
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What we know about the death of a Russian plague lab worker Oct 06, 2026

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Russian officials have reportedly placed 200 people under medical observation and quarantined the hospital where a 28-year-old lab worker died of a suspected case of plague in Siberia. We learn more about the mysterious illness and the lab it may have originated from with Dr. Ashish Jha. Then, we get the latest on Iowa politics ahead of the midterm elections. Polls show the red state may be leaning blue amid high diesel prices. University of Iowa's Timothy Hagle explains. And, Jake Pearson is a problem gambler, losing thousands of dollars a night betting on sports, and a DraftKings VIP, lavished with special offers for free gambling money. Pearson is also a reporter for ProPublica who says one of the country’s biggest sportsbooks rewarded his recklessness and put profit over protection. He gives an insider's view of what it's like to ride the rollercoaster of problem gambling.
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The case that could make big oil pay for climate change Oct 05, 2026

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The Supreme Court is weighing Boulder, Colorado's lawsuit against oil companies over the effects of climate change. We hear from Colorado rancher Kathleen Kelley and Mesa County commissioner Cody Davis. Then, this term, the Supreme Court is also preparing to take on cases involving immigration and religious pre-schools. Georgetown law professor Stephen Vladeck tells us more. Then, the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was jointly awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel for their work in optogenetics, a field of neuroscience that looks at the activity of individual neurons to link them to specific behaviors. We speak with Deisseroth.
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