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'Imagine: Reflections On Peace' Book; Amazon Destruction

How does a country that's suffered searing conflict — such as Rwanda, Cambodia and Northern Ireland — survive? That's the inspiration behind the VII Foundation's multimedia project called "Imagine: Reflections on Peace." We speak with two of the authors. Also, Amazon rainforest deforestation is at a 12-year high, according to Brazilian satellite imagery. Moira Birss of Amazon Watch explains how banks and other U.S. financial institutions make this destruction possible.

'The Mandalorian' Set Designer; FDA Panel Endorses Moderna Vaccine

"The Mandalorian" season two has taken viewers all over the galaxy. Production designer Andrew L. Jones talks about crafting the show's distant sets. And, a panel of advisors to the FDA voted to recommend that Moderna's vaccine be approved. The agency is expected to act on that as soon as Friday. Walter Orenstein, who is advising Moderna and a participant in the company's vaccine trial, joins us.

Acts Of Kindness; Oklahoma Teachers And The Vaccine

As restrictions on social gatherings tighten and many people are asked to shelter-in-place to slow the spread of the coronavirus, it is easy to get caught up in the bad news these days. But amid the pandemic, people are participating in random acts of kindness. Also, Catherine Sweeney of StateImpact Oklahoma discusses the state's possible move to prioritize vaccinating teachers.

Forest Whitaker In 'Jingle Jangle'; The Legacy Of Sen. Joseph McCarthy

Actor Forest Whitaker talks about his role in the Netflix musical "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey." And, author Larry Tye writes about former Sen. Joseph McCarthy in his new book, "Demagogue: The Life and Long Shadow of Senator Joe McCarthy." Tye speaks about what McCarthy's legacy can tell us about politics today.

How Santas Are Reimagining Christmas; The Death Penalty In 2020

Executions and death sentences reached historic lows this year, a trend that was on pace even before COVID-19 brought most trials and executions to a halt. We speak with the director of the Death Penalty Information Center, which just released its annual report. And, even people who portray Santa are finding creative ways to connect with others safely during the pandemic. Tom Carmody, a Santa in Colorado, joins us.

Ijeoma Oluo's New Book; Food Gifts To Make Or Buy

Author Ijeoma Oluo's new book, "Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America," is tackling the issue of white supremacy. She joins us to discuss. Also, chef Kathy Gunst says making food gifts from your own kitchen is one of the most meaningful presents you can give. She shares her favorite recipes and gifts to give this holiday season.

Yo-Yo Ma's 'Songs Of Comfort And Hope'; Pandemic Philanthropy

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma talks about "Songs of Comfort and Hope," the new album he's recorded with British pianist Kathryn Stott. And, for many philanthropic organizations like The Kresge Foundation, the challenge presented by the coronavirus means shifting strategies and priorities. CEO Rip Rapson joins us to discuss the need for federal aid.

Baltimore's New Progressive Mayor; Minimum Wage Debate

Newly inaugurated Mayor Brandon Scott must lead Baltimore, a city already beset by twin epidemics of gun violence and drugs, during the pandemic. He discusses his progressive approach. Also, business groups say increasing minimum wages during the pandemic could be the nail in the coffin for many companies, especially smaller ones, and they're lobbying lawmakers to delay the hourly wage hikes. Many economists, however, say workers need more pay to make it through the crisis.

The Future Of Malls; Cable News After Trump Era

Mark Cohen, director of retail studies at Columbia Business School, says "super-regional malls," with multiple levels and anchor stores, are likely to "continue to be successful" but lesser malls are in "tremendous jeopardy" due to changing shopping habits. Also, as NPR media correspondent David Folkenflik explains, recent changes inside cable news networks could define how the media covers the presidency and politics in the post-Trump era.

Global Access To COVID-19 Vaccine; Cleveland To Rename Baseball Team

As vaccine candidates roll out across the West, poorer countries are being left behind. Thomas Bollyky, director of the global health program at the Council on Foreign Relations, talks about this emerging crisis. And, Cleveland's MLB team is going to drop its name. Native American groups have long said the team name is racist and demeaning. Sundance, the executive director of the Cleveland American Indian Movement, joins us.

Lab-Grown Chicken Meat; Natalia Lafourcade's Fundraising Album

Singapore recently gave regulatory approval to a U.S.-based start-up behind chicken meat that does not come from slaughtered animals but is instead cultured in a laboratory. We speak with the CEO of Eat Just. Also, singer-songwriter Natalia Lafourcade discusses her album "Un Canto Por Mexico." All album proceeds benefit the reconstruction of a vital cultural center in Mexico.

Holiday Traditions During The Pandemic; Small Town Lake Monster

During the pandemic, people are changing the way they celebrate old and new holiday traditions. We talk with two professors about what it's like to observe traditions and rituals during this time. And, Port Henry in New York is home to 1,200 residents and one local lake monster named Champ. Some residents are banking that Champ could help jumpstart their economy.

Former FDA Commissioner On Pfizer Vaccine; 'Black Futures' Editors

Former Food and Drug Administration commissioner Mark McClellan says he would take Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine, which is up for emergency use authorization Thursday before an FDA advisory panel. And, Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham, the editors of "Black Futures," talk about what it means to be Black and alive right now and creating an archive of this current moment.

'A Christmas Carol' Goes Virtual; Hotline Supports Doctors In Crisis

With the pandemic shutting down theaters, productions of "A Christmas Carol" are going virtual. We speak with the directors of three productions. And, Philadelphia psychiatrist Mona Masood anticipated how doctors would be affected by the pandemic way back in March and started the psychiatrist-staffed Physician Support Line. She joins us with a hotline volunteer psychiatrist to talk about the work they're doing.

Best Cookbooks Of 2020; 'Farewell Amor' Star Jayme Lawson

Resident chef Kathy Gunst shares her top five favorite cookbooks of the year. Also, we speak with actor Jayme Lawson about her new film "Farewell Amor" and how she was able to find success so early in her career.

The Case For Sustainable Cities; Time Magazine's 'Kid Of The Year'

Architect Vishaan Chakrabarti has long pushed for more people to live in well-designed, dense cities. He joins us to make the case for cities as the future to save the planet. And, 15-year-old scientist Gitanjali Rao joins us to discuss being named Time Magazine's first "Kid of the Year."

Anti-Vaccine Movement Grows; Pandemic Dating Dilemma

Experts agree a COVID-19 vaccine is our best shot at ending the pandemic. But as the virus spreads, so does the anti-vaccine movement, fueled by those who believe misinformation and conspiracies about vaccines. Renee DiResta, an expert on the anti-vaccine movement, explains. Also, as winter approaches, many single people are looking for love. WAMU's Rachel Kurzius describes what the search for a significant other looks like during the pandemic.

How Biden Can Tackle Plastic Waste; Ancient Cliff Art In The Amazon

Archaeologists have made a spectacular discovery deep in the Amazon jungle: tens of thousands of paintings strewn across eight miles of cliff faces that date back to the last Ice Age. We talk with a researcher about "the Sistine Chapel of the ancients." And, Beyond Plastics President Judith Enck joins us to outline what steps President-elect Joe Biden can take to curb plastic pollution.

Student Loan Debt Relief Extension; Vets And COVID-19 Vaccine Trials

Millions of federal student-loan borrowers are off the hook until at least February. The Department of Education has extended the payment pause that was set to expire at the end of this year. Also, dozens of hospitals under the Department of Veterans Affairs are calling on veterans to volunteer in the vaccine trials that their hospitals are involved in. WUSF's Stephanie Colombini explains how one study at the Tampa VA in Florida is progressing.

Gazing At The December Night Sky; COVID-19 Holiday Surge

It's been nearly 400 years since Jupiter and Saturn were as close together as they will be during this year's winter solstice on Dec. 21. And the Great Conjunction is just one of the astronomical shows visible in the month of December, astronomer Dean Regas says. And, the U.S. is consistently logging more than 200,000 new cases of coronavirus each day as the pandemic continues to surge across the country. Dr. Tom Inglesby joins us

Rural Health Care And COVID-19; Holiday Books

Rural health care is complicated by small, isolated communities, limited resources and social stigmas around getting treatment. The pandemic has put these struggles in stark relief. Joey Traywick, a nurse with St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, Montana, talks about his experiences. Also, Petra Mayer of NPR Books discusses book sales during the pandemic as well as a few of her favorite reads for the holiday season.

US Coin Shortage; COVID-19 Outbreak At Mink Farms

Earlier this year, the pandemic spurred a shortage of coins in the U.S. While more coins are slowing rolling through the economy again, the shortage highlighted the broader implications of moving away from physical currency. Jay Zagorsky, professor at Boston University, explains. Also, the impact of COVID-19 outbreaks at U.S. mink farms could be devasting. In Denmark, the government recently ordered the culling of millions of COVID-infected mink. WUWM's Chuck Quirmbach reports.

'Half Brothers' Star Luis Gerardo Méndez; Tegu Lizards Invade The South

"Half Brothers" star Luis Gerardo Méndez joins us to talk about the need for more authentic portrayals of Mexicans in film. The new movie tells the story of a Mexican aviation executive who learns he has a half-brother in America. And, lizards that can grow up to 4 feet long are invading the American South. The Argentine black-and-white tegu first appeared in the Florida Everglades nearly a decade ago, but now are being seen in Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.

Detecting COVID-19 Through Sound; Climate Change And Auto Fuel Standards

Some scientists say they can narrow down who should be tested for COVID-19 by using sounds hidden in human vocal cords. Brett Dahlberg with IEEE Spectrum reports. Also, the Biden administration plans to tackle climate change, and it has the support of businesses to take swift action. Last week General Motors dropped its support of the Trump administration's legal fight against California's strict fuel-efficiency standards, indicating that it's eager to work with Biden.

Long-Term Effects Of Evictions; Ski Season And The Pandemic

The federal government's moratorium on evictions expires at the end of the year. In some states, including Georgia, evictions can have long-lasting consequences for tenants. WABE's Stephannie Stokes reports. Also, ski season is underway, and it's bumping up against spikes in COVID-19 cases across the country. Resorts have put safety protocols in place, but will they be enough? Colorado Public Radio's Sarah Mulholland has the story.

COVID-19 Survivor Shows Gratitude; Arecibo Telescope Collapses

After being put on a ventilator while fighting COVID-19, Jeff Gerson launched a project to find the more than 134 hospital workers who attended to him. Gerson joins us to tell his story. And, the Arecibo telescope — a platform of radio receivers suspended over a massive dish — collapsed on Tuesday in Puerto Rico. We talk with Alyssa Goodman, astronomy professor at Harvard University.

Mysterious Obelisk In Utah Disappears; World AIDS Day

A week after its discovery, a mysterious 9-foot steel obelisk in the Utah wilderness has disappeared. No one knows who removed the object. Zak Podmore of The Salt Lake Tribune reports. Also, nearly 40 years after HIV/AIDS was first detected, more than 30 million have died. One of the co-founders of activist group ACT UP reflects on what progress has been made since the 1980s.

'Saint Maker' Author; Restaurant Tests For COVID-19 Upon Entering

Father Emil Kapaun died in a prisoner of war camp during the Korean War but not before saving the lives of countless fellow prisoners. A new book, "The Saint Makers" by Joe Drape, tells Kapaun's story and also details the campaign to make him a saint. Drape joins us. And, one New York City restaurant is testing employees and guests before they're allowed into the dining room. We talk with CEO of City Winery NYC, Michael Dorf.

Democrats Make History In The Southwest; At-Home COVID-19 Tests

Democrats made history in the Southwest in the 2020 election. We speak with two politics professors about the signs that perhaps that the Sun Belt may be just as important as the Rust Belt in future elections. And, epidemiologist Michael Mina says at-home tests could be one of the country's most effective tools against COVID-19. He joins us to explain how at-home tests could stop the pandemic by Christmas.

Nevada Coroner Worried About Morgue Capacity; Historic Hurricane Season

As surges in COVID-19 cases strain hospital capacity across the U.S., morgue capacity is also a growing concern for the coroner of Washoe County, Nevada. Dr. Laura Knight has been preparing for a scenario where she could run out of space in the weeks ahead. Also, a record-breaking hurricane season ends on Monday. We review the historic weather with meteorologist Jeff Huffman.

Holocaust Education Requirements; Police Disability Training

The Arizona Board of Education has made it a requirement that middle and high school students learn about the Holocaust and other genocides. Kim Klett, an English teacher at Dobson High School in Mesa, Arizona, joins us. And, the sheriff's department in Ellis County, Texas, is expanding disability and mental health training, after an incident in 2018 where a disabled man was hospitalized following his arrest. KERA's Bekah Morr has this story.

Thanksgiving Leftover Ideas; Detecting COVID-19 Through Sound

Though the Thanksgiving meal might have been smaller this year, there may still be leftovers. Chef Kathy Gunst shares some of her leftover ideas. Also, a COVID-19 surge is putting pressure on testing supplies. Now, some scientists think they might have found a way to relieve that pressure. They say they can narrow down who should be tested by using sounds hidden in human vocal cords. IEEE Spectrum's Brett Dahlberg reports.

Pandemic Effects Charitable Giving; COVID-19 And Native Americans

Chances are you didn't run your annual turkey trot this year. While some races went virtual, asking participants to run on their own and send a donation, others canceled altogether. So what does that mean for charity dollars during the giving season? Stacy Palmer of the Chronicle of Philanthropy explains the challenges. Also, Native Americans are among the hardest hit by COVID-19. We get an update on the situation.

Annual Trip To See The Snow Geese; Covering The Middle East

As we do every Thanksgiving, we'll take a visit to see the snow geese in Vermont with host Robin Young and her late uncle Lachlan Maclachlan Field. And, Jane Arraf has covered Egypt, Iraq, and other parts of the Middle East for NPR News for the past four years. Before she leaves NPR for her next chapter at the New York Times, she joins us to talk about this region she knows so well and the stories she's done for public radio.

National Day Of Mourning; Yuma Homeless Shelter Thanksgiving Meal

For Native peoples, Thanksgiving is not a day to rejoice. It's a day of mourning. We talk to the granddaughter of one of the founders of the National Day of Mourning, which is honored every Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Also, we visit Crossroads Mission, a homeless shelter in Yuma, Arizona, ahead of their yearly Thanksgiving meal, which due to the pandemic is a lot smaller and less social.

Grasping At Gratitude In 2020; Limiting Kids' Screen Time

Many people have lost loved ones in 2020. Family members and friends are choosing to stay apart this Thanksgiving to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Two interfaith leaders in Oklahoma have some thoughts on giving thanks this holiday season. And, now that virtual learning has become the new norm, parents are struggling to limit screen time for kids. We talk with a mom of three and get some nuanced guidance.

'Ready Player Two' Author; Biden's Cabinet Nominations

Author Ernest Cline talks about "Ready Player Two," his sequel to the best selling "Ready Player One." The first book became a hit film directed by Steven Spielberg. And, NPR's Domenico Montanaro joins us to discuss the history-making names that President-elect Joe Biden is floating for his cabinet and what their selection means for governance and his administration.

Supply Chains And The Pandemic; A Funeral Director's View Of COVID-19

Harvard University professor Willy Shih says while we may see some brief, local shortages of items this winter, stores have learned a lot about making their supply chains more resilient this past year. Also, COVID-19 deaths continue to spike in El Paso, Texas. Jorge Ortiz sees this devastation up close as a funeral manager. These days, his job includes figuring out where to store so many bodies and how to hold drive-through funerals. KERA's Mallory Falk has the story.

Hyperloop's First Human Riders; SUNY Chancellor On Thanksgiving Travel

Virgin Hyperloop is the first company to conduct a test of its new hyperloop technology with human passengers. Sara Luchian was one of the two passengers on the first test ride earlier this month. And, the surging coronavirus pandemic has complicated the annual college student exodus for Thanksgiving. At The State University of New York system, known as SUNY, all students will be required to provide proof of negative test results before they're allowed to leave. Jim Malatras, chancellor of the SUNY system, joins us.

Zoom Accessibility; Causes Of Student Loan Debt

Zoom has been the clear favorite to connect people during the pandemic. Hearing health advocates, however, say it hasn't connected everyone. One advocate explains her efforts to get Zoom's closed captioning out from behind a paywall. Also, the incoming Biden administration has signaled that it is willing to consider some form of student loan debt forgiveness, but critics worry it will not address the root causes. Kevin Carey of the New America's Education Policy discusses what is driving debt growth.

Arizona Farmworkers And COVID-19; Coronavirus At-Home Tests

As the busy winter lettuce season hits full swing in Yuma, Arizona, migrant workers and farmers are trying to avoid a COVID-19 outbreak. We visit the border region, where 90% of the country's winter lettuce crop is grown. Also, the Food and Drug Administration greenlighted a new at-home coronavirus test. The prescription-only kit will cost under $50. Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Gary Procop explains.

Criminalizing Protests; What Climate Activists Want From Biden

Civil rights lawyer Nora Benavidez joins us to discuss a growing number of states where lawmakers are passing or proposing laws to criminalize protest activity. And, climate activists have asked the incoming Biden administration not to hire anyone with ties to the oil and gas industries. Already they've been disappointed by his hiring of Rep. Cedric Richmond. Varshini Prakash, executive director of the Sunrise Movement, joins us.

Stephen Miller's Rise To Power; Michael J. Fox Memoir

Investigative reporter and author Jean Guerrero talks about Trump adviser Stephen Miller's rise to power and the lasting legacy of the controversial immigration policies he shaped. And, Michael J. Fox joins us to discuss his new book "No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality."

The Future Of Trump's Border Wall; Rockefeller Christmas Tree Owl

Host Peter O'Dowd went to Yuma, Arizona, to see what two local elected officials think should happen to President Trump's border wall after he leaves office. He speaks with Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls and the Vice Mayor of San Luis, Arizona, Matias Rosales. And, a worker helping set up the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree found a tiny owl on Monday hidden inside the 75-foot tall Norway spruce. Ellen Kalish of the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center talks about caring for the owl and her plans to release him this weekend.

California Restaurant Owner; Foster Parents Look To Unionize

California is now floating the idea of implementing a curfew to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Many businesses have had to scale back operations, including restaurants, which are no longer allowed to offer indoor dining. We speak with one owner about the impact on his restaurants. And, foster parents had a difficult job before the pandemic. Now, the added work of home schooling, visitation and personal protective equipment has propelled an effort by some Massachusetts foster parents to try to form a union to help.

Cooking A Smaller Thanksgiving; COVID-19 Double Lung Transplant

COVID-19 has caused home cooks in many households to scale down their Thanksgiving feasts. Resident chef Kathy Gunst joins us with recipes and suggestions. And, with no pre-existing conditions, Thomas Steele anticipated a speedy recovery from COVID-19. But after less than a week, he found himself gasping for air with plunging oxygen levels. We speak with Steele and the surgeon who performed a double lung transplant that saved his life.

NATO Warning On U.S. Troop Drawdown; Democracy Vs. Republic

Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Retired Adm. James Stavridis, joins us to discuss the impact of President Trump's planned troop drawdown in Afghanistan and Iraq. And, some on the right are arguing that the U.S. is a republic, rather than a democracy. We get to the bottom of what's true with political science professor George Thomas.

USPS Workers Rally For Aid; US Chamber Of Commerce's COVID-19 Message

U.S. Postal Service workers are uniting for a national day of action Tuesday in cities throughout the country to call for more support from Congress. Lori Cash, a sales and distribution clerk at the local post office in Lancaster, New York, talks about worker morale. And, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is stressing the importance of following the science to beat the coronavirus pandemic and therefore reopening businesses and helping the economy. President Suzanne Clark joins us.

LA District Attorney-Elect George Gascón; Kentucky, Massachusetts Political Divide

Los Angeles County's newly elected District Attorney George Gascón joins us to discuss his progressive agenda and how he plans to work with both law enforcement and the criminal justice activists that supported his campaign. And two years ago, we brought you a conversation between liberals from western Massachusetts and conservatives in Kentucky. Host Robin Young checks in with them again to find out how they're managing to stay connected in divisive times.

Seasonal Affective Disorder Hits Harder; Flu Season Begins

As the hours of daytime grow shorter and winter approaches, many Americans will feel the onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Characterized by lethargy, sadness and loneliness, SAD affects about 5% of U.S. adults. A clinical health psychologist explains SAD's impact. Also, flu season has begun. Connecticut Public Radio's Nicole Leonard spoke with health experts about how they're approaching the flu differently during a pandemic.

'Scattering CJ' Documentary; DACA Recipient's Expectations For Biden

CJ Twomey's suicide is the subject of a documentary from Spark Media, called "Scattering CJ." His mother, Hallie Twomey, talks about her son's death and scattering his ashes in more than 1,000 places around the globe. And, President-elect Joe Biden has promised to extend the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. DACA recipient Reyna Montoya reacts to his victory.

The Future Of The Republican Party; Climate Change Reporters

Lincoln Project member Stuart Stevens says the Republican Party is doomed in its current form as the "party of white grievance" as demographic trends continue to make the country less white and therefore less Republican. He talks about the future of the GOP following Trump's loss. And, President-elect Joe Biden has vowed to make climate change a priority. We speak with climate change reporters from around the country about what Biden faces.

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