Lonelier By Design: The Quiet Decline Of Community Spaces

Are you familiar with the term, ‘third place’? These are the local cafes, diners, public parks, park district centers and other places that foster connection and feel accessible and welcoming. Many of us take these areas, and the benefit they bring, for granted. Yet, for many, especially senior citizens and low-income individuals, these spots are a lifeline. Sadly, these places are disappearing across the country as prices rise and people shift their habits. We cover the importance of these hubs […]

August 18, 2025

Viewpoints

Culture Crash: From Kurosawa Remakes To Stephen King Revivals: The Fall Film Lineup

Welcome to Culture Crash, where we examine American culture – what’s new and old in entertainment… Now that we’re into the dog days of summer, the fall movie slate is taking shape. The blockbusters or would-be blockbusters are largely behind us, and fall film festival season is taking over the movie landscape. And there’s great news on that front: the rest of 2025 is loaded with exciting movies from talented filmmakers. For example, on August 22, film lovers can see […]

August 13, 2025

Viewpoints

Viewpoints Explained: Why It’s Getting Harder To Just Hang Out

This is Viewpoints Explained… Not every place we spend time in is about productivity or privacy. These places, the ones tucked between home and work, are what sociologists refer to as a “third space.” They’re the libraries, parks, community centers and other free or low-cost places where people show up to get out of the house and feel more connected. But over the last several years, these spots have been dwindling. Many public libraries and recreations centers have been forced […]

August 13, 2025

Viewpoints

From Soft Power To Silence: The Collapse Of USAID

After more than 60 years of global humanitarian work, the U.S. Agency for International Development has been quietly dismantled, leaving a massive void in aid efforts around the world. This week, we explore what led to the closure, the political forces behind it and why experts warn the ripple effects both at home and abroad could be devastating. Guest Information: George Ingram, senior fellow, global economy and development, Brookings Institution & former deputy assistant administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development […]

August 10, 2025

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Flash Floods: How To Recognize, React And Survive

Last month’s catastrophic flood in Texas killed over 130 people – a tragedy that experts say could have been prevented with improved physical warning systems and regulated land use. We break down the underestimated danger of flash flooding and what you need to know to survive if you’re ever caught in rising water. Guest Information: Creek Stewart, disaster & emergency preparedness instructor. Links for more info: NSSL-NOAA: Severe Weather 101 Creek Stewart Survival Instagram: @creekstewart FEMA: Flood Maps FEMA: Wireless […]

August 10, 2025

Viewpoints

Culture Crash: Why “Succession” Will Always Be A Great Rewatch

Welcome to Culture Crash, where we examine American culture – what’s new and old in entertainment… Succession is sort of like This Is Us meets Oliver Stone’s Wall Street, as it tells the story of the Roy family and the family’s media conglomerate. The show centers on the family’s plans for leadership of its company as the father, and the company’s founder, CEO and Chairman Logan, turns 80 years old. What begins as an easy-to-follow plan of succession, under which son Kendall would take […]

August 6, 2025

Viewpoints

Viewpoints Explained: Ancient Genes, Modern Labs: The Quest To Revive These Species

This is Viewpoints Explained… What ancient creature would you bring back from extinction if you had the chance? A woolly mammoth? Maybe a t-rex? A company called colossal biosciences is trying to make this a reality, but they’re starting small. Meet Romulus, Remus, And Khaleesi—three newborn wolf pups with a twist: they carry genes from the long-extinct dire wolf. If you watched game of thrones, it’s those same dire wolves that the northern family, the Starks, kept as pets. To […]

August 6, 2025

Viewpoints

Strings Attached: The Inequities Still Shaping Classical Music Today

Despite big efforts in recent years to boost diversity in classical music, the genre is still exceedingly difficult to break into. According to an industry wide study conducted last year by the League of American Orchestras, African Americans made up just 2 percent of professional orchestras nationwide. Violinist and educator Brendan Slocumb and activist Afa Dworkin discuss what’s holding the industry back and how improved early access music programs in public schools are vital to creating opportunity for historically excluded […]

August 3, 2025

Viewpoints

The Living Night: Uncovering Nature’s Hidden Third Shift

While towns and cities sleep, a bustling animal world emerges. This week – we explore the hidden nighttime lives of urban wildlife – from foxes in Berlin to possums in American backyards – and cover why it’s essential to appreciate and protect these often-unseen creatures that we share our world with. Guest Information: Sophia Kimmig, researcher, Leibniz Institute, author, Living Night: On the Secret Wonders of Wildlife After Dark. Links for more info: Instagram: @sophiadiebiologin Amazon: Living Night: On the […]

August 3, 2025