Here & Now Anytime

Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire as the new year begins, and some states are trying to take action. In Georgia, Democrats are pushing for the state to cover the subsidies, but many Republicans there are opposed. Georgia Democratic State Representative Sam Park and Georgia Republican State Senator Ben Watson join us to discuss the state of the debate.And, counting down the last few seconds before the clock strikes midnight is a New Year’s Eve tradition. But did you know it’s a modern phenomenon? Historian Alexis McCrossen explains how it came to be.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The new hit science fiction show “Pluribus” takes place in a world where a hive mind links everyone’s thoughts and actions in the name of collective good. Karolina Wydra plays Zosia and joins us to talk about the show’s popularity and what it says about society.Then, writer-director-producer Rian Johnson and his cousin, composer Nathan Johnson, talk about merging mystery and faith in their newest addition to the “Knives Out” franchise: “Wake Up Dead Man.”Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Next year, the Supreme Court is expected to issue consequential rulings on President Trump's most controversial policies, including his ability to issue tariffs without congressional approval and fire a member of the Federal Reserve. Law professor Barbara McQuade explains more.Then, the Trump administration is suing 21 states and Washington, D.C., to hand over detailed voter data, citing efforts to ensure election security. Loyola Law School professor Justin Levitt details the implications.And, we catalogue NPR staff recommendations from their annual “Books We Love” list, which, this year, contains mainly fiction picks.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

"Cocktails Illustrated" is America's Test Kitchen's inclusive guide to cocktails and mocktails. More than 400 recipes are packed into the book, which also serves to educate on the science and history of the world of mixed drinks. Joe Gitter, senior editor on ATK's books team, contributed many of the recipes in the book. Gitter joins host Indira Lakshmanan for his recommendations and advice on all things cocktail.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

There has been a 19% drop in the number of international students arriving in the U.S. compared to last year, according to government data. Education journalist Kavitha Cardoza talks about the impact of the Trump administration on international students. Then, Esther Phillips was a hugely popular teenage R&B singer who, in 1962, recorded the top-10 hit "Release Me." That success would lead to the album "The Country Side of Esther Phillips." But the record fell into obscurity. Journalist Michael Hall talks about Phillips’ legacy. And, this Sunday marks 50 years since the original iconic Hail Mary football play. Hall of Fame receiver Drew Pearson relives the moment.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy