Daily Schedule

For the last few years we’ve been told to steer clear of plastics that contain the chemical Bisphenol A. On today’s show: we’ll tell you why you should be concerned about BPA-free plastics as well. Annabelle Gurwitch on the perils and pitfalls that come with approaching 50. We’ll take a look at how changes in our economy, family structure, gender norms, technology, and religious affiliations are creating major demographic shifts in our country. Galadrielle Allman talks about how the death of her father Duane when she was just 2 years old, shaped her life.

Your morning companion from NPR and the WNYC Newsroom, with world news, local features, and weather updates.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a major fraternity, has announced that it will ban pledging. We’ll hear why and what it means for Greek life in area campuses. Plus: New York City Public Advocate Letitia James explains why she has brought a lawsuit against the co-location of charter schools with existing district schools. Then, Ami Ayalon, former commander of the Israeli Navy, talks about why he supports a two-state solution; the findings of a Center for an Urban Future report on aging infrastructure in our area; and how a student’s GPA compares to their SAT score when applying to college.

The Peabody Award-winning program features Terry Gross’ fearless and insightful interviews with big names in pop culture, politics and the arts.

A wrap-up of the day’s news, with features and interviews about the latest developments in New York City and around the world, from NPR and the WNYC newsroom.

A wrap-up of the day’s news, with features and interviews about the latest developments in New York City and around the world, from NPR and the WNYC newsroom.

In this episode: As a franchise player for Murder Inc. Records in the early 2000s, R&B singer Ashanti was the voice behind Top 10 hits like "What's Luv" and "Always on Time." Now independent, she just released her first solo album in more than five years. She talks about her new songs, growing up on "Strong Island" and her upcoming gig at Manny Pacquiao’s next fight.

Then: Ralph Ellison, author of the acclaimed novel Invisible Man, left behind a huge record collection after his death in 1994. Now, the collection is on display at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Artistic director Loren Schoenberg talks about what we can glean about the man from his LPs.

And: British trio Bear’s Den built up a cult following for their three-part harmonies and their DIY approach - right down to hand-stamped CDs. They play an acoustic set in the Soundcheck studio.

Hear ensemble music led by the sounds of wind instruments like clarinet, saxophone, and bass clarinet, along with a little bit of brassy-ness from trumpets and trompbones.  There’s music from England by the jazz-rock-electronica quartet Get the Blessing, from their recent release, “Lope and Antilope.”  Portishead fans take note, the bass player and drummer are Jim Barr and Clive Deamer, respectively. (Fun Fact: since 2012, Deamer has been Radiohead's second live drummer.) Also, hear a soaring saxophone in a piece from the Portico Quartet, whose rhythm section includes the hang. Then, listen to music featuring bass clarinet by Parisian-born Brooklyn-based composer Daniel Wohl as well as an arrangement for trumpets and trombone of music by Wayne Horvitz.