When planets were officially defined, Pluto was left out in the cold. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium, writes about his role in downgrading the 9th planet and the ensuing controversy in his new book The Pluto Files. Also, imagining a future without the Times; playwright and director Young Jean Lee; and working to end malaria.
WNYC and ProPublica are investigating the economic stimulus plan and you can, too!
Stimulating
Andrea Bernstein and Michael Grabell discuss the results of a joint investigation between WNYC and Pro Publica into the details of the stimulus package, and what New York stands to receive. Then, Congressman Anthony Weiner (D- Brooklyn and Queens), on what he sees in the bill for the ...
New Yorkers and Guns
Kirsten Gillibrand's Senate appointment has revealed some differences between how New York City residents and upstate New Yorkers view guns. Caitlin Kelly, author of Blown Away: American Women and Guns, and Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, talk about the upstate/downstate ...
You've Been Plutoed
Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium and author of The Pluto Files, talks about Pluto's demotion from planetary status -- and why it was so controversial.
Times of Trouble
Michael Hirschorn, an Atlantic contributing editor, asks what comes next if the New York Times’ financial problems led it to cease print publication. The Poynter Institute’s media business analyst Rick Edmonds doesn’t think the financial picture is quite that dire.
On Malaria
Dr. Ambrose Talisuna, Uganda representative for Medicines for Malaria Venture and the former head of epidemiology and surveillance for the Ministry of Health in Uganda, and Sally Ethelston, director of communications and advocacy for the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative, discuss progress toward a malaria vaccine and ...
Identity Politics Play
Playwright and director Young Jean Lee’s take on racial politics “The Shipment” is getting noticed for its unusual take on identity and humor. She’s joined by cast member Mikeah Ernest Jennings.