2011 April | Here & Now

President Barack Obama traveled to Alabama to get a firsthand look at the devastation caused by this week’s tornadoes. We get an update on the recovery and speak to an E.R. doctor in one of the worst hit towns, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

From Halo to the Byrds and more.

The late Pope John Paul II this weekend will be beatified, which is the first step to sainthood. It is the quickest beatification in history, and some critics are wondering why the Church is moving so fast, given his handling of the child sex abuse scandal.

The world watched today as Prince William and Kate Middleton exchanged their wedding vows at Westminster Abbey in London. How did the dress go over? Why was the kiss so short? We get the latest from the BBC.

The space shuttle Endeavour is expected to launch on its final mission in coming days, after the take-off was delayed Friday. We speak with Ken Cockrell, who flew five shuttle missions.

Literary great, the late William Styron, drew widespread fame for his works, including “Sophie’s Choice.” Now, nearly five years after his death, his daughter, Alexandra, writes about the bouts of depression that afflicted Styron and affected his entire family. Read an excerpt of the book.

Hear Robin’s Princess Diaries impersonation! (along with what’s on today’s show)

From Judy Garland to Soliman Gamil and more.

We take a few minutes to hear from listeners after our segment on North American dialects, and our recent tribute to Judy Garland’s iconic 1961 Carnegie Hall Concert.

Huge protests brought down Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak earlier this year. One writer explains why he believes the demonstrations may have roots in Egypt’s literature.

The death toll has topped 200, after a series of tornadoes swept across five southern states. More than 120 people were killed in Alabama alone. The city of Tuscaloosa was especially hard hit, with more than a dozen fatalities. Learn how you can help and watch video from the storms.

Billionaire Republican Donald Trump made his first appearance in New Hampshire this week, responding to questions that he inflamed the “birther debate” on the day Pres. Obama’s long-form birth certificate was released.

American car companies are facing competition from China this week, due to dueling car shows: one in New York City, the other in Shanghai. Some companies have even opted to debut new models in China.

The British are just mad about hats. From tiaras to “fascinators,” we look at some of the headgear that is sure to be on full display tomorrow for the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

We touch down in the South after devastating storms killed more than 120. Also, a look at the car shows in New York and Shanghai, the first since the Japanese earthquake.

Tell us what you’re paying at the pump and whether you’re making sacrifices as a result.

As cities across the country wrestle with budget deficits, Boston is asking a number of tax-exempt nonprofits to increase the voluntary payments some make in lieu of taxes in an effort to bring in millions in revenue.

Republicans visiting their home states are facing constituents angry over GOP budget plans and Medicare cuts. Republican Paul Ryan faced booing last week, and on Tuesday Republican Daniel Webster was forced to defend his stance on the budget.

A sure sign of spring in the eastern U.S. are wild spring leeks, also known as ramps. H&N resident chef Kathy Gunst takes us on a foraging expedition, and shares recipes.

Americans love pets, we spend over $45 billion a year on them. But at the same time, the Humane Society’s Wayne Pacelle says we put up with the animal abuse that happens at factory farms and puppy mills. Read an excerpt from his new book.