Here & Now

Private military contractors have been involved in modern conflicts from the Middle East to Africa. A former military contractor explains how mercenaries are used and what impact they can have on warfare. Also, Germany is looking for ways to stop the rise of far-right extremism. A member of the German Parliament responds.

The former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, is testifying on Capitol Hill Friday as part of the House impeachment inquiry. ABC political director Rick Klein and "Washington Journal" host Jesse Holland discuss. And, Taylor Swift is accusing her former record company of blocking her from performing her old songs at the upcoming American Music Awards. The latest controversy involving the artist is highlighting what can happen when artists don't own the master rights to their songs.

Tobias Menzies takes over the role of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in season three of the Netflix show "The Crown." We talk with him about the news season that premieres this Sunday. Also, there's already some snow on the ground in Vermont, which means the state is gearing up for ski season. Vermont Public Radio's Henry Epp reports that some resorts are offering generous benefits, even for entry-level positions like lift operators and parking attendants.

Here & Now's Jeremy Hobson speaks with Kitty Block, CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, about the current state of the fur industry after Queen Elizabeth II vowed not to wear real fur anymore. Also, the impeachment hearings continue on Thursday with the testimony of former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch. Aaron David Miller, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, joins us to discuss what the hearings might reveal about U.S. foreign policy under President Trump.

In Australia, dozens of fires are burning out of control in New South Wales, the country's most populous state and the conditions have sparked a fresh debate among government leaders about the role of climate change. Also, dairy producer Dean Foods has filed for bankruptcy, citing challenges amid increasing consumer demand for plant-based milk alternatives. Journalist Dom DiFurio of the Dallas Morning News has the latest.