Washington Post Live’s “First Look” offers a smart, inside take on the day’s politics. Jonathan Capehart will host a reporter debrief with Washington Post White House reporter Seung Min Kim followed by a roundtable discussion with Washington Post deputy editorial page editor Ruth Marcus and opinions columnist Megan McArdle. Tune in for news and analysis you can’t get anywhere else on Friday, March 5 at 9:00am ET.

America is coming through a financial crisis many say is worse than the 2007-2008 recession. On Friday, March 5 at 12:00pm ET, Washington Post Live will hear from one of the men who helped guide the United States through that most recent economic crash. Neel Kashkari, the president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, will discuss with Washington Post economics correspondent Heather Long his views on the long-term outlook for America’s economic recovery, his belief that quality public education is a fundamental right, and the critical role his running of the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) played in the United States weathering the crash of 2007-2008.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Asian Americans have experienced a sharp increase in racist verbal abuse and physical attacks. From the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, to the World War II internment of Japanese residents, to the 1982 killing of Chinese American Vincent Chin, anti-Asian racism has taken different forms over the course of our history. On Monday, March 8 at 3:00pm ET, national reporter Michelle Ye Hee Lee speaks with author and historian Erika Lee, together with author and activist Helen Zia, about how the past can help inform our understanding of where we are today.

Several animal populations are in danger of extinction. The impact reaches far beyond the potential loss of iconic species like tigers, rhinos, and whales. Animal extinction contributes to the undoing of our planet's sustainability, the balance of biodiversity that affects every living being on Earth. Washington Post Live will share the stories and perspectives of individuals working to protect the lives of endangered animals around the world. We will bring together scientists, conservationists, and wildlife activists who are championing new proposals for protecting the health of our living planet, combating deforestation, and tackling continuing harmful wildlife trades. Join us on Tuesday, March 9 at 10:00am ET.

Asian Americans have been increasingly targeted in verbal and physical attacks during the coronavirus pandemic. A spate of recent assaults against seniors, including one that resulted in the death of an 84-year-old Thai man, has renewed national attention around the issue. On Wednesday, March 3 at 2:00pm ET, national reporter Michelle Ye Hee Lee speaks with actors and producers Daniel Dae Kim and Daniel Wu, about the growing fears in the community, calls for action and their own advocacy.

Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine will be a critical option for patients around the world and is the only vaccine candidate with a one-shot regimen. The new Johnson & Johnson vaccine can also be kept in a standard refrigerator, making it easier to store and administer. The Food and Drug Administration says the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has met the requirements for emergency use authorization, and several million doses could be shipped very soon to states, pharmacies and other sites, with supply ramping up quickly in April. Washington Post columnist David Ignatius interviews Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky on Wednesday, March 3 at 9:30am.

Vaccines are proving effective in helping slow COVID-19 in New Mexico, offering the state a low-risk status that could allow bars, restaurants and other businesses to soon reopen. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) joins Washington Post Live to discuss the strategy behind how her state has administered the highest percentage of COVID-19 vaccines in the nation. She’ll also lay out her new vaccine equity program and offer her perspective on what states need from Washington on COVID-19 relief. Join the conversation on Tuesday, March 2 at 2:00pm ET.

Few sectors have felt the impact of the pandemic more than the restaurant industry. The National Restaurant Association estimates a loss of $240 billion in sales and 2.5 million jobs during 2020. Untold numbers of restaurants have shuttered permanently, and the long-term costs for industry remain to be seen. CEO and chairman of Union Square Hospitality Group, also founder of Shake Shack, Danny Meyer, joins Washington Post Live on Tuesday, March 2 at 11:30am ET to discuss what the restaurant industry needs to make it through the remainder of the pandemic.

“NASRIN” is a powerful new documentary by filmmaker Jeff Kaufman about imprisoned human rights activist, Nasrin Sotoudeh, often called “Iran’s Nelson Mandela.” Washington Post Live will welcome Kaufman, CNN international anchor Christiane Amanpour and Washington Post journalist and executive producer of the film, Jason Rezaian, for a rare conversation you won’t see anywhere else about Sotoudeh and Iran’s women’s rights movement. Join the discussion on Monday, March 1 at 3:30pm ET.

When Jeff Immelt retired as CEO of General Electric in 2017, his tumultuous tenure as leader of the company was legendary. Immelt reflects on his 35 years at GE and aims to tell the full story of his last 16 years he spent as CEO in his new book, “Hot Seat: What I Learned Leading a Great American Company.” Washington Post columnist David Ignatius will discuss with Immelt the challenges of leading during a crisis, globalization and China’s increasing influence, as well as the importance of innovation and perseverance. Join Washington Post Live on Monday, March 1 at 12:00pm ET.

Mae Jemison made history as the first woman of color in the world to go to space on Sept. 12, 1992, aboard the space shuttle Endeavour, which carried her and six other astronauts on 126 orbits around the Earth. A physician, engineer, educator, social scientist and entrepreneur, Jemison has led an inspiring life of breaking barriers and continually “testing limits” for herself and others. A Cornell-educated physician who served in the Peace Corps in Africa, Jemison is a member of the National Women’s Hall of Fame and currently leads the 100 Year Starship global initiative. Join Washington Post opinions writer Jonathan Capehart for this important conversation on Washington Post Live on Monday, March 1 at 9:30am ET.

Robert M. Gates ran the Central Intelligence Agency for former president George H.W. Bush, and the Pentagon for both presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. On Friday, Feb. 26 at 2:00pm ET, Gates joins Washington Post columnist David Ignatius to discuss the pressing foreign policy priorities for the Biden administration, including the relationships with Russia, China and Iran.

In December, New Jersey overhauled its use-of-force policies for more than 500 police departments and over 38,000 officers. On Friday, Feb. 26 at 11:00am ET, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal joins criminal justice reporter Tom Jackman on Washington Post Live to discuss the new policies amidst the nationwide push for police reform, and whether there are lessons for other states around the country.

Washington Post Live’s “First Look” offers a smart, inside take on the day’s politics. Jonathan Capehart will host a reporter debrief followed by a roundtable discussion with Washington Post opinions columnists. Tune in for news and analysis you can’t get anywhere else on Friday, Feb. 26 at 9:00am ET.