John Archibald: Remembering Maxine Parker
Birmingham Mayor William Bell called it “a sad day for our city” when reacting to news of city council president Maxine Parker’s death. She died unexpectedly Tuesday leaving colleagues in shock. But they also remembered Parker as a quiet, fierce advocate for residents of her north Birmingham district. We remember Parker with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
Social Security benefits face big cuts in 2033, unless Congress acts
Trustees of the Social Security trust fund predict the fund will be exhausted in eight years. Unless Congress acts, Social Security payments will automatically drop by 23% at that time.
Democratic lawmakers press USDA for answers on sensitive data collection
35 House members said they are troubled by the Agriculture Department's plans to collect personal data from people who applied for federal food assistance, and urged the effort to "immediately cease."
Greetings from Shenyang, China, where workers sort AI data in ‘Severance’-like ways
Far-Flung Postcards is a weekly series in which NPR's international team shares snapshots of moments from their lives and work around the world.
‘Labubu’ is a plush toy that is causing a frenzy. Here’s its origin story
Labubus are a global sensation — sparking long lines outside toy stores, selling out online within minutes, and listing for double or triple their original price on resale markets. Here's why.
Iran warns of ‘irreparable consequences’ as Trump weighs U.S. role in conflict
Iran's Supreme Leader struck back at Trump's calls for Tehran's "unconditional surrender," warning that any U.S. involvement in Israel's offensive would cause "irreparable harm" to Americans.
U.K. Parliament bans women from being prosecuted for late-term abortion
The new law makes it illegal to investigate, arrest, prosecute or imprison any woman in England or Wales for terminating her own pregnancy — no matter what term or trimester she's in.
