Political Ties to Potential Real Estate Deal Goes Deeper
Local government watchers are casting a critical eye on a proposed agreement which would have the City of Birmingham renting space in a former Social Security building for almost $140 million for 30 years. It’s attracting attention because the developer gave tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions to city council members as they consider this deal. But Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald discovered this story goes beyond just a potential building rental.
Trump levies new sanctions on Russian oil giants in a push to end Ukraine war
President Donald Trump's administration announced Wednesday new "massive sanctions" against Russia's oil industry that are aimed at bringing an end to Moscow's brutal war on Ukraine.
Misty Copeland hangs up her pointe shoes after performing at retirement show
Misty Copeland took one last spin on her pointe shoes Wednesday, as she retired after a trailblazing career in which she became an ambassador for diversity in an overwhelmingly white art form.
This nation has the fastest rising rate of cancer cases — and deaths — in the world
According to a new report, cancer rates are skyrocketing in this tiny country. What's causing this to happen? And what steps can be taken to turn the tide?
Iceland reports the presence of mosquitoes for the first time, as climate warms
The discovery of three Culiseta annulata mosquitoes was confirmed this week by the Natural Science Institute of Iceland, which said the mosquitoes likely arrived by freight.
Alabama board seeks to ban books that ‘positively’ depict trans themes from library youth sections
The Alabama Public Library Service Board of Directors is considering a proposed rule change that expands the existing requirement for youth sections to be free of “material deemed inappropriate for children.” The new proposal said that includes any material that “positively depicts transgender procedures, gender ideology, or the concept of more than two biological genders.”
Greetings from an Indian Railways coach, with spectacular views from Mumbai to Goa
Far-Flung Postcards is a weekly series in which NPR's international team shares moments from their lives and work around the world.