Issues
Shein and Temu will cost more, thanks to massive tariffs going into effect
Shein and Temu goods might not be so cheap anymore. Starting today, the U.S. will start collecting import fees on small packages from China, much of which comes from Chinese e-commerce sites.
Inside the glitz and glamor of the Kentucky Derby
Hats, horses and high rollers. These are just some of the things that add to the atmosphere of Churchill Downs on Derby Day.
China mulls U.S. overtures on trade talks, but demands tariffs be canceled
Exporters, importers and recent government statistics all suggest that trade in both directions is slowing sharply as a result of the tariffs. Neither side appears willing to be seen giving ground.
Trump offers advice to University of Alabama graduates in speech interspersed with politics
The Republican’s jolting speech was standard fare for Trump and well-received by the crowd in deep-red Alabama, which backed him in all three of his presidential runs.
What’s the deal with torpedo bats? See how this Baton Rouge bat manufacturer makes them
Marucci Sports gave WWNO's Louisiana Considered an inside look at how they make torpedo bats, the oddly-shaped bats giving hitters newfound strength.
Bill overhauling Birmingham Water Works Board heads to governor’s desk despite local outcry
Proponents of the bill point to frequent rate hikes and say that the move will prevent catastrophic events that have happened in cities like Jackson, Mississippi, or Detroit, Michigan. Opponents of the bill say that it is a power grab that diminishes the power of Black residents in Birmingham, Alabama.
Does your online shopping receipt show what you’re paying in tariffs? Let us know
Have you recently bought something online, and your receipt showed how much more you're paying as a result of tariffs? If so, please share your receipt with NPR.
Education Department stops $1 billion in funding for school mental health
Congress created the grants in the aftermath of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. The goal was to help schools hire mental health professionals, including counselors and social workers.
How a rural clinic is changing lives in Alabama and why it’s at risk
Cahaba Medical Care, a collection of clinics that get doctors into some of the poorest, sickest communities in Alabama, never turns away patients. But a federal grant that supports the doctors there is at risk of getting cut in the midst of the Trump administration’s efforts to downsize.
Republicans say they will still push education based on legal status
The Tennessee Legislature aimed to challenge a 1982 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that established a right to education for all students. Republican lawmakers still hope to overturn that.
Supreme Court seems poised to require state-funded charter schools to include religious schools
The case is from Oklahoma, which like 45 other states, has laws that say charter schools must be public schools funded by the state, closely supervised by the state, and be non-sectarian.
Anxious about your money right now? Financial advice in times of economic uncertainty
With stock market volatility and fears of price increases driven by the new tariffs, you may be worried about your finances. A certified financial planner explains how to navigate these tricky times.
Former Birmingham-Southern College students enjoy a graduation tradition for the last time
A year after Birmingham-Southern College closed, having succumbed to financial mismanagement, former students who are graduating this spring from Samford University visited the campus to capture a bit of tradition.
Private eye accused of hacking American climate activists loses U.K. extradition fight
The Justice Department has charged Amit Forlit with conspiracy to commit computer hacking, among other crimes.
Trump promised a ‘golden age’ for the economy. Then he unveiled tariffs
President Trump promised a new "golden age" for the United States. But his first 100 days in office have left the economy looking tarnished.
Can charter schools be religious? If so, what does that mean for public education?
The case could transform public education in the Unites States.
More give Trump an F than any other grade for first 100 days, poll finds
Nearly half of Americans give President Trump a failing grade for his presidency so far, with near record low approval ratings at this point in the job, as he hits the milestone 100 days in office.
Trump is giving automakers a break on tariffs
The formal announcement is expected ahead of a Tuesday night rally in Michigan marking the president's 100 days in office. It's the latest shift in Trump's on-again, off-again tariffs.
Conclave to elect the next pope will commence on May 7
The decision was made at the Fifth General Congregation, held on Monday morning in the Vatican's Synod Hall. The conclave will take place in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, which will remain closed to visitors during those days.
Supreme Court to hear school disability discrimination case
At issue is a case testing the reach of federal laws that promise special help for children with disabilities in public schools. Specifically: What do parents have to prove in order to get that specialized help?
Cardinal Vincent Nichols expects a ‘mood of reflection’ at his first conclave
As he prepares to enter the seclusion of a conclave to elect a new pope, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster, reflects on diversity and sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.
Finally! Shedeur Sanders gets picked by the Cleveland Browns in the NFL draft 5th round
He had to wait until the fifth round, but Shedeur Sanders, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders — his coach at the University of Colorado — has finally been drafted by the NFL.
Photos: Pope Francis is laid to rest and mourned around the world
Pope Francis was honored with a funeral Mass Saturday morning in the Vatican City's St. Peter's Square. These are some of the images that captured the grief of those mourning him around the world.
Why judges blocked the Trump admin’s school DEI crackdown
On Thursday, three federal judges in Maryland, New Hampshire and Washington, D.C., said Trump's anti-DEI efforts were on shaky legal ground.
Legendary civil rights attorney Fred Gray honored with statue in Alabama
Gray represented prominent civil rights leaders like King, Rosa Parks and John Lewis throughout the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama, allowing activists to intentionally leverage mass arrests and civil disobedience to push for equal rights.
Watch live: Crowds of mourners and dignitaries pay respects to Pope Francis
A day of remembrance, mourning and celebration as thousands gather in Rome to pay their respects and say farewell to Pope Francis.
Lil Wayne’s New Orleans Jazz Fest headlining set is a big moment for hip-hop artists
Lil Wayne will close out the main stage for the first time in his career Saturday — a feat that’s eluded most other rappers who’ve performed at the festival.
A Jewish baking tradition rises in the age of Instagram
Shlissel challah is a special loaf baked the first sabbath after Passover. We trace the modern route by which the bread has spread beyond the ultra-orthodox world to everyday Jewish bakers.
What it’s like in the church Pope Francis chose as his final resting place
Pope Francis will be buried in St. Mary Major church, not Saint Peter's Basilica, in a break with tradition.
Big brands are officially worried about American shoppers
Makers of our food and home essentials, including Pepsi and Procter & Gamble, are cutting their financial forecasts for the year and predicting lower sales or profits than before.
Quarterbacks are the top two NFL Draft picks, but Deion Sanders’ son is still waiting
Cam Ward went from zero-star recruit to No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, and the Jacksonville Jaguars paid a ton use Cleveland's pick on Travis Hunter at No. 2. Colorado star Shedeur Sanders wasn't taken in the first round.
Alabama Senate advances Birmingham Water Works Board overhaul
A fight erupted this week in the Alabama legislature over a bill that would remake the Birmingham Water Works Board. We dive into that controversy and talk about other legislative action with Todd Stacy, host of Capital Journal and Alabama Public Television.
