Issues
Meet the ‘wooly devil,’ a new plant species discovered in Big Bend National Park
The plant, formally known as Ovicula biradiata, is especially notable for being the simultaneous discovery of a new species and genus. It was found with help from the community science app iNaturalist.
Pope Francis is still in critical condition, but he had another ‘restful night’
Francis, 88, has been in critical condition for several days and he has remained absent from several regular appearances. The church has encouraged worshippers around the world to pray for his health.
Diana Taurasi, 6-time Olympic gold medalist and the WNBA’s top scorer, will retire
Taurasi leaves her basketball career as the most decorated woman to ever play, with three WNBA titles, three NCAA titles and six Olympic gold medals to her name.
Under Trump, Huntsville might finally gain Space Command. It could also lose much more
The 1,600 jobs Space Command would bring to the Rocket City might not make up for potential cuts to NASA and the Department of Defense.
Rollback of diversity efforts leaves teachers wondering about effects on Black History Month
The Education Department's efforts to keep racial diversity out of schools has left educators wondering how and when to teach students about Black history, especially during Black History Month.
Consumer confidence falls the most since 2021 over fears about inflation and tariffs
A report from the Conference Board shows Americans are increasingly worried about inflation, driven in part by President Trump's threats to impose new tariffs on imports.
How is Pope Francis doing? The Vatican says he rested well and met church officials
Pope Francis "rested well throughout the night" in the hospital, the Vatican says, and even met with Vatican officials to sign several documents linked to sainthood designations on Monday.
From tariffs to spending, rounding up the Trump administration’s econ-related actions
Since taking office in late January, the Trump administration has been working at a galloping pace to reshape the government and economy. We have been doing our best to keep up and keep you informed.
A new rule could speed up unused oil well decommissioning. Gulf States are suing to stop it
The rule, finalized last year, would also protect taxpayers from shouldering the cost. The states suing, however,, say it will crush independent oil companies.
Trump funding freeze includes payments to keep the Colorado River flowing
President Biden promised billions in funds to farmers and others to not take water from the Colorado River. President Trump is halting some of those funds, leaving questions about the river's future.
The Panama Canal needs more water. The solution is a dam that could displace thousands
More than 2,000 people could be displaced by the construction of the Río Indio dam. The Panama Canal Authority says the dam solves a long-term water shortage problem.
Mikaela Shiffrin seals legacy as one of skiing’s greatest with historic 100 World Cup wins
After a bruising crash last November, Mikaela Shiffrin dominated the slopes on Sunday and made skiing history once again.
Pope rests in his 10th day of hospitalization but remains in critical condition
Francis, 88, had remained in critical condition throughout the weekend after severe breathing difficulties were reported.
A 10-year-old’s story of family immigration that spans three continents
A California fourth-grader's interview with her grandfather, who was forced out of Uganda before moving to the U.S., is one of our outstanding podcasts.
Republicans’ love/hate relationship with the Education Department
President Trump has made clear he wants to close the U.S. Department of Education, but Republicans seem torn on just how far to go.
Pope Francis rested during a peaceful night following respiratory crisis
Pope Francis, in critical condition with a complicated lung infection, rested well during a peaceful night following a respiratory crisis and blood transfusions, the Vatican said Sunday.
Woodfin officially announces bid for third term as Birmingham mayor
He cited his investments in infrastructure, including redevelopments of blighted structures and street paving. He also didn’t shy away from what many consider to be Birmingham’s biggest issue: public safety.
Pope Francis is in critical condition, the Vatican says
The 88-year-old Francis has been hospitalized for a week with a complex lung infection.
How many fourth-graders does it take to make a podcast? Here’s what we learned
Students in an elementary school broadcasting club in California are among the youngest winners of NPR's Student Podcast Challenge.
A brief history of beards and baseball after the Yankees lift their no beard policy
The New York Yankees are changing a nearly 50-year-old policy that banned beards. Here are some things to know about the history of beards in major league baseball.
In court, Luigi Mangione’s lawyer claims he was searched illegally during arrest
Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, had his first court appearance since he was arraigned in December on charges including murder as an act of terrorism.
‘See you in court’: Trump and Maine’s governor spar over trans athlete order
The Maine Principal's Association said it would continue to allow trans girls to compete in school sports, saying President Trump's recent executive order is in conflict with state law.
Alabama lawmakers target social media
Social media is under fire nowadays, especially when it comes to use by children. Several bills in the Alabama Legislature would restrict how kids could use social media. We hear more about that and other happenings in Montgomery from Todd Stacy, host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television.
Canada beat the U.S. 3-2 in overtime to win the contentious 4 Nations Face-Off
The North American hockey rivals turned what had been a tune-up for the 2026 Olympics into an geopolitical brawl over anthems and annexation as much as international hockey supremacy.
Q&A: What immigrants should know about their Constitutional rights during an ICE visit
Anxiety has reigned at some schools, churches and hospitals after moves by the Trump administration rolled back protections that had previously shielded them from visits from U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The moves have sparked conversations, including some worry and public pushback, in the South.
What to know about the case against former Spanish soccer head Luis Rubiales
The former president of Spain's soccer federation was found guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso after the 2023 women's World Cup. Here's what to know about the case.
Everything to know about the MLB’s ball-strike challenge system at spring training
This spring, MLB players can challenge ball and strike calls. The camera-based system is only an experiment for now — but it has the baseball world wondering where to draw the line with technology.
IRS cuts over 6,000 jobs in the middle of tax season
The IRS is cutting more than 6,000 jobs this week, as part of the Trump administration's downsizing of the overall federal workforce. The job cuts at the IRS come in the middle of the tax-filing season.
Inside a Mississippi man’s fight with health insurance and a hospital for life-saving surgery
Trevor Malosh’s heart surgery was finally on the books after months of negotiations with his insurance company and the hospital. Then, another setback happened.
Trump administration yanks CDC flu vaccine campaign
As flu rages, the Trump administration has pulled the plug on a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention flu immunization campaign that targeted high-risk groups, including pregnant women.
Cullman County grand jury calls for the Hanceville Police Department to be abolished
The indictment from the grand jury alleges that five officers including the police chief of the Hanceville Police Department tampered with physical evidence, sold and distributed illegal drugs and used an official position for personal gain.
Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Hull died with CTE, researchers say
Bobby Hull, an electric left-winger known as the 'Golden Jet', marveled hockey fans for his will to win. Named one of the NHL's greatest players, Hull was found to have had CTE after his death.
