Issues
The hidden costs of cutting Medicaid
Cutting Medicaid can seem like an easy way to slash the budget. But, the costs can spread to all of us.
Inflation remains elevated as Trump’s tariffs take hold
Inflation remained elevated last month as President Trump's tariffs continued to make their way into the prices that consumers pay. The average cost of living in July was up 2.7%.
In Alabama, a dredging project in Mobile Bay brings together unlikely allies
Dredging waterways for navigation is a centuries-old practice, but this project is controversial because the mud being dug out of the channel is put into other parts of Mobile Bay.
Trump’s tariff revenue has skyrocketed. But how big is it, really?
President Trump's new tariffs are pouring in. But it's still only a fraction of overall government revenues — and falls short of new spending in the recent Republican megabill.
Colorado wildfires burn more than 120,000 acres as firefighters await better weather
In western Colorado, firefighters are up against windy, hot weather as they try to protect homes and infrastructure from a pair of lightning-caused wildfires.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reposts video of pastors saying women shouldn’t vote
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reposted the video profiling Christian Nationalist Pastor Doug Wilson, who opposes same-sex marriage.
NFL preseason game ends early after serious injury to Detroit Lions’ Morice Norris
The Lions safety was in stable condition after he was attended to for about 20 minutes and taken off the field in an ambulance Friday, with the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons ending early.
We get asked about tariffs all the time. Here’s what we say
From inflation to recession, we who cover the economy and business at NPR get asked about tariffs all the time. Here are some of the most frequent questions — and what we answer.
U.S. Islamic leaders urge Muslim-majority nations to take action to end Gaza conflict
More than 90 Muslim scholars, community leaders and institutions are calling on Muslim nations to leverage their influence to end what they described as escalating genocide in Gaza by Israeli forces.
IRS Commissioner Billy Long replaced after less than two months
The Trump administration has replaced former Missouri Congressman Billy Long as IRS Commissioner, after less than two months on the job. It's the latest in a string of management shakeups at the tax collection agency.
Judges block appeal to redraw congressional district maps
The three-judge panel unanimously, and for the second time, found that the state drew a map that unfairly discriminated against Black Alabamians.
Far more environmental data is being deleted in Trump’s second term than before
The second Trump administration has removed more climate and environmental data from websites in the first 100 days than the first administration, according to a new report
13 podcast episodes to make back-to-school season easier on kids and parents
The new school year can be exciting, but also stressful. Kids may be feeling anxious. Parents may be juggling new responsibilities. Experts share tips on how to manage this season of change.
Meet the judge hearing Harvard’s lawsuits against the Trump administration
U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs is presiding over two Harvard cases challenging Trump's moves to cut federal funding from the university and to ban it from enrolling international students.
Federal judge halts construction at Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
The 14-day stoppage comes as a federal judge considers whether additional construction of the immigration detention facility in south Florida's Everglades is detrimental to the environment.
Trump orders colleges to share admissions data, with an eye on affirmative action
Thursday's move would compel colleges to report more data about the students they enroll and those who apply, including applicants' race and standardized test scores.
Trump taps White House economist Stephen Miran to fill Fed vacancy on temporary basis
President Trump plans to nominate Stephen Miran to fill a vacant seat on the Federal Reserve's board of governors, but only for the next six months.
New Orleans musicians feel the heat of rising temperatures: ‘You can hear it in the music’
Data from climate scientists show that the heat is turning up in New Orleans, and the rate that it’s increasing is getting faster. Here’s why.
The NFL banned smelling salts. Here’s why
The NFL has banned the use of smelling salts during games, citing an FDA warning concerning the safety of the substance. Here's what experts say about the effects and the risks.
Trump’s broad tariffs go into effect, just as economic pain is surfacing
The White House said that starting just after midnight that goods from more than 60 countries and the European Union would face tariff rates of 10% or higher.
MLB’s first female umpire to debut. Here’s other women who broke officiating barriers
Jen Pawol will make history by becoming the first woman to umpire a Major League Baseball game. Here's a look at other female officials who were the first on the floor, court or the field in prominent men's leagues.
District attorney says Alabama teen killed by police had grabbed a gun
But the teen’s family questioned that conclusion and said they have many unanswered questions about what had happened.
Claire’s, the ear-piercing tween mall staple, is bankrupt — again
The chain's bankruptcy filing is the second in seven years. Its troubles include unwieldy debt, shoppers' changing habits and new tariff costs.
The Voting Rights Act is turning 60. Civil rights marchers recall a hard-won struggle
Wednesday marks the 60th anniversary of the landmark legislation becoming law. Those at the epicenter of the fight for voting rights for Black Americans recalled their memories of the struggle, and expressed fear that those hard-won rights are being eroded.
AI companies are targeting students. Here’s how that’s changing studying
Students are increasingly using AI tools to help with — and do — their homework. Here's how older online study services, students and professors are adapting.
NFL and ESPN reach nonbinding agreement for sale of NFL Network and other media assets
Under the terms, ESPN will acquire NFL Network, NFL Fantasy and the rights to distribute the RedZone channel to cable and satellite operators and the league will get a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
This Tuscan startup sold all its olive oil in the U.S. Then came Trump’s tariffs
Americans love olive oil — and import 95% of it. But tariffs are making it harder for Europeans to sell it to Americans.
Birmingham’s Prince Hall Masonic Temple to be restored as hub of Black-owned businesses
The hall is one of Birmingham’s most significant, but worn, historic buildings. Plans to restore the eight-story, downtown are underway.
Why a NASA satellite that scientists and farmers rely on may be destroyed on purpose
The Trump administration has asked NASA staffers to draw up plans to end at least two satellite missions that measure carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, according to current and former NASA employees.
As Trump’s tariffs take shape, is America really winning?
Trump says his tariffs will spur America into a "golden age" — but that remains far from certain. Here are 5 things to know about how his trade policies could impact the U.S. and the global economy.
Russian volcano erupts days after monster quake shakes region
The volcano may have been primed to erupt before the magnitude 8.8 quake pushed it over the edge.
Pope Leo tells 1 million Catholic youths they are sign ‘different world is possible’
In his closing blessing for the Jubilee of Youth, Leo remembered the young people of Gaza and Ukraine and other countries "bloodied by war" who could not join their celebration.
