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Do you have memories of Pope Francis to share? Send them our way
Pope Francis, one of the most popular popes in decades, has died. As the world mourns and reflects on his legacy, NPR would like to hear your stories.
Pope Francis is remembered around the world for his generosity of spirit
The pope's death at the age of 88 ends a 12-year papacy that began with the historic resignation of Francis' predecessor in 2013.
Catholics across the U.S. grieve, pray and reflect on the pope’s legacy
Parishioners pray at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Monday in New York. (Yuki Iwamura | AP) In New York City, mourners gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Monday to […]
Who is Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the acting head of the Vatican?
Kevin Farrell is the camerlengo, or acting head of the Vatican, until a new pope is elected. Here's what to know about Farrell, who was born in Ireland and spent much of his career in the U.S.
The Pope enjoyed broad support among U.S. Catholics
A parishioner prays at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Monday, April 21, 2025, in New York. (Yuki Iwamura | AP) As tributes to Pope Francis pour in, many people are remarking on […]
Who will be the next pope? Here’s how the conclave works
Pope Francis's death sets an ancient machinery into motion. Soon, with a puff of smoke, the last absolute monarchy in Europe will get a new leader.
The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis
The international community reacts to the death of Pope Francis, a global figure whose influence went beyond the Catholic Church.
Sell USA? Why Trump’s tariffs may be sparking a historic storm on Wall Street
When Trump announced sweeping tariffs this month, he called it "Liberation Day." But there are fears that it may well have been the day foreign investors started to lose faith in the United States.
Need Earth Day optimism? Here are some environmental do-gooders in your backyard
At a time when communities feel fractured, here's a look at online communities taking a pragmatic approach to changing the world for the better.
Pope Francis, who reached out to the margins of society, has died at 88
The pope was a strong advocate for the poor and the environment and a towering figure on the world stage, addressing not just Catholics but the men and women of our time.
Pope Francis appears on Easter Sunday to cheers as he recovers from pneumonia
"Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!" Francis said, his voice sounding stronger than it has since his hospitalization. "Viva il Papa!" (Long live the pope), the crowd responded.
A Texas Easter tradition connects the generations
Cascarones are confetti-filled egg shells that families smash over each other's heads as part of Easter celebrations in Texas and Northern Mexico.
Crowds in Railroad Park protest Trump administration for ‘No Kings’ day
The event was part of protests across the country under a theme of "No Kings in America." The protests, organized by the 50501 movement, was held on April 19, the 250th anniversary of the battle of Lexington and Concord, an early fight in the Revolutionary War.
Alabama to honor wastewater sanitation projects despite losing federal backing
The Alabama Department of Public Health says it will honor its wastewater contracts for Lowndes County in spite of the Department of Justice’s recent decision to cancel its two-year-old agreement with the state supporting septic system improvements in the region.
Republicans in Gulf states push to embrace Gulf of America name
This week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two bills requiring the use of “Gulf of America” in state law and textbooks. Alabama lawmakers advanced a similar bill as well.
Head Start advocates brace for possibility of Trump eliminating funding
A Trump administration document, cited by news reports, proposes eliminating funding for Head Start, which is dedicated to early child care services. An advocate says the move would be "catastrophic."
Alabama lawmakers advance local ‘Laken Riley’ bill that deputizes police to enforce immigration law
The bill was dubbed “Laken Riley Act,” named after the 22-year-old Augusta University student who was killed last year in Georgia by an undocumented immigrant. President Donald Trump signed a similar law into affect in January that requires the detention of unauthorized immigrants accused of theft and violent crimes.
History shows revoking Harvard’s tax status won’t be easy — or fast
A presidential effort to revoke Harvard University's tax-exempt status could run up against a number of challenges, including violating federal law.
Nearly 300 scientists apply for French academic program amid Trump cuts in U.S.
Nearly 300 U.S.-based researchers have applied to one program that promises "scientific refugee status" for those fleeing Trump's academic funding rollbacks.
Lawmakers advance religious bills including school Ten Commandments displays
It's no secret that Alabama is among the most religious states. It's also no stranger to fights over displays of the Ten Commandments. The state may be gearing up for another one as the Alabama House passed a bill Thursday that would require public schools to display the Ten commandments. We hear details on that from Todd Stacy, host of Capital Journal and Alabama Public Television.
Lawmakers move to mandate the display of Ten Commandments and ban pride flags in Alabama schools
Alabama lawmakers approved a slew of bills on Thursday that would expand the use of Christian texts in public schools and limit protections for LGBTQ+ students, in lockstep with a national conservative agenda that has divided statehouses across the country.
The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs begin Saturday. Here’s what to watch for
One top seed has never won a Stanley Cup. The other wasn't expected to make the playoffs at all. And a pair of brothers who burned bright for Team USA in February are set to return to the ice.
How tariffs could impact the availability of baby products
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Steven Dunn founder and CEO of Munchkin a U.S.-based company selling lifestyle products for mothers, babies and children. Dunn has written an open letter to President Trump and Congress about how tariffs could harm his business and American families.
Will Alabama legislators ban delta-8 this session? It’s coming down to the wire
Several bills currently working their way through the Alabama legislature would effectively ban hemp-derived THC products. Opponents of the bill say it’ll be prohibition all over again.
LA schools superintendent says he’ll protect undocumented students ‘to the very end’
DHS said it was conducting wellness checks on students who arrived unaccompanied to the border. The head of the Los Angeles Unified School District has a different account.
With federal funding on the line, school leaders weigh Trump DEI order
The Trump administration has told states they have until April 24 to promise to end DEI programs in K-12 schools, or risk losing federal dollars.
How neighborhoods in New Orleans are addressing urban flooding
Urban flooding has long plagued Treme, a historically Black neighborhood in New Orleans. Residents are getting creative to find solutions to the issue.
Trump calls for Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s ‘termination’ in blistering attack
President Trump lashed out at Powell for not acting sooner to lower interest rates. The president's own tariffs make that more difficult, by putting upward pressure on prices.
Birmingham legend Odetta to be celebrated in tribute concert
Gina Coleman and her band Misty Blues will bring Odetta back home, performing a live tribute to the Birmingham legend at the historic Carver Theatre on Saturday, April 19.
Tariffs make sour grapes for American winemakers
American winemakers tell us why tariffs hurt their industry.
Destroying endangered species’ habitat wouldn’t count as ‘harm’ under proposed Trump rule
The Trump administration is reinterpreting a key word in the Endangered Species Act that could have big consequences for the habitats of species at risk.
Trump administration says it is suing Maine over transgender athletes in girls’ sports
The DOJ says Maine is violating Title IX, the 1972 law that prohibits sex-based discrimination at schools that receive federal funding. Gov. Janet Mills has promised to "vigorously defend" the state.
