News

How worried should we be about Disease X?

An unidentified illness has claimed nearly 80 lives in DRC. Investigators are on the scenes to determine what it is — and how much of a threat it poses locally and globally.

Pope Francis goes electric in new eco-friendly popemobile

Pope Francis, who heads the Catholic Church, has doubled down on his commitment to the environment with a new electric popemobile presented by Mercedes-Benz.

A powerful 7.0 earthquake strikes off northern California coast

A powerful earthquake has struck off the northern California coast, triggering tsunami warnings that were later canceled. Several aftershocks continued to rattle the area off Eureka. 

Court rejects Boeing plea deal stemming from 737 Max crashes

A federal judge in Texas has rejected a plea deal between Boeing and the U.S. Justice Department, saying the court should play a bigger role in selecting an independent monitor to oversee the company.

Alabama leads US in ‘pregnancy criminalization’ cases following Dobbs decision: report

The report’s findings help shed light on the use of criminal laws informed by the idea of fetal personhood, a legal premise gaining traction in the South.

Memphis police use excessive force and discriminate against Black people, the DOJ finds

A Justice Department investigation launched after the beating death of Tyre Nichols in 2023 found that "Memphis police officers regularly violate the rights of the people they are sworn to serve."

Cryptic words were found on bullet casings at scene of CEO Brian Thompson’s killing

Shell casings with the cryptic words "deny," "defend" and "depose" were found at the scene of the fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO outside of a Manhattan hotel, police officials say.

Stay away from Dr. Google, and other lessons learned about hypochondria

Caroline Crampton developed excessive health anxiety after being treated for cancer as a teen. In A Body Made of Glass she chronicles her experience with hypochondria and the history of the condition.

Amnesty International accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza, which Israel strongly denies

Amnesty International says Israel has sought to deliberately destroy Palestinians in its war with Hamas, by mounting deadly attacks, demolishing vital infrastructure and preventing aid deliveries.

Anthem plans to put time limits on anesthesia coverage, alarming doctors

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is under scrutiny for planning to put time limits on anesthesia care. The Connecticut comptroller's office said Wednesday it had intervened to block the policy there.

Pantone’s 2025 color is Mocha Mousse: How the company sold color to the world

Pantone isn't the only color system of its kind. But thanks to an innovative founder and savvy marketing, it's become the industry standard.

Syrian opposition forces enter the strategic city of Hama

Syrian rebels have entered another major city, in a further blow to President Bashar Assad after they took over Aleppo days earlier.

Why do kids with cancer in the Global South have such low survival rates?

In wealthy countries, a child diagnosed with cancer often has an excellent chance of survival. But in lower resource countries, survival rates are dramatically lower. What's going on?

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy take their DOGE government efficiency pitch to the Hill

The leaders of the so-called "Department of Government Efficiency" are calling for large-scale layoffs of federal workers and the elimination of some federal agencies during Trump's second term.

How sweet! A daily dose of dark chocolate may cut your risk of diabetes

A new study finds people who eat a small, daily serving of dark chocolate have a reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. People who ate milk chocolate did not have a lower risk. Here's why.

An unknown infant was rushed to a Gaza hospital. A nurse gave her a name, and a home

The newborn, found by rescuers after an Israeli attack, was rushed to a hospital. Nurse Amal Abu Khatleh gave her the name Malak, meaning angel. She is raising the baby until relatives can be found.

The right (and wrong) things to say to a grieving friend

It can be hard to find the right words to say to a friend whose loved one has died. Experts share the dos and don'ts of expressing condolences.

How a staffing shortage can make special education jobs more dangerous

Special educators are more likely to experience violence or aggression from students. That can make hiring a challenge, at a time when schools nationwide are struggling to fill these positions.

Long before this week, South Korea had a painful history with martial law

In 1980, violent clashes between government forces and pro-democracy demonstrators in the southwestern city of Gwangju created lasting scars that continue to shape South Korea to this day.

Mexican troops seize a record fentanyl haul in northern Sinaloa state

Mexican soldiers and marines have seized over a ton of fentanyl pills in two raids in the north, with officials calling it the biggest catch of the synthetic opioid in the country's history.

Legendary Medellin cartel drug lord released from U.S. prison after serving 25 years

One of Colombia's legendary drug lords has been released from prison and is expected to be deported. Ochoa was first indicted in the U.S. for his alleged role in the 1986 killing of a DEA informant.

A major power plant fails in Cuba, plunging the island into darkness — again

The blackout, on Wednesday, affected the entire nation, leaving millions without electricity and forcing authorities to suspend classes and work activities indefinitely.

Bitcoin hits $100,000 for the first time. 3 things to know about an incredible ride

From how it got here to why critics are alarmed, here's what to know about the spectacular milestone for bitcoin.

Afghan women reportedly barred from studying nursing and midwivery

Several sources confirm the Taliban pronouncement, part of ongoing efforts to curtail education for girls and women. Women studying these subjects say they were barred from classes this week.

Trump picks crypto backer Paul Atkins as new Securities and Exchange Commission chair

Trump picked Atkins, a former SEC commissioner, to head the agency. Known for his support of cryptocurrencies, Atkins could help shape regulations for the industry.

French lawmakers oust the prime minister after just 91 days, toppling the government

France's government has been toppled by a no-confidence vote in parliament, for the first time sine 1962. Prime Minister Michel Barnier served the shortest time in the post in France's modern history.

Trump chooses billionaire astronaut Jared Isaacman to run NASA

Earlier this year, Isaacman became the first private citizen to conduct a spacewalk. But his longstanding ties with Elon Musk's company SpaceX raise possible conflicts of interest.

Who is Brian Thompson, the UnitedHealthcare CEO gunned down in New York?

Thompson, a 50-year-old father of two, spent two decades at UnitedHealth Group before his shocking death. Tributes are pouring in from coworkers and public officials in his home state of Minnesota.

Longer careers in ice hockey are linked to a greater risk of CTE, a new study finds

A new Boston University study of 77 deceased male ice hockey players found that their chances of developing the degenerative brain disease known as CTE increased with each year they played the sport.

Supreme Court appears skeptical of challenge to ban on gender-affirming care for minors

At issue is a state law in Tennessee that blocks minors from accessing gender-affirming care in the state.

Montana lawmakers cross the aisle to block a trans bathroom ban in the state capitol

Some Republicans joined Democrats in rejecting the measure, which would have restricted bathroom access. Rep. Zooey Zephyr, Montana's first openly transgender legislator, won a second term last month.

Trump’s Defense pick Hegseth is under scrutiny. But he says he’s ‘not going anywhere’

Pete Hegseth is fighting to keep his nomination on track after a series of negative reports about his past behavior — including a damning email his mom sent him during his second divorce.