News
50 years after a seminal conference, big questions about biotechnology remain
In 1975, researchers met to discuss the emerging field of biotechnology. The issues surrounding the field today are familiar.
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.
Why the good news about the mpox outbreak of 2025 isn’t really good after all
The case counts seem to be dropping. But health officials say that's because violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo makes it difficult to get good data. And now U.S. assistance is being disrupted.
From deportations to health care, state lawmakers are key for much of Trump’s domestic agenda
Federal power only goes so far. State governors and legislatures have wide authority over local law enforcement, schools, health and how cities and counties handle immigration.
D.C.’s first Vietnamese American art exhibit subverts what it means to be Vietnamese
April 2025 marks 50 years since the end of the Vietnam war. Washington, D.C.'s first Vietnamese American art exhibit examines what it means to be Vietnamese and looks forward with hope.
Joy Reid fired from MSNBC amid network shakeup
Reid is a longtime political commentator who has been vocal on progressive issues and sharply critical of President Trump.
Who is Alice Marie Johnson, Trump’s newly appointed ‘pardon czar’?
Johnson, now 69, was facing life in prison without the possibility of parole for being a first-time nonviolent drug offender.
Health care workers are rushing to learn about immigration law in case of ICE raids
A policy change by the Trump administration allows immigration agents to enter and arrest people in health facilities. Some clinics are training health workers to support patients in the event of arrests.
5 signs that a U.S.-Europe split is widening
As the Trump administration ramps up its rhetoric against Ukraine and NATO, European countries are taking note — with increasing alarm.
Top Ukrainian official says Kyiv will refuse any ‘bad’ peace deal
Ihor Brusylo, deputy head of Ukraine's President's Office, tells NPR Trump is a "peacemaker and dealmaker," while expressing hope the U.S. continues to provide aid to Ukraine.
Reconciliation is the key to unlocking Trump’s agenda. Here’s how it works
Republicans in Congress are turning to a tool of the budget process to pass major elements of President Trump's agenda without the threat of a filibuster from Senate Democrats.
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.
Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent who tried to shield the Kennedys, dies at 93
Hill received Secret Service awards and was promoted for his actions that day, but for decades blamed himself for Kennedy's death, saying he would gladly have given his life to save the president.
Trump administration backs off requiring response to ‘What did you do last week?’ email
"No one knows what we are supposed to do," said one federal employee amid conflicting and shifting directives on whether to comply with Elon Musk's directive to list five accomplishments.
Court ruling lets White House ban on the Associated Press continue, for now
The Trump administration may continue — for now — to keep the AP from covering key events. A federal judge declined to issue a temporary restraining order on Monday.
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.
Atlanta DA Willis begins her second term expressing no regrets over Trump case
Donald Trump and Atlanta prosecutor Fani Willis began their second terms in office a few weeks apart. Their fates have diverged over the last year, since Willis charged Trump in Georgia.
Medical research labs brace for possible funding cuts that could disrupt their work
Researchers say the Trump administration's plan to slash payments for indirect costs will hamper new medical science. One example? A lab studying respiratory viruses faces losing half its staff.
Federal watchdog agency intervenes in Trump’s purge of probationary employees
U.S. Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger has asked the Merit Systems Protection Board to temporarily reinstate six federal employees fired from their jobs and is considering ways to seek relief for others.
Trump and Macron meet in Washington as Europe pleads for continued help for Ukraine
In a conversation between President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in the Oval Office Monday, the two leaders seemed friendly even then they appeared far apart on the war in Ukraine.
U.S. votes against a U.N. resolution urging Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine
The European-backed resolution that was approved demands Russia immediately withdraw its forces. The Trump administration had offered a competing resolution that did not mention Russian aggression.
DHS memo lays out plans to detain migrants at Fort Bliss and other U.S. bases
The Trump administration is developing plans to build immigration detention facilities on bases nationwide, a step that could significantly expand the military's role in immigration enforcement.
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.
What to know about Dan Bongino, the media personality tapped as FBI deputy director
Dan Bongino has been chosen as the FBI's second-in-command, a job that doesn't need Senate confirmation. Here's what to know about the Secret Service agent-turned-conservative media personality.
A new document undercuts Trump admin’s denials about $400 million Tesla deal
The State Department claimed a plan to buy thousands of armored Teslas was left over from the Biden administration. A document obtained by NPR shows the Biden plan was far smaller.
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.
Macron, Trump to discuss Ukraine peace plan. And, Greenpeace faces $300 million lawsuit
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to present the European peace plan for Ukraine to President Trump today. And, Greenpeace faces a lawsuit that could shut it down.
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.
3 years on, here’s what to keep an eye on in the Ukraine war — and efforts to end it
Thousands of civilians have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. Amid a stark shift in U.S. policy, Ukrainians want the war to end — but not on Russia's terms.
Greenpeace faces a $300 million lawsuit after Dakota Access Pipeline protests
The company behind the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline is suing Greenpeace for at least $300 million for damages the oil pipeline company says it suffered from protests in 2016 and 2017.
