News
Ten years after Freddie Gray’s death, his neighborhood looks for hope
There's still a lot of need in Baltimore's Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood, where Freddie Gray lived. People from the neighborhood work to meet it.
Why judges blocked the Trump admin’s school DEI crackdown
On Thursday, three federal judges in Maryland, New Hampshire and Washington, D.C., said Trump's anti-DEI efforts were on shaky legal ground.
Employee cuts at Social Security are leaving remaining workers struggling to keep up
Social Security employees are feeling "overwhelmed" and wait times for phone services are up as workforce cuts from the Trump administration are being felt throughout the agency.
Legendary civil rights attorney Fred Gray honored with statue in Alabama
Gray represented prominent civil rights leaders like King, Rosa Parks and John Lewis throughout the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama, allowing activists to intentionally leverage mass arrests and civil disobedience to push for equal rights.
Watch live: Crowds of mourners and dignitaries pay respects to Pope Francis
A day of remembrance, mourning and celebration as thousands gather in Rome to pay their respects and say farewell to Pope Francis.
Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew in Epstein sex trafficking scandal, has died
The American-born Giuffre, who lived in Australia for years, became an advocate for sex trafficking survivors after emerging as a central figure in financier Jeffrey Epstein's prolonged downfall.
Justice Department revokes Biden-era protections for reporters in leak investigations
In a new memo, Attorney General Pam Bondi said the DOJ will allow for subpoenas, court orders and search warrants to get information and testimony from journalists.
Lil Wayne’s New Orleans Jazz Fest headlining set is a big moment for hip-hop artists
Lil Wayne will close out the main stage for the first time in his career Saturday — a feat that’s eluded most other rappers who’ve performed at the festival.
Government says – for now – it will restore international students’ status
International students had filed dozens of lawsuits after the government removed them from a database crucial for maintaining their legal status.
A Jewish baking tradition rises in the age of Instagram
Shlissel challah is a special loaf baked the first sabbath after Passover. We trace the modern route by which the bread has spread beyond the ultra-orthodox world to everyday Jewish bakers.
Trump has his old friend Steve Witkoff leading his toughest diplomatic talks
President Trump has put Steve Witkoff — a friend from New York's real estate world — in charge of delicate talks on the war in Ukraine, Iran's nuclear ambitions and the conflict in Gaza.
New senior staff announced as White House looks to ‘right the ship’ at the Pentagon
The defense department has announced new senior level positions after recent firings and resignations. But with Pentagon head Pete Hegseth under fire for missteps, the way ahead is still unclear.
Luigi Mangione’s case marks a shift in politics of the death penalty in the U.S.
Over the last half-century, the political leanings of the Supreme Court, Congress, and the presidency contributed to dramatically different approaches to the federal death penalty.
Where’s Plumpy’Nut? A lifesaving food for malnourished kids is caught up in U.S. cuts
It's a "ready-to-use therapeutic food" that's had remarkable success in treating malnourished kids. The State Department says it's still available. Factories and field workers have a different view.
Fired, rehired, and fired again: Some federal workers find they’re suddenly uninsured
Commerce Department employees caught up in a legal battle over their mass firings are now learning that their health care coverage was cut off weeks ago, even though they were paying their premiums.
What it’s like in the church Pope Francis chose as his final resting place
Pope Francis will be buried in St. Mary Major church, not Saint Peter's Basilica, in a break with tradition.
Angie Murimirwa: From hiding in the bathroom to Time’s most influential people list
A kid whose parents couldn't afford school fees is now an "icon" on Time magazine's 2025 list — recognizing her work as CEO of Camfed, a charity that gives millions of girls a chance for an education.
Here’s where Luigi Mangione’s cases stand before his arraignment Friday
Mangione is set to appear in federal court on Friday for his arraignment in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Prosecutors have filed an intent to seek the death penalty.
After deadly Kashmir attack, India reports exchange of fire with Pakistani soldiers
A day after the U.N. appealed for restraint following Tuesday's deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, India reported an exchange of fire across the de facto border in the disputed region.
Big brands are officially worried about American shoppers
Makers of our food and home essentials, including Pepsi and Procter & Gamble, are cutting their financial forecasts for the year and predicting lower sales or profits than before.
Quarterbacks are the top two NFL Draft picks, but Deion Sanders’ son is still waiting
Cam Ward went from zero-star recruit to No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, and the Jacksonville Jaguars paid a ton use Cleveland's pick on Travis Hunter at No. 2. Colorado star Shedeur Sanders wasn't taken in the first round.
Alabama Senate advances Birmingham Water Works Board overhaul
A fight erupted this week in the Alabama legislature over a bill that would remake the Birmingham Water Works Board. We dive into that controversy and talk about other legislative action with Todd Stacy, host of Capital Journal and Alabama Public Television.
How to watch Pope Francis’s funeral, and what to expect
Pope Francis's funeral begins in Vatican City at 4 a.m. ET on Saturday and will end with his burial in Rome. Here's what to know about the day's events — and how Francis is breaking with tradition.
Trump pushes Russia-Ukraine peace deal. And, NPR’s glimpse inside liberated Khartoum
Russia launched a deadly strike on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. Trump says he wants peace quickly. And, NPR looks inside Sudan's capital city of Khartoum after two years of war.
Damage from gut bacteria may play a role in the rise in colon cancer in young adults
Scientists have a new clue in the mystery of why younger people are getting more colon cancer. It may have to do with a toxin produced by a common gut microbe.
New analysis casts doubt on ‘biosignatures’ found on planet K2-18b
Researchers using data from the James Webb Space Telescope recently announced they had detected biosignature gases on planet K2-18b. A new analysis of the same data casts doubt on the earlier findings
Dear Life Kit: I’m not sure about her sexuality. Should I try to kiss her anyway?
An NPR listener writes: "We've briefly discussed sexuality, but I have no idea how fluid she may be, if at all. " Plus: A woman wants to marry her partner, but his family constantly belittles her. Is the relationship doomed?
Are you eligible to be the next pope? Find out in the quiz
If you've paid attention to pope selection, COVID websites, national defense and libel cases, you'll do great this week!
A moose trek across Sweden pulls in millions of viewers looking for ‘Slow TV’
Last year, more than 9 million people watched across the world, and executive producer Johan Erhag said he expects viewership will be even higher this year.
They say they want Americans to have more babies. What’s beneath the surface?
Pronatalists believe that modern culture has failed to adequately prioritize the value of nuclear families and making lots of babies. They see powerful potential allies in Elon Musk and JD Vance.
Scientists say NOAA cuts by Trump undermine improvements in hurricane forecasts
The Trump administration is targeting top climate and weather labs for cuts. Insiders worry about the impact on research and NOAA's ability to forecast severe weather like hurricanes and tornadoes.
5 takeaways from the week — from a softer approach on trade to Hegseth in hot water
After much volatility because of Trump's trade war, the stock markets responded positively to a softened tone toward both China and the Fed chair. This, plus four more takeaways from this week.
