News
Scientists know our bodies are full of microplastics. What are they doing to us?
Plastic particles are found in our organs, blood and even semen. But do they stay in us forever? What damage are they doing? Here are six questions scientists are trying to answer.
You don’t look a day over 4.35 billion! Here’s the moon’s anti-aging secret
Early interactions with the Earth may have heated up the Moon and caused it to remelt, producing new lunar rocks and erasing old craters.
These were the top animal stories on NPR in 2024, including a boy’s pregnant octopus
This year, the animal kingdom was filled with triumph, loss and new discoveries. Here is a look at NPR's top animal stories of 2024.
Federal regulators say an Alabama coal mine’s plans may violate law, leaving citizens at risk
A “ten-day notice” issued to Alabama officials aims to mitigate risks to citizens living above Oak Grove Mine. It comes after months of state inaction and community outrage.
How much power would RFK Jr. have at HHS? A former health secretary weighs in
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is making the case with senators that he should lead Health and Human Services. Kathleen Sebelius, who had the job under Obama, explains the power and limits of the role.
This weightlifting gym helps older people build more than just strength
At Fivex3 Training, a gym in Baltimore, several mornings a week are reserved for older people to train.
Trains, tracks, and tradition: Lionel celebrates 125 years of Christmas fun
Lionel trains turns 125, celebrating more than a century of holiday magic. From historic models to smartphone-controlled locomotives, these iconic toy trains continue to captivate kids and collectors alike.
Michael Vick says he will be the new head football coach at Norfolk State University
Vick, a four-time Pro Bowl player, is returning to his home state of Virginia to coach the team.
Churches are making room for grief and loss at Christmas
More and more congregations are trying to be sensitive to those who are grieving during the holidays. The move ranges from special services to the inclusion of hymns and prayers that speak to sadness during regular Sunday worship.
‘Cancer ghosting’ can be more painful than treatment, survivors say
Loss of social support after a cancer diagnosis is a surprisingly common experience, social workers and cancer patients say. For young cancer survivors, it is a particularly difficult part of the disease.
The American industry that wants more government intervention
As President-elect Trump promises to eliminate government agencies and regulations, one American industry — mining — is asking for more intervention. They say national economic and military security are at stake.
Energy chief Granholm warns against ‘unfettered exports’ of liquefied natural gas
Granholm's statement came as the Energy Department released a long-awaited study that found U.S. LNG shipments drive up domestic wholesale prices and frequently displace renewable energy sources.
At least 25 killed after an overcrowded boat capsizes in Congo
It capsized a few hundred meters into the journey along the Fimi River, the latest such tragedy to strike Congo.
Nuclear bunker sales increase, despite warnings they won’t provide protection
Critics warn argue that people planning to live through an atomic blast aren't focusing on the real and current dangers posed by nuclear threats.
Deadly violence in Nigeria tied to United Methodist Church schism over LGBTQ policies
A religious schism has turned deadly in Nigeria, with a church member fatally shot and two young children killed as homes were set ablaze, according to United Methodist News Service.
Man set to be put to death in Indiana’s first execution in 15 years
Barring intervention by Gov. Eric Holcomb, Corcoran is scheduled to be executed before sunrise Wednesday at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City.
U.S. to pay $116M settlement over rampant sexual abuse at Calif. women’s prison
The lawsuits were brought by more than 100 women who say they were abused or mistreated at a now-shuttered federal prison in California that was known as the "rape club" because of rampant staff-on-inmate sexual misconduct.
In last-ditch effort, Democrats push to get Julie Su confirmed as Labor Secretary
Acting Secretary Julie Su has led the Labor Department for nearly two years, despite never getting a Senate confirmation vote. With time running out, her staunchest supporters haven't given up.
Lawmakers release spending bill to fund federal government until March 14
Congressional leaders released a stop-gap spending bill to fund the government until March 14.
Carlos Watson gets nearly 10 years in prison in case about failed startup Ozy Media
Watson, 55, and the now-defunct company were found guilty last summer of charges including wire fraud conspiracy. He has denied the allegations and plans to appeal.
The president of the NCAA calls for a ban on ‘prop bets’ in college sports
As sports betting has spread across the U.S., college athletes have increasingly faced harassment from bettors. A federal ban on wagers that concern individual performances could help, the NCAA says.
Harris nods to the coconut tree meme that started it all
Vice President Harris had some fleeting meme-mentum in the early days of her campaign. On Tuesday, she nodded to that in remarks to young voters.
Q&A: The little-known history of how enslaved people were jailed in antebellum New Orleans
Author John Bardes discusses how Louisiana’s complicated history with mass incarceration began with imprisonment being used as a tool against enslaved people.
Luigi Mangione is charged with murder as an act of terrorism in CEO’s death
The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO has been charged with murder as an act of terrorism. The indictment could help move along procedural steps toward extraditing the suspect.
Senators launch probe into sale-leaseback company, citing NPR’s reporting
EasyKnock, the subject of the probe, announced its sudden closure earlier this month.
Taking vitamin D is unlikely to prevent falls or fractures. Here’s what it does
Vitamin D is good for the immune system, but in older people it doesn't prevent falls or fractures, according to health experts at the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Here's why you need it.
Alabama wants to lower recidivism rates by 2030. What are the obstacles?
Last year, Alabama set an ambitious goal for itself: lower recidivism by 25% and increase post-incarceration employment rates by 50% by 2030. But a recent study on the state's criminal justice re-entry programming shows that many formerly incarcerated people are falling through the cracks.
Most U.S. shootings are done by men, but the Wisconsin school attack is an exception
Authorities say a 15-year-old girl carried out the shooting that killed two and wounded several at a Wisconsin school. Female shooters are relatively rare, statistically speaking.
The suspect in the Gilgo Beach killings is charged in the death of a 7th woman
The New York architect facing murder charges in a string of deaths known as the Gilgo Beach killings was charged in the death of Valerie Mack, 24, whose remains were found on Long Island in 2000.
Syrian families scour hospitals and morgues for loved ones lost under Assad’s rule
People in Syria are looking for their relatives and friends in prisons, hospitals and morgues. The U.N. estimates over 100,00 people have gone missing in Syria under the Assad regime.
An Alabama woman is doing well after the latest experimental pig kidney transplant
Towana Looney is the fifth American given a gene-edited pig organ — and notably, she isn’t as sick as prior recipients who died within two months of receiving a pig kidney or heart.
At the Florida Senior Games, pickleball is the crown jewel. Here’s why
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport and it's also popular with older athletes. All Things Considered went to the Florida Senior Games to find out why.
