Front Page
No such thing as a free toilet: Starbucks reverses open bathroom policy
The new guideline is a reversal of a 2018 open-door policy that was implemented after two Black men, who had not ordered anything, were arrested at a Philadelphia store.
The FDA calls for at-a-glance nutrition labels on the front of packaged foods
The FDA wants front-of-package nutrition labels required on packaged foods. The labels would tell consumers if the product has Low, Medium or High levels of saturated fat, sodium and added sugar.
Why some doctors have started asking patients about their spiritual lives
Indiana University's hospital system is pairing patients with local faith groups to ease feelings of loneliness and isolation. The unique new program comes as more doctors are seeing a need to care for patients' spiritual as well as physical health.
Lawsuit by college professors and students challenges Alabama’s anti-DEI law
The complaint asserts the new law violates the First Amendment by placing viewpoint-based restrictions on educators’ speech and classroom lessons.
Lil Baby and Bad Bunny have fantastic chart debuts
Two debuts claim the top two spots on Billboard's main album's chart: Lil Baby and Bad Bunny.
Neil Gaiman has responded to sexual misconduct allegations
The accusations stretch back decades and first became public last summer. Gaiman wrote, "I'm far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever."
What’s a ‘Particularly Dangerous Situation’ red flag warning and other wildfire terms
Here's a guide to understanding "particularly dangerous situation" red flag warnings, containment, and other terms related to the devastating fires that have left much of the LA area in ruins.
The Princess of Wales says her cancer is in remission
The Princess of Wales revealed that her cancer is in remission after an emotional visit to the hospital where she received treatment last year.
James Webb Space Telescope’s ‘little red dots’ come into focus
A cosmic object spotted by the James Webb Space Telescope has flummoxed astronomers. Now, a research team has studied hundreds of these "little red dots" and found clues about their identity.
Two passenger jets came dangerously to each other in the skies over Phoenix
The Federal Aviation Administration is once again looking into a close call at a major U.S. airport, after two passenger jets narrowly avoided a mid-air collision as they attempted to land in Phoenix.
Drugmakers hiked prices for hundreds of drugs in early January
January is a big time for drugmakers to hike prices. This year saw higher prices for 575 medications so far, including Ozempic, drugs for HIV, cancer and many others.
Five things we learn about Pope Francis from his new memoir
In Pope Francis' autobiography Hope he reiterates themes of his papacy like hatred of war and unchecked capitalism, and a desire for the Catholic Church to be seen as a field hospital, not a fortress.
Voices from the new breadlines in Syria: Who’s waiting? And why?
Syria's new rulers faces one of their first serious challenges: bread lines. For Syrians, the long wait is a struggle — but for some, bread is a business opportunity.
Two Marines spent years firing heavy weapons. Then came headaches and hemorrhage.
Two Marines suspect that years of firing powerful weapons caused them to develop the same rare, and potentially fatal, brain condition.
This skateboarding economist suggests we need more skateparks and less capitalism
A skateboarder presented an unusual paper at this year's big meeting of American economists.
Israel and Hamas are close to reaching a ceasefire agreement
Negotiators in Qatar are close to a ceasefire deal that envisions an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian detainees, a six-week pause in fighting and eventual withdrawal of troops from Gaza in the final phase.
A tortoise survival tale: How Tiptoe escaped Southern California’s wildfires
For years, Tiptoe has been a beloved sight in Pacific Palisades, quietly tromping along sidewalks and growing a major social media following. But last week, he lost his home to wildfires.
A new fire breaks out in Southern California as high winds threaten progress
The Auto Fire adds to a string of deadly fires that authorities are still working to contain in Southern California.
Trump’s pick for secretary of defense is Pete Hegseth. Here’s what to know
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to run the Department of Defense, will answer questions Tuesday in a public hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
‘The New York Times’ takes OpenAI to court. ChatGPT’s future could be on the line
In three consolidated suits, publishers allege that OpenAI broke copyright law by copying millions of articles without permission or payment. OpenAI counters that the fair use doctrine protects them.
RFK Jr. faces a complicated confirmation with some opposition on both sides of the aisle
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s views on vaccines and abortion rights are raising alarms across the political spectrum, as he's one of the more controversial picks for the president-elect's Cabinet.
NPR shopped for 96 items at Walmart to track how prices are really changing
NPR has tracked the prices of dozens of items at the same superstore in Georgia, including eggs, T-shirts, snacks and paper towels. Here's what got cheaper over the past year, and more expensive.
How climate change is reshaping home insurance in California — and the rest of the U.S.
Worsening wildfires are hiking up home insurance rates in California, the biggest market in the U.S. And as climate disasters increase across the country, other states are feeling the pressure too.
Bid on the bard: Auction features historic items from Bob Dylan’s life
The lot includes about 50 items and features early handwritten drafts for Dylan's hit "Mr. Tambourine Man" as well as photographs, posters and a signed harmonica.
Two new operas focus on the Black female experience
Two short operas that got their premieres at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. feature Black female protagonists.
Special counsel Jack Smith stands behind Trump election case he dropped
The report on federal charges against Trump for election interference in 2020 offers special counsel Jack Smith a last chance to explain his decisions after dropping the case.
Lawsuits allege power company involvement in LA wildfires
Lawsuits allege the Eaton Fire was sparked by a SoCal Edison transmission tower. The company says they have not had a chance to inspect the scene yet. The ATF has only just begun the federal investigation into the fire's cause.
Special counsel in Hunter Biden case denounces president for criticism of the probe
In a final report on his investigation, special counsel David Weiss said President Biden's criticism "undermines the very foundation of what makes America's justice system fair and equitable."
A pitmaster and dedicated father died alongside his son waiting for help in LA fire
Anthony Mitchell Sr. and his son Justin were waiting for help to evacuate on the day they died in the Eaton fire, family members said. Anthony Sr. was remembered for his devotion to his children.
How soda is changing the world
A new study establishes that soda consumption is doing ever more damage to health — with rising rates of diabetes in regions where soda-drinking is on the rise, like sub-Saharan Africa.
California’s wildfires may also be catastrophic for its insurance market
California's insurance industry was already in crisis. Now the wildfires in the Los Angeles region may upend efforts to stabilize the market.
Leslie Charleson, who starred on ‘General Hospital’ for nearly 50 years, dies at 79
Colleagues are remembering the soap opera star for her "quick wit" and presence on set. She died after a long illness.
