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New books this week: unconventional novels and an oral history of Hiroshima, Nagasaki
An oral history of the atomic bomb detonations 80 years ago leads this week's list of publishing highlights, which also includes a handful of novels by authors including Louis Sachar and Jason Mott.
This Tuscan startup sold all its olive oil in the U.S. Then came Trump’s tariffs
Americans love olive oil — and import 95% of it. But tariffs are making it harder for Europeans to sell it to Americans.
He said, she said, it said: I used ChatGPT as a couple’s counselor. How did we fare?
Looking for backup, I turned to an AI chatbot for relationship wisdom. It took my side. It was only when I challenged the bot's biases — and my own — that we had a communication breakthrough.
Hurricane Katrina was a catalyst for change in New Orleans’ public defender office
Hurricane Katrina exposed longstanding flaws in the New Orleans criminal justice system. In the 20 years since, there has been dramatic change in the public defender office.
Big Freedia takes bounce music to church on new album, ‘Pressing Onward’
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Big Freedia about her new album, "Pressing Onward," and how her childhood singing in the church led her to this moment, fusing gospel with her signature bounce music.
Tennessee readies for execution of man with working implanted defibrillator
Gov. Bill Lee declined to grant a reprieve Monday amid uncertainty about whether the implantable defibrillator will shock Byron Black's heart when the lethal drug takes effect.
Brazil’s Supreme Court orders house arrest for former President Bolsonar
The trial of the far-right leader is receiving renewed attention after U.S. President Donald Trump directly tied a 50% tariff on imported Brazilian goods to his ally's judicial situation.
State Department may require visa applicants to post bond of up to $15,000 for entry
The State Department said it would start a pilot program that will require cash deposits to tourist and business visas for people from countries with high overstay rates.
Texas Democrats block GOP redistricting plan by fleeing the state
The Texas House failed to reach the quorum needed to vote on a new congressional map that could have given Republicans five new seats, after House Democrats forced a legislative standstill.
Wildfire smoke is like smoking ‘half a pack a day.’ Here’s how to protect yourself
As Canadian wildfires spread smoke across the U.S. the air pollution is dangerous to health. But there are ways to protect yourself. Here's what to know.
Texas Democrats walked out to block the GOP. How well has the tactic worked before?
Dozens of Texas Democrats left the state to protest a redistricting map, facing potentially steep consequences. Lawmaker walkouts have had mixed success in the past — so what is there to gain?
Chappell Roan’s thick-skinned ‘The Subway’ captures a survivalist New York mood
Her latest single has a new sound (wistful '90s acoustic pop), and a new vibe (toughing out whatever NYC public transportation throws at you, from rats to trash to unexpected encounters with your ex).
Birmingham’s Prince Hall Masonic Temple to be restored as hub of Black-owned businesses
The hall is one of Birmingham’s most significant, but worn, historic buildings. Plans to restore the eight-story, downtown are underway.
Engineer restores pay phones for free public use
In a rural Vermont county, spotty cell phone coverage is the norm. But a local tinkerer is using old technology to help his community stay connected free of charge.
Videos of Israeli hostages in Gaza increase pressure on Netanyahu for a ceasefire
New images of emaciated Israeli hostages held in Gaza have horrified Israelis and added pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire with Hamas.
Yosemite employees worked for weeks with no pay before the government hired them
Seasonal employees counting on housing at Yosemite were asked to volunteer for the park while the government was unable to onboard them at the start of the summer.
Teen suicide is on the decline, new federal data shows
The 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health report found that in recent years, depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in teens have declined.
Why a NASA satellite that scientists and farmers rely on may be destroyed on purpose
The Trump administration has asked NASA staffers to draw up plans to end at least two satellite missions that measure carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, according to current and former NASA employees.
Meet Žibuoklė Martinaitytė, the composer who wants to get inside your head
The Lithuanian composer, now based in New York, creates layered, deliberate music that she hopes will grant listeners the freedom to enter an altered state of mind.
Leaves piled up after her husband’s injury. Then a friend showed up with a rake
In 2017, Eileen Freiberg-Dale's husband, Barney, had a serious bicycle accident that caused a brain injury. Those first few months were among the hardest of her life. A friend offered support.
How a public library’s summer game took over a Michigan city
Summer in Ann Arbor, Mich., means thousands of people hunting for hidden codes around the city and reading books to earn points. It's part of a popular game organized by the public library.
As Trump’s tariffs take shape, is America really winning?
Trump says his tariffs will spur America into a "golden age" — but that remains far from certain. Here are 5 things to know about how his trade policies could impact the U.S. and the global economy.
What’s the deal with electrolyte drinks — do you need them to stay hydrated?
Seems like nobody's drinking plain water these days. Electrolyte packets or colorful sports drinks are everywhere. But do you need them?
Fresh clashes break out in Syria as the interim government struggles to ease tensions
The Syrian government under interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has been struggling to consolidate control since he led a surprise insurgency that ousted former President Bashar Assad in December.
The bodies of all 5 miners are found and identified in Chilean mine collapse
The five miners were trapped deep inside Chile's El Teniente mine on Thursday after a section of the mine collapsed following a 4.2 magnitude earthquake.
At least 68 African migrants killed after boat capsizes off Yemen coast, U.N. says
More than 150 Ethiopian migrants were on board the boat when it sank in the Gulf of Aden off the southern Yemeni province of Abyan, the International Organization for Migration in Yemen said.
More than 3,000 Boeing workers are set to strike after rejecting a contract offer
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union members in Missouri and Illinois rejected a modified contract offered by Boeing last week.
Russian volcano erupts days after monster quake shakes region
The volcano may have been primed to erupt before the magnitude 8.8 quake pushed it over the edge.
Canada wildfires cause poor air quality in the midwest and northeast U.S.
Health officials from Minnesota to Maine have issued alerts warning of poor air quality from wildfires burning in Canada. People are advised to limit outdoor exposure.
Pope Leo tells 1 million Catholic youths they are sign ‘different world is possible’
In his closing blessing for the Jubilee of Youth, Leo remembered the young people of Gaza and Ukraine and other countries "bloodied by war" who could not join their celebration.
Senate confirms ex-Fox News host Pirro as top federal prosecutor for nation’s capital
The Senate confirmed ex-Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as top federal prosecutor for the nation's capital, after President Trump withdrew his controversial first pick, conservative activist Ed Martin Jr.
‘Horrific’ relationships: Alison Brie and Dave Franco explore codependency in their movie
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with Alison Brie and Dave Franco, who star in the new horror film, 'Together.'
