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Hamas to release Israeli-American hostage held in Gaza, Edan Alexander
Alexander, a 21 year-old Israeli soldier raised in New Jersey, is the last remaining U.S. citizen captured by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 and held in Gaza, who is believed to still be alive. The bodies of four other Americans are still held in Gaza, according to the U.S.
Pope Leo XIV asks journalists to use communication as a tool for peace
The remarks come just one day after calling for a ceasefire and access to humanitarian aid in Gaza and an end to the war in Ukraine.
Need help switching appliances from gas to electric? A ‘coach’ can help
Government incentives for climate-friendly upgrades are confusing to navigate, and it can be hard to find businesses that sell them. So a new industry is emerging to help: the decarbonization coach.
As Trump aims to deport millions, one pathway to legal status got bigger
A Biden-era rule eases the path for workers to be sponsored for U.S. permanent residency, an attractive option for those in horse-racing looking for a competitive edge.
First group of Afrikaners granted refugee status are on their way to the U.S.
The first group of white Afrikaner South Africans granted refugee status by Trump administration enroute to U.S. as most other refugee admissions still suspended.
Chimps’ rhythmic drumming and complex calls hint at origins of human language
Two studies of wild chimps point to the evolutionary roots of human language. The studies found that chimp communication often relies on rhythmic structures and call combinations.
Trump is looking to use the IRS for his own political ends. Nixon tried it too
President Trump is looking to use the IRS to achieve some of his political goals. Some experts see parallels with Nixon's efforts to interfere with the agency.
The trial of Sean Combs: What you need to know
Prosecutors are scheduled to begin their arguments today against the rap mogul, who is accused of racketeering and sex trafficking. Here is an overview of Combs' career and the charges he faces.
Aggressive immigration enforcement makes musicians rethink U.S. tours
In a time of aggressive immigration enforcement, some international musicians are deciding that going through the complicated process of getting a U.S. artist visa may not be worth the financial and safety risks.
Should you toss your plastic kitchen tools for health reasons? Here’s the scoop
Some of the microplastics we ingest may come from the kitchen tools we use to prepare what we eat. If you want to reduce your reliance on plastic, here are some ideas.
Is AI the future of America’s foreign policy? Some experts think so
Large language models like ChatGPT and DeepSeek are increasingly being looked at for their potential to help make decisions in high-stakes situations.
The Spirit Tunnel is unapologetic celebrity worship — and extremely fun
Celebrity guests on The Jennifer Hudson Show — Michelle Obama, Usher, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tina Knowles to name a few — have all caught a ride through this viral backstage ritual.
The future of student loan repayment, explained
A Republican overhaul would reduce borrowers' repayments options from several plans to just two.
Oaklee, Oakley, Oakleigh: Parents branch out to oak-based names, especially in red states
Olivia and Liam are the most popular baby names now, but Social Security Administration data shows oak-based names are gaining popularity, particularly in conservative parts of the country.
The U.S. and China announce a deal to cut tariffs, temporarily easing trade war
American levies on Chinese goods will drop from at least 145% to 30% for an initial period of 90 days, while Chinese levies are set to fall from at least 125% to 10% on American goods.
The PKK Kurdish militant group will disband as part of a peace initiative with Turkey
The Kurdish militant group announced a historic decision Monday to disband and disarm, after four decades of armed conflict. It comes days after it convened a party congress in northern Iraq.
Zelenskyy challenges Putin to meet him in Turkey ‘personally’ for ceasefire talks
Ukraine and European allies had demanded Russia accept a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday before holding talks, but Moscow effectively rejected the proposal and called for direct negotiations instead.
Detained ex-President Duterte is among the candidates in Philippines midterms
Duterte has been in custody of the International Criminal Court awaiting trial for crimes against humanity. That hasn't stopped him from running for mayor of his southern Davao city stronghold.
Qatar is said to be giving Trump a new plane
The offer, which comes on the eve of Trump's visit to the Middle East, raises major ethical and legal questions.
U.S. halts cattle imports from Mexico, citing fears of flesh-eating maggot
The New World screwworm is endemic in parts of Latin America and the Caribbean — and its northward spread into Mexico has alarmed U.S. officials. It can kill a full-grown cow in one to two weeks.
U.S. and China cite progress in trade talks but release few details
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said details will be released Monday after a weekend of talks in Switzerland.
Hamas says it will release Israeli American Edan Alexander, held hostage in Gaza
Edan Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, is the last remaining American citizen held by Hamas in Gaza who is believed to still be alive. President Trump confirmed the plans for his release.
Here’s what U.S. Catholics are saying about the election of Pope Leo XIV
At services on Sunday, some Catholics took particular pride in the election of the first American pontiff, who has familial ties to multiple places across the country.
The U.S. has a plan for getting food into Gaza. Top aid groups object to the idea
The proposed solution would only provide food and aid to around 60 percent of Gaza's civilians initially, according to a copy of the proposal reviewed by NPR.
Pope Leo XIV calls for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, saying ‘Never again war’
In his first Sunday noon blessing as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza with the release of hostages and delivery of aid
Luxury dog hotels give some people pause amid the inequality of South Africa
High-end accommodations for pooches are thriving in one of the world's most unequal countries. They have their defenders and their critics. Who's barking up the right tree?
I wanted to know why my mom was so hard on us kids growing up. So I finally asked
"Work hard my children." That's what my mother always told me and my siblings. All I wanted to do was play hide and seek and netball. Years later, we had a good talk about her parenting style. Essay by Esther Ngumbi. Editor: Marc Silver. Publishing Sunday morning. Adapted from an earlier essay by Esther Ngumbi from a few years ago.
India and Pakistan ceasefire shaken by overnight fighting in disputed Kashmir region
People on both sides of the Line of Control, which divides the territory, reported heavy exchanges of fire between Indian and Pakistani troops. The fighting subsided by Sunday morning.
We asked, you answered. Here are your most memorable moments with Mom for Mother’s Day
NPR received nearly 500 submissions from around the country and beyond from people who shared favorite memories of their mothers — whether she's still present for them to hug or lives on in their hearts.
Federal employee unions fight for survival as Trump tries to eviscerate them
In 1978, Congress gave federal workers the right to organize and bargain collectively, finding it in the public interest. Now Trump wants to end those labor rights for most of the federal workforce.
Sunday Puzzle: Initial fame
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe plays the puzzle with WITF listener Tom Rymsza of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and Weekend Edition Puzzlemaster Will Shortz.
Zelenskyy welcomes Russian overtures, but says ceasefire must come before peace talks
Zelenskyy called Russian President Vladimir Putin's offer to start talks without a ceasefire a "positive sign," and said that "the entire world has been waiting for this for a very long time."