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‘Moss Appreciation Week’: a lot of celebration for a very little plant
Moss Appreciation Week is packed with events both scientific... and also silly. Moss walks, moss talks, moss movies, crafting moss-themed Valentines, and a "gastropod derby" with snails and slugs (for whom moss is a nice moist microclimate).
Layoffs start at CDC, targeting probationary staff
As many as 1,300 probationary employees at CDC are being let go, at the direction of the Trump administration. The cuts represent around 10% of the agency's workforce.
Park Service erases ‘transgender’ on Stonewall website, uses the term ‘LGB’ movement
The website deleted all mentions of "transgender" and "queer" in its history of the Stonewall riots, and only referred to the riots' impact on lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
ICE officers granted access to unaccompanied minors database
Trump administration officials say the move was necessary "to build a culture of child safety and accountability." But advocates say they fear the administration will use it for immigration enforcement.
Did a whale swallow a kayaker? The truth behind the viral video
A humpback whale briefly engulfed a kayaker off the coast of Chile in an incident caught on camera. Experts say it couldn't have swallowed him even if it wanted to.
Elon Musk’s team is expected to target the Pentagon soon, pledging cost cuts
The DOGE team is aiming to cut 8% from next year's defense budget, officials tell NPR.
Jordan’s military is test-running an air bridge for aid to Gaza
NPR traveled with Jordan's military on a recent helicopter flight delivering aid to the Gaza Strip, part of a test program since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect last month.
Crime bills go before the Alabama legislature
Gov. Kay Ivey has said public safety would be her top priority this legislative session. Ivey put that into action this week as she and several mayors from around the state took to the Capitol to promote what's been called the "Safe Alabama" package of bills. We talk about that and other happenings in Montgomery with week with Todd Stacey, host of Capital Journal and Alabama Public Television.
Glenn Foster Jr’s family uses Super Bowl to bring awareness to his death, demand justice
The former New Orleans Saints player's family called on others, including the NFL, to advocate for Foster — who died while in police custody in Alabama.
3 Harry Potter fan fiction authors are coming to a bookstore near you
Fan fiction — unsanctioned, unofficially published works based on popular novels or films — was intentionally never mainstream. The coming months will see a trio of titles by popular Draco and Hermione — Dramione — fanfic authors.
The next Israeli hostages Hamas will release include U.S. and Russian nationals
Hamas says it will release three hostages on Saturday, resolving a dispute with Israel that threatened to derail the ceasefire. In exchange, Israel will free dozens of Palestinians from jail.
The revolution will be screenshot (hopefully)
Code Switch's B.A. Parker takes a look at the many ways our digital world is being erased.
Eating yogurt regularly may reduce the risk of colon cancer, a study finds
Humans have been eating yogurt for millennia. Ancient texts reference its health-promoting properties. Now a new study finds yogurt may reduce the risk of certain types of colon cancer.
An Israeli raid of a famous Palestinian bookstore stokes censorship fears
A famous Palestinian-owned bookstore in East Jerusalem was raided by Israeli police, stoking fears of increased censorship.
Which dog breed got robbed — AGAIN — at Westminster? Find out in the quiz!
This week, we've got little kids, loser dogs, the Super Bowl, '90s power ballads and too much government.
This week in DOGE: Elon Musk’s role in overhauling ‘America, Inc.’
Elon Musk has emerged as a key figure in President Trump's plans to reshape the government. Here's a recap of this week with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team he leads.
A federal worker tried to take Trump’s ‘Fork’ resignation offer. Here’s what happened
Liz Goggin, a social worker with the Veterans Health Administration, took the offer to resign in exchange for pay and benefits through September. Then she learned her position was exempt.
YouTube turns 20 years old today
Twenty years ago, three former PayPal employees activated the domain name "YouTube.com." The first YouTube video followed soon after.
Parents, are you worried about burnout? Here are 3 red flags to watch out for
Parenting can keep you on your toes all day. But if you find it so physically and mentally draining you can't enjoy family time, it may be a sign of burnout. Here's what you can do about it.
Immigration poll shows growing support for restrictions, but deep divisions remain
A new NPR/Ipsos poll shows growing support for some restrictions on immigration. Still, many elements of President Trump's sweeping crackdown are unpopular with Democrats and independents.
The War and Treaty kicks off the party with ‘Plus One’
Part of a growing number of Black artists being embraced by the Nashville country-music machine, The War and Treaty is the husband-and-wife duo of Michael & Tanya Trotter. Their new album, Plus One, infuses country with gospel, bluegrass, rock and whatever else inspires them.
Texas judge fines New York doctor for sending abortion pills to Texas
The ruling by a Texas judge against a New York doctor for prescribing abortion pills to a woman near Dallas could test "shield laws" in Democratic-controlled states where abortion is legal.
Igloo recalls over a million coolers after handle hazard causes fingertip amputations
Consumers in possession of the coolers are urged to stop using them immediately — and contact Igloo for a free replacement handle.
Judge orders Trump administration to temporarily allow funds for foreign aid
The order allowing funds to flow again applies to existing contracts before Trump issued his Jan. 20 executive order declaring a freeze on foreign assistance.
Unease grows at the CDC as Trump administration keeps grip on research, messaging
CDC employees can no longer publish documents without review by the executive branch, and must withdraw their names from external papers pending publication.
Why Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets broke up
When you're a Jet you're a Jet all the way … till the Jets decide you're not coming back next season.
TikTok is back on the Apple and Google app stores
Apple and Google removed the app after the Supreme Court upheld a law prohibiting firms from doing business with TikTok as long as it is controlled by China-based ByteDance.
Up to 100 more workers are fired at CFPB as staff fear mass layoffs are looming
About 70-100 employees were terminated at the CFPB, following dozens of recent workers who were fired earlier this week. Agency staff are bracing for even wider layoffs.
On a second try, Florida Republicans agree on a law to assist Trump’s deportations
The bill passed after Gov. Ron DeSantis and fellow Republicans ended a public dispute. It includes a mandatory death penalty for capital crimes committed by people without legal status.
Shonda Rhimes, Issa Rae have cut ties with the Kennedy Center now that Trump is chair
The Kennedy Center was created by bipartisan legislation signed by former President Eisenhower in 1958. President Trump appointed himself and members of his administration to the board.
Sweeping cuts hit recent federal hires as Trump administration slashes workforce
Employees across several agencies including the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the Department of Education, the Department of Energy and the General Services Administration have all been affected this week, with many being given notice on Thursday.
What’s happening with the anti-HIV program PEPFAR? It depends whom you ask
The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has been the subject of a series of presidential orders and memos that have left uncertainty about how it operates.
