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It’s 2025, the year we decided we need a widespread slur for robots
People all over TikTok and Instagram are using the word "clanker" as a catch-all for robots and AI. Here's a deep dive into the origins of the pejorative and an explanation of why it's spreading.
AI companies are targeting students. Here’s how that’s changing studying
Students are increasingly using AI tools to help with — and do — their homework. Here's how older online study services, students and professors are adapting.
Mexican ranchers struggle to adapt as a parasite ravages cattle exports to the U.S.
U.S. agriculture officials halted live cattle crossing the border in July due to concerns about the flesh-eating maggot which has been found in southern Mexico and is creeping north.
NFL and ESPN reach nonbinding agreement for sale of NFL Network and other media assets
Under the terms, ESPN will acquire NFL Network, NFL Fantasy and the rights to distribute the RedZone channel to cable and satellite operators and the league will get a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
RFK Jr. pulls $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine contracts
The Department of Health and Human Services will cancel contracts and pull funding for some vaccines that are being developed to fight respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and the flu.
Coast Guard says Titan submersible deaths were preventable and faults company’s CEO
Two years after passengers hoping for a glimpse of the Titanic wreckage died in the Titan submersible implosion, the Coast Guard issued a scathing report, saying the tragedy shouldn't have happened.
House Oversight Committee subpoenas the Justice Department for Epstein files
The committee asked the DOJ for files related to its investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. It is also looking to question Bill and Hillary Clinton, among several other former government officials.
CDC to disburse delayed funds for fighting fentanyl and more, staffers say
Much of the public health agency's $9 billion budget had been in limbo but funds are finally flowing, according to CDC staffers, including for a key overdose prevention program.
Do we have a song of the summer this year?
The idea that each year produces a few unofficial "songs of the summer" has been rattling around for ages. But do we have a strong contender this year?
4 European countries agree to buy a combined $1 billion in U.S. weapons for Ukraine
The weapons include U.S. missiles for Patriot air defense systems already in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said he had a "productive" call with President Trump.
Confederate statue toppled during Black Lives Matter protests will be reinstalled
The statue of Albert Pike, a Confederate general and Freemason leader, was vandalized and taken down on Juneteenth in 2020. It is the only statue of a Confederate general in Washington, D.C.
Your call to a local Social Security office may be picked up by someone who can’t help
Phone calls to local Social Security offices are currently being rerouted to other field offices — often to staff who don't have jurisdiction over the caller's case, employees say.
Sean Combs denied bail, will remain in custody until sentencing
Combs was convicted on July 2 of two counts of transportation for prostitution. The music mogul had filed a request to be released on bail before his sentencing, which is scheduled for Oct. 3.
Their son was shot by police in Bangladesh’s 2024 protests. They still want justice
In July and August of 2024 in Bangladesh, student protesters' push for change drove the authoritarian prime minister out of power. Hundreds of demonstrators were killed.
What’s the secret to India’s moves to conquer the global chess scene?
With the Women's World Cup in the bag and 88 grand masters, India is ready to take over the chess world. And they're making sure their youngsters are poised to checkmate.
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.
