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Feds investigate hospitals over religious exemptions from gender-affirming care

A physician assistant claimed she was fired by a Michigan hospital for seeking a religious exemption regarding gender-affirming care. Now the federal government is also investigating.

Want to make yourself less appealing to mosquitoes? Our quiz has surprising ideas

Level up your knowledge of mosquito bite prevention with our quiz. It's full of surprising, science-backed tactics that may save you from getting eaten alive this summer.

Sea lions are released after toxic algae bloom in California

Marine mammal researchers are investigating how sea lions were affected by the longest toxic algal bloom on record off the coast of Southern California. Some sea lions are now being released back into the wild.

The health of U.S. kids has declined significantly since 2007, new study finds

A new study in the journal JAMA finds the health of America's children has worsened across several key indicators over the last two decades. That includes the number of children with chronic diseases.

The U.S. has millions of old gas and oil wells. Here’s what it takes to plug them up

There was a circle in Maria Burns' yard where grass wouldn't grow and trees died. She knew what it was: An old natural gas well, plugged when she was a little girl, starting to leak again.

Migrants deported from U.S. to Salvadoran prison remain under U.S. control

The government of El Salvador has acknowledged to United Nations investigators that the Trump administration maintains control of the men who were deported from the U.S. to a Salvadoran prison.

DHS ends Temporary Protected Status for thousands from Nicaragua and Honduras

Some 76,000 people from Nicaragua and Honduras were covered by TPS, which provides protection from deportation and grants work permits to people from certain nations affected by war or natural disasters.

BRICS nations push back as Trump warns of tariffs

Leaders of the BRICS group of emerging economies meeting for their annual summit had hoped to downplay any differences with the U.S. But even a toned down group proclamation drew the ire of President Trump.

DOJ says no evidence Jeffrey Epstein had a ‘client list’ or blackmailed associates

The two-page memo outlines the "exhaustive review" the department conducted of the Epstein files in its possession, and also reiterates that Epstein died by suicide, contrary to some conspiracy theories.

Near old Montana mine, special clinic for asbestos-related illness fights to survive

The Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby, Montana, closed in May after a court judgment. The clinic's federal funding is also threatened. Patients with scarred lungs worry about what's next.

4 things to know about the deadly Texas floods and ongoing search efforts

Search efforts continue for the dozens of people still missing after Friday's floods, as questions swirl over what went wrong. Here's what we know so far.

In Peru, criminal gangs are targeting schools in poor neighborhoods for extortion

The president of one of Lima's largest parent-teacher associations says at least 1,000 schools in the Peruvian capital are being extorted and that most are caving into the demands of the gangs.

The hidden cost of oil: Families fractured by a pipeline project

As the 900-mile East African Crude Oil Pipeline project takes shape in Uganda, there is the promise of economic benefit. But it's shaking up the lives of some 100,000 people.

Texas lawmaker wants investigation into weather alert system and storm preparedness

Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, says affected Texans are owed an investigation into what went wrong with evacuating flooded areas and how it can be prevented from happening again.

What’s the best Pixar movie? Here’s what our listeners said

People have strong opinions about the best Pixar movies. We asked NPR Pop Culture Happy Hour listeners to vote.

Why some see the dollar’s drop as a sign America is losing its financial might

The dollar has just posted its worst first-half of a year since 1973. And now investors wonder — is it a sign that America is losing its financial standing?

After Texas flood, former camper reflects on Camp Mystic’s traditions and loss

Dozens are dead following flash flooding in Texas, including some at Camp Mystic. NPR speaks with Lauren Garcia about the camp and what makes it a special place for the women in her family.

‘The worst day of my life:’ Texas’ Hill Country reels as deaths rise due to floods

Dozens of people have died in the Texas Hill Country. Scores of others are missing or unaccounted for. As rescue crews continue to search for victims, those who survived are coping with the loss.

The war in Gaza divided a historic Brooklyn co-op. Here’s what happened next

Since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, members of the Park Slope Food co-op have been debating whether to ban Israeli goods from the shelves.

Defunct oil wells are a national problem. Finding them is the first step

There could be about a million 'orphan' oil and gas wells across the U.S. As they age, they can leak greenhouse gases or unhealthy chemicals.

Inside the evolution of Biosphere 2, from ’90s punchline to scientific playground

The venture, privately funded to start, is now run by the University of Arizona. And today, scientists there are quietly plugging away at research they hope will help us all adapt to the Biosphere 1 — that is Earth, and the climate change we are causing to it.

Are seed oils actually bad for your health? Here’s the science behind the controversy

Health Secretary RFK Jr. has said vegetable oils, like canola and soybean, are 'poisoning Americans.' But many researchers say the evidence isn't there. So, what does the science say about seed oils?

Trump plans to share new tariff rates this week as deadline for deals approaches

The administration keeps shifting its plans when it comes to trade negotiations. The latest expectation is that most countries will receive new tariff rates this week that would go into effect on Aug. 1.

In the midst of grief, a woman is comforted by a stranger on the subway

A few days after her sister died, Maureen was on the subway when a stranger asked how she was doing. The conversation that followed is one that she will forever cherish.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to meet President Trump Monday

President Trump says he is hopeful to reach a Gaza ceasefire deal this week. In his meeting with Netanyahu, Trump could outline a plan for Gaza after 21 months of war between Israel and Hamas.

Bodies of all 7 missing people found at California fireworks warehouse that exploded

The barrage of fireworks that exploded Tuesday caused a massive blaze that led to other spot fires and collapsed the building in Yolo County, which lies about 40 miles northwest of Sacramento.

An Australian woman is found guilty of murdering her in-laws by toxic mushrooms

Erin Patterson hosted four of her estranged husband's relatives for lunch in July 2023. Three of them later died of death cap mushroom poisoning. Nearly two years later, a jury has found her guilty.

As women have far fewer babies, the U.S. and the world face unprecedented challenges

Far more families are choosing to have fewer — or no — children. Many countries, including the U.S., now face a rapidly aging population that could begin to shrink.

How good was the forecast? Texas officials and the National Weather Service disagree

As searchers continue to look for victims in the deadly flash flooding in Texas, officials are answering questions about the weather forecasts ahead of and during the storm.

Video: Timelapse Shows Texas’ Llano River Completely Flood in Just Minutes

Timelapse video shows authorities blocking off a low water crossing over the Llano River in Kingsland just before flash flooding completely inundated the area in just 10 minutes.

Musk forms new party after split with Trump over tax and spending bill

Musk said he's carrying out his threat to form a new political party after a falling out with Trump over the president's sweeping tax cuts law.

Knives, bullets and thieves: the quest for food in Gaza

NPR's Gaza producer faced Israeli military fire, private U.S. contractors pointing laser beams at his forehead and masked thieves as he tried to get food from a U.S.-supported group.