News

Upheaval and firings at CDC raise fears about disease outbreak response

Staff and observers worry that the agency may not be prepared for emerging threats including bird flu and insect-borne diseases.

21 DOGE staffers resign, saying they won’t help ‘dismantle’ public services

Twenty-one members of the United States DOGE Service have resigned, they said in an anonymous letter, citing DOGE's ongoing work dramatically reshaping the federal government.

Fabric giant Joann is going out of business and closing all of its 800 stores

The crafts retailer formerly known as Jo-Ann Fabrics had been struggling financially for several years following a DIY-driven uptick in sales during the early days of the pandemic.

The odds of a ‘city-killer’ asteroid hitting Earth have fallen to zero

After weeks at the top of the Sentry list at the Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, the asteroid 2024 YR4 is no longer considered a threat to Earth.

Consumer confidence falls the most since 2021 over fears about inflation and tariffs

A report from the Conference Board shows Americans are increasingly worried about inflation, driven in part by President Trump's threats to impose new tariffs on imports.

How is Pope Francis doing? The Vatican says he rested well and met church officials

Pope Francis "rested well throughout the night" in the hospital, the Vatican says, and even met with Vatican officials to sign several documents linked to sainthood designations on Monday.

Supreme Court throws out death sentence, murder conviction of Okla. death row inmate

The court reversed the state court's judgement and sent the case back for a new trial.

50 years after a seminal conference, big questions about biotechnology remain

In 1975, researchers met to discuss the emerging field of biotechnology. The issues surrounding the field today are familiar.

From tariffs to spending, rounding up the Trump administration’s econ-related actions

Since taking office in late January, the Trump administration has been working at a galloping pace to reshape the government and economy. We have been doing our best to keep up and keep you informed.

A new rule could speed up unused oil well decommissioning. Gulf States are suing to stop it

The rule, finalized last year, would also protect taxpayers from shouldering the cost. The states suing, however,, say it will crush independent oil companies.

Why the good news about the mpox outbreak of 2025 isn’t really good after all

The case counts seem to be dropping. But health officials say that's because violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo makes it difficult to get good data. And now U.S. assistance is being disrupted.

From deportations to health care, state lawmakers are key for much of Trump’s domestic agenda

Federal power only goes so far. State governors and legislatures have wide authority over local law enforcement, schools, health and how cities and counties handle immigration.

D.C.’s first Vietnamese American art exhibit subverts what it means to be Vietnamese

April 2025 marks 50 years since the end of the Vietnam war. Washington, D.C.'s first Vietnamese American art exhibit examines what it means to be Vietnamese and looks forward with hope.

Joy Reid fired from MSNBC amid network shakeup

Reid is a longtime political commentator who has been vocal on progressive issues and sharply critical of President Trump.

Who is Alice Marie Johnson, Trump’s newly appointed ‘pardon czar’?

Johnson, now 69, was facing life in prison without the possibility of parole for being a first-time nonviolent drug offender.

Health care workers are rushing to learn about immigration law in case of ICE raids

A policy change by the Trump administration allows immigration agents to enter and arrest people in health facilities. Some clinics are training health workers to support patients in the event of arrests.

5 signs that a U.S.-Europe split is widening

As the Trump administration ramps up its rhetoric against Ukraine and NATO, European countries are taking note — with increasing alarm.

Top Ukrainian official says Kyiv will refuse any ‘bad’ peace deal

Ihor Brusylo, deputy head of Ukraine's President's Office, tells NPR Trump is a "peacemaker and dealmaker," while expressing hope the U.S. continues to provide aid to Ukraine.

Reconciliation is the key to unlocking Trump’s agenda. Here’s how it works

Republicans in Congress are turning to a tool of the budget process to pass major elements of President Trump's agenda without the threat of a filibuster from Senate Democrats.

Trump funding freeze includes payments to keep the Colorado River flowing

President Biden promised billions in funds to farmers and others to not take water from the Colorado River. President Trump is halting some of those funds, leaving questions about the river's future.

Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent who tried to shield the Kennedys, dies at 93

Hill received Secret Service awards and was promoted for his actions that day, but for decades blamed himself for Kennedy's death, saying he would gladly have given his life to save the president.

Trump administration backs off requiring response to ‘What did you do last week?’ email

"No one knows what we are supposed to do," said one federal employee amid conflicting and shifting directives on whether to comply with Elon Musk's directive to list five accomplishments.

Court ruling lets White House ban on the Associated Press continue, for now

The Trump administration may continue — for now — to keep the AP from covering key events. A federal judge declined to issue a temporary restraining order on Monday.

The Panama Canal needs more water. The solution is a dam that could displace thousands

More than 2,000 people could be displaced by the construction of the Río Indio dam. The Panama Canal Authority says the dam solves a long-term water shortage problem.

Atlanta DA Willis begins her second term expressing no regrets over Trump case

Donald Trump and Atlanta prosecutor Fani Willis began their second terms in office a few weeks apart. Their fates have diverged over the last year, since Willis charged Trump in Georgia.

Medical research labs brace for possible funding cuts that could disrupt their work

Researchers say the Trump administration's plan to slash payments for indirect costs will hamper new medical science. One example? A lab studying respiratory viruses faces losing half its staff.

Federal watchdog agency intervenes in Trump’s purge of probationary employees

U.S. Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger has asked the Merit Systems Protection Board to temporarily reinstate six federal employees fired from their jobs and is considering ways to seek relief for others.

Trump and Macron meet in Washington as Europe pleads for continued help for Ukraine

In a conversation between President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in the Oval Office Monday, the two leaders seemed friendly even then they appeared far apart on the war in Ukraine.

U.S. votes against a U.N. resolution urging Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine

The European-backed resolution that was approved demands Russia immediately withdraw its forces. The Trump administration had offered a competing resolution that did not mention Russian aggression.

DHS memo lays out plans to detain migrants at Fort Bliss and other U.S. bases

The Trump administration is developing plans to build immigration detention facilities on bases nationwide, a step that could significantly expand the military's role in immigration enforcement.

Mikaela Shiffrin seals legacy as one of skiing’s greatest with historic 100 World Cup wins

After a bruising crash last November, Mikaela Shiffrin dominated the slopes on Sunday and made skiing history once again.

What to know about Dan Bongino, the media personality tapped as FBI deputy director

Dan Bongino has been chosen as the FBI's second-in-command, a job that doesn't need Senate confirmation. Here's what to know about the Secret Service agent-turned-conservative media personality.