News

Manmohan Singh, India’s prime minister from 2004 to 2014, has died

Singh was known as the father of economic reforms in India. He served as finance minister in the early 1990s, and his policies then set India on the path of economic liberalization and globalization.

Investigation begins into the cause of the Azerbaijan Airlines crash

Azerbaijan observed a day of mourning for the victims of the plane crash that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured as speculation mounted about a possible cause of the disaster.

Photos: Fishermen, known as ‘Sea Nomads,’ dive to protect ocean life in Madagascar

They make their living off the sea, but their catch is dwindling. So these traditional fisherfolk are taking steps to preserve both sea life — and their livelihood.

Mourners mark 20 years since Indian Ocean tsunami that killed some 230,000 people

Triggered by a 9.1 magnitude earthquake off the coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra, the catastrophic event was the deadliest tsunami in recorded history.

How to navigate gift returns and regifting this holiday season

Etiquette experts weigh in on what to do with that ugly sweater you got for the holidays.

Here are some of the NPR stories that had a big impact in 2024

From learning a new skill to prompting federal legislation, here are some of the ways people's lives were affected by the NPR Network's journalism this year.

The 2024 moments that will stick with us: Reflections from the Gulf States Newsroom

Our regional reporters reflect on delightful, discarded moments they had in the field as they covered stories across Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Israeli strike kills 5 Palestinian journalists in Gaza, officials say

An Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital in the Gaza Strip overnight, according to the Health Ministry. The Israeli military said it had targeted a group of militants.

Minn. Democratic party chair says his wins could help nationally after loss to Trump

Ken Martin helped turn around the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party's finances and secure a streak of statewide wins for the party over 18 years. Now, he wants to do the same thing for the Democratic National Committee.

Popeye, Tintin and more will enter the public domain in the new year

The copyrights of thousands of 20th-century films, books, compositions and sound recordings expire on Jan. 1, making them free for anyone to share and adapt. Here are some of the highlights.

Remembering the actors, musicians, writers and artists we lost in 2024

Every year, we remember some of the writers, actors, musicians, filmmakers and performers who died over the past year, and whose lifetime of creative work helped shape our world.

Giving up alcohol for Dry January? Our newsletter can help you reach your goal

If your New Year's resolution is to drink less alcohol, Life Kit is here to help. Sign up for our Dry January newsletter series, and get tips and strategies to help you stay alcohol-free for a month.

100-plus cities in the U.S. banned homeless camping this year. But will it work?

The burst of new laws follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling, and reflects public frustration with record-high homelessness. But advocates say fines and jail time will only make the problem worse.

Snowboarder’s death in Swiss Alps avalanche is a reminder that even pros face risk

The death of an Olympic snowboarding athlete is a reminder that even the most skilled and experienced athletes are not immune to the threat of avalanches, and that knowledge is key to staying safe.

Scientists await signal from spacecraft after historic close encounter with the sun

To get so close, the Parker Solar Probe had to withstand the sun's extreme heat and radiation like no spacecraft before it.

Mega Millions jackpot surges past $1 billion

The Mega Millions prize has now grown to an estimated $1.15 billion, which could be the fifth-largest jackpot in the game's history.

Pope urges ‘all people of all nations’ to silence arms in Christmas address

Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas message urged "all people of all nations" to find courage "to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions" plaguing the world, from the Middle East to Ukraine, Africa to Asia.

A gang attack on a Haitian hospital reopening kills 2 reporters and a police officer

Street gangs forced the General Hospital in Port-au-Prince to close earlier this year. As journalists gathered to cover its reopening, suspected gang members opened fire.

Far from the front lines, Ukrainians fight a war to preserve their culture

In the Transcarpathia region, some locals embrace a traditional lifestyle and cultural identity. After surviving Soviet threats, now they fear President Vladimir Putin seeks to erase their culture.

Russia targets Ukrainian energy infrastructure on Christmas Day

Russia's massive missile and drone barrage struck a thermal power plant and prompted Ukrainians to shelter in metro stations on Christmas morning.

When kindness becomes a habit, it improves our health

Whether it's volunteering at a local school or taking soup to a sick neighbor, improving the welfare of others can also improve our own physical and mental health, a sizable body of research shows.

‘The Bachelor,’ Ukraine edition, features a veteran who lost both legs in the war

He wants to give hope to the tens of thousands of Ukrainians who have lost limbs since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Want government money for a heat pump? Time might be running out

The Biden administration introduced new consumer tax credits for climate-friendly heat pumps. What does a Trump administration and GOP-led congress mean for that money?

Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet crashes in the Kazakhstani city of Aktau

An Azerbaijani airliner has crashed in the Kazakhstani city of Aktau with 30 people likely dead and at least 28 survivors, according to Kazakhstan's Emergency Ministry.

Richard Perry, record producer behind ‘You’re So Vain’ and other hits, dies at 82

A recipient of a Grammys Trustee Award in 2015, Richard Perry died at a Los Angeles hospital on Tuesday. Perry was a hitmaking record producer with a flair for both standards and contemporary sounds.

The Assad regime’s fall has freed displaced Syrians stuck in a remote desert camp

More than 7,000 people had taken shelter in the Rukban camp, near the border with Jordan, many of whom fled the regime and ISIS attacks almost a decade ago.

Starbucks baristas’ ‘strike before Christmas’ has reached hundreds of U.S. stores

Starbucks' union says workers are walking off the job at some 300 — out of over 10,000 — stores across the U.S. as contract negotiations falter. The company urges it to return to the bargaining table.

American Airlines lifts ground stop that froze Christmas Eve travelers

American Airlines passengers across the U.S. endured a sudden disruption of service on Christmas Eve as a "technical issue" forced the airline to request a nationwide ground stop of its operations.

An Indian movie, loved abroad, is snubbed at home for Oscar submission

All We Imagine as Light explores the lives of working-class women in Mumbai and won the Grand Prix at Cannes. But it was deemed not Indian enough to submit to the Oscars. 

Inside a secret Ukrainian drone command post, where Russian soldiers are seen as prey

NPR visits a secret drone command center near the front lines in eastern Ukraine, where crews are using remote-controlled aircraft to hunt Russian soldiers on the battlefield.

2024 will be the hottest year on record, even hotter than expected

It's looking like 2024 will be the hottest year since record-keeping began, unseating 2023 for the top spot. Climate change is playing a role, and scientists say it was even hotter than expected.

Here are two seismic changes pushing Honda and Nissan into merger talks

The two major Japanese automakers are discussing a merger. Here is what to know, from the reasons why they are doing this to how it could impact you.