News
Flags to be raised for Trump’s inauguration, despite half-staff order for Carter’s death
The president-elect had expressed concern that Democrats seemed happy to see the flag lowered during the inauguration ceremony despite the tradition of lowering flags after a president's death.
Trump’s Cabinet pick for secretary of transportation is Sean Duffy. Here’s what to know
While some of President-elect Trump's Cabinet nominees faced sharp questioning this week, Sean Duffy received a friendly welcome in his confirmation hearing to be secretary of transportation.
Here’s everyone performing at the presidential inauguration
Unlike Donald Trump's first inauguration in 2017, which reportedly struggled to book high-profile performers, several well-known artists will partake in this year's inaugural events.
Alabama inmate asks court to block nitrogen gas execution
Demetrius Terrence Frazier is scheduled to be executed Feb. 6. His attorneys in a Wednesday court filing asked a judge to block the execution unless the state makes changes to the protocol.
Inflation remains stubbornly high for many Americans. Could it get worse under Trump?
Consumer prices rose 2.9% in December from a year earlier, marking the third consecutive monthly uptick in annual inflation.
How do you ensure good luck on Lunar New Year? NPR wants to know
The Lunar New Year falls on Jan. 29 this year. NPR wants to know what traditions you uphold to ensure good luck in the year to come.
Ancient Celtic tribe had women at its social center
Ancient DNA reveals that during the Iron Age, women in ancient Celtic societies were at the center of their social networks — unlike previous eras of prehistory.
LA fires are still raging, but forecasters expect calmer winds in the coming days
It was another day of fierce winds gusting to 65 mph in mountainous areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, but weather more conducive to firefighting operations is expected soon.
John Deere faces U.S. lawsuit over farmers’ ability to repair tractors
The Federal Trade Commission and two states accuse Deere of costing farmers time and money by unfairly limiting software access and forcing the use of only authorized dealers.
Invasive green crabs threaten West Coast ecosystems. One solution? Otters
As invasive green crabs wreak havoc on California's estuaries, a new study has found that a restored sea otter population might be the solution.
FBI background checks of presidential nominees, explained
Confirmation hearings for Cabinet members nominated by President-elect Trump are underway. The FBI conducts background checks focusing on "character and conduct" of the nominees. What's involved?
What to know about RedNote, the Chinese app that American TikTokkers are flooding
With TikTok's days in the U.S. potentially numbered, many American users are moving to another Chinese social media app: RedNote, a heavily censored platform similar to Instagram. Here's what to know.
Israel and Hamas reach a Gaza ceasefire agreement
Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on a multiphase ceasefire that commits them to end the war in Gaza, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman James Risch said.
What L.A. did right before the fires — and why it wasn’t enough
Los Angeles has wildfire policies that are far tougher than many of those in Western states. The destruction from the recent fires shows there are still major gaps to address.
Gaza and the moon make biennial most-endangered list
The World Monuments Fund list seeks to raise awareness and funds to help preserve the sites it spotlights. Africa's Swahili Coast, Maine's lighthouses and Buddhist grottoes in China are also in peril.
Daring to Dream: A reflection on America
In celebration of what would have been Martin Luther King Jr.'s 96th birthday, pianist Lara Downes examines how musicians have followed in his footsteps, and faced the cost of taking a stand.
The secret to doing hard things and getting stuff done
Some people team up with an "accountability partner" or "accountability group" to accomplish big goals or tasks. Here's how to set up a successful partnership.
First Black woman to serve in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps after desegregation dies
Nancy Leftenant-Colon, who became the first Black nurse in the U.S. Army Air Corps after President Harry S. Truman desegregated it in 1948, has died at age 104.
On Apache lands, progress in a long war against ticks and the disease they spread
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, the deadliest tick-borne disease in the U.S., is a big problem on tribal lands in the Southwest. A community-led response on Apache lands in Arizona is helping save lives.
Trump’s Cabinet pick for secretary of state is Marco Rubio. Here’s what to know
Among President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks, secretary of state nominee Marco Rubio may face the easiest confirmation process.
Lower nicotine requirements in cigarettes could be coming soon
The FDA is expected to propose a new rule Wednesday that would mean cigarettes have lower nicotine limits to make them less addictive.
South Korean President Yoon detained after standoff over martial law decree
Yoon and his ruling party supporters remain defiant against the insurrection charges. He is South Korea's first sitting president to be detained.
Pistachio moguls and reservoirs: False water claims spread about California fires
Influencers and politicians are spreading false narratives about water and the L.A. wildfires. These include the idea that farm moguls took firefighting water and an empty reservoir is part of a plot.
U.S. watchdog sues Capital One, alleging bank cheated customers out of $2 billion
The CFPB claims Capital One intentionally kept news of its higher-yield savings accounts from members with lower-yield savings accounts.
Move aside BMI: There’s a better way to define obesity, commission finds
An international committee of scientists has proposed changing the way obesity is defined and diagnosed. The proposal adds more ways to measure body composition and fat.
Trump will begin his presidency in delicate position, poll finds
A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows that Americans' support for President-elect Donald Trump's top priorities is split, despite his claims of a mandate for his agenda.
Supreme Court to hear arguments on Texas porn law
At issue is a Texas law that mandates pornography websites verify the ages of their users before they gain access to the material.
Departing DHS Secretary Mayorkas contends he delivered border security in the end
As DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas prepares to leave office, NPR sits down for an exit interview. He tells us the border is more secure now than before the pandemic.
These workers are aiding labor investigations. Will Trump let them stay in the U.S.?
Under Biden, thousands of workers who experienced wage theft and other abuses have been granted protection from deportation and authorization to work so they can participate in labor investigations.
Photos: Southern California pets receive aid from rescue groups
A network of rescue groups are caring for animals affected by wildfires still burning in the Los Angeles area. A multi-state operation is under way to help relieve local animal shelters.
Trump’s Cabinet pick for attorney general is Pam Bondi. Here’s what to know
Bondi is expected to receive broad support from Republicans but face sharp questions from Democrats who have concerns about whether she will protect the Justice Department from political influence.
Safety advocates fear Tesla will face less accountability for car crashes under Trump
With Tesla CEO Elon Musk backing President-elect Donald Trump, safety advocates fear the incoming administration is poised to scrap a federal crash reporting requirement that Tesla calls unfair.
