News
They made a post-apocalyptic Sundance film. Then their homes burned
The zombie apocalypse film Didn't Die was made amid the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic and upheaval in Hollywood. The filmmakers lost their homes – but are still sharing their movie at Sundance.
Congress clears GOP-led immigration enforcement bill, with Democrats on board
The House voted 263 to 156 to approve the Laken Riley act, sending the measure to Trump for his signature. The measure would make it easier for federal immigration officials to detain and deport those without legal status who are charged with specific crimes.
DOJ threatens to prosecute local officials for resisting immigration enforcement
In a new memo, a Justice Department official seeks to realign the department's positions on immigration with President Trump's executive actions — and threatens local officials who don't cooperate.
Netflix raises monthly fees after a record jump in new subscribers
The company says it added 19 million new subscribers during the last quarter of 2024, fueled by live events and new shows. Netflix is also raising subscriptions by $1 to $2 per month in the U.S.
Assessing Trump’s claim that U.S. pays ‘unfair’ share of dues to WHO
While signing the order to end U.S. membership in the World Health Organization, the President spoke of the disparity between contributions from the U.S. and China. Here's how WHO funding works.
Federal health agencies told to halt all external communications
In a memo obtained by NPR, acting health secretary Dorothy Fink forbade staff from public communications on most matters until Feb. 1, unless they get express approval from 'a presidential appointee.'
The waiting stinks, but Sydney may soon enjoy the aroma of its ‘corpse flower’
The flower's Latin name translates as "giant, misshapen penis." But it's better known to locals as "Putricia." Royal Botanical Garden Sydney has even set up a livestream in anticipation.
When Ichiro retired, his records felt “small” compared to the emotional moments
Ichiro Suzuki's career was full of hitting streaks, All-Star Games and Gold Glove awards. But all that paled compared to moments with fans like his farewell at the Tokyo Dome in 2019, he said.
Trump threatens Russia with tariffs and sanctions if it does not agree to end war
It is unclear how much impact economic penalties would have on the Russian government, since they already face various sanctions imposed by the previous administration.
Another casualty of Israel’s war in Lebanon: Efforts to save endangered turtles
Lebanese volunteers are anxious to get back to sea turtle conservation on southern beaches that were off-limits to civilians when fighting escalated between Israel and Hezbollah.
Trump’s energy emergency is a gift to fossil fuel firms. It’s likely headed to court
President Trump signed a "national energy emergency" that gives his administration new powers to boost fossil fuel development around the country.
“TaxTheSuperRich” is a protester motto at the Davos forum. Would that end inequality?
The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, is underway this week — and there are calls for taxing the extremely rich to address global inequality.
Peeing is contagious in chimpanzees, study suggests
A new study finds that captive chimpanzees may sometimes catch the urge to pee from other chimps.
What to know about protecting your cat from bird flu
A few cats have died from bird flu after eating raw food. And some raw pet food products have been recalled. Here's what to know about the risks to your fur babies, and how to keep them safe.
Prince Harry settles with Murdoch’s British tabloids as trial is about to begin
Prince Harry has agreed to settle his lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch's British tabloids. The deal ends a years' long battle to hold the newspapers accountable for invasions of privacy.
Fire risk and strong winds continue in Southern California with rain on the horizon
Southern California was forecast to face more dangerous winds on Wednesday, but could get some badly needed rain this weekend, which could create new challenges like toxic ash runoff.
Harvard agrees to adopt a broad definition of antisemitism to settle two lawsuits
Several other schools have recently settled similar lawsuits, and suits are pending against others, including the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University.
Ukraine says Russia hunts civilians with attack drones in the front-line city Kherson
Ukrainian officials say Russia is using drones to target civilians in Kherson. Some Russian soldiers appear to be bragging about the deadly attacks on social media.
Rebuilding Gaza will be a massive project. Here are 5 things to know
After more than 15 months of relentless Israeli bombardment, Gaza has been left in ruins. If last week's ceasefire holds, rebuilding could take decades, cost tens of billions of dollars and present overwhelming obstacles.
Doug Collins, Trump’s nominee to lead the VA, vows to work across the aisle to help vets
Senators from both parties did push Collins about how he will solve problems that have plagued the VA for decades, like delivering timely health care and protecting whistle-blowers.
Some Trump voters express reservations with his sweeping Jan. 6 pardons
One Trump voter told NPR he supported pardons related to the Capitol attack, but has a tougher time reconciling pardons for rioters who were violent with police.
Trump administration puts federal diversity, equity and inclusion staff on leave
Employees in the programs will be placed on paid administrative leave. Agencies have the next few days to submit reports on how they are complying with the orders, including plans to fire them.
Trump pardons dark web marketplace creator Ross Ulbricht
Ulbricht operated the anonymous digital marketplace known as Silk Road when law enforcement arrested him. The pardon fulfills a campaign pledge Trump made to Ulbricht's Libertarian supporters.
Affidavit by Hegseth’s ex-sister-in-law makes new claims about his behavior
Hegseth was voted out of committee Monday along party lines. The Senate is expected to take up his nomination soon; it is unclear how these new allegations will alter the trajectory of his nomination.
Trump’s executive order resumes executions, after Biden dialed them back
The Department of Justice will seek the death penalty for capital crimes "committed by an alien illegally present in this country." Lawyers say the order could be difficult to enforce.
Trump defends his decision to pardon January 6 rioters
Trump said those prosecuted for the attack on the U.S. Capitol had served long enough, and he sought to shift criticism to a set of preemptive pardons issued by former President Joe Biden.
Bishop confronts Trump during sermon at inaugural prayer service
At a sermon preached to President Trump at Washington National Cathedral, Bishop Mariann Budde asked him to "have mercy" on people who are "scared," including LGBTQ children.
FDA allows standalone use of nasal spray antidepressant Spravato (esketamine)
The FDA says esketamine, an antidepressant derived from the anesthetic and party drug ketamine, can now be prescribed on its own. It was approved in 2019 to treat severe depression.
Photos: From Texas to Florida, a rare winter storm brings historic snowfall
Heavy snow, sleet and ice are making travel conditions treacherous across the region, stretching from Houston into the Florida panhandle.
Trump gave pardons to hundreds of violent Jan. 6 rioters. Here’s what they did
On his first day in the White House, President Donald Trump gave commutations and pardons to every defendant charged in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Many assaulted police.
Trump administration strips schools, churches of immigration enforcement protections
The memo rescinds a Biden administration guideline that created "protected areas" consisting of places where "children gather, disaster or emergency relief sites, and social services establishments."
Will all new federal buildings look like ancient Rome now? Not quite.
Among his day one actions, President Trump is reviving his first-term efforts to promote classical architecture for federal buildings.
