News
Are immigrants still welcome in Mayor Eric Adams’ New York City? We asked New Yorkers.
New York City's mayor has embraced a more conservative, less immigrant friendly stance. What does that mean for a city that's built it's identity on immigration?
Trump officials signal potential changes at NOAA, the weather and climate agency
Federal workers at the home agency for the National Weather Service are concerned about a potential overhaul by Trump officials focused on cutting government costs.
Hamas releases three Israeli hostages, the sixth group freed under a ceasefire deal
In a ceremony surrounded by masked Palestinian militants and rubble from the Gaza war, Hamas released three Israeli hostages holding U.S., Russian and Argentinian citizenships on Saturday.
A Valentine’s Day aurora may be visible in the skies of the northern U.S.
During Valentine's Day weekend, northern parts of America, including Maine, may have a chance of seeing an aurora. But space weather scientists warn that the chances of this happening are slim.
Federal judge blocks CFPB from laying off more employees
The ruling from a federal court in Washington, D.C., is a reprieve for CFPB staff who had been bracing for mass layoffs as early as Friday.
Trump firings cause chaos at agency responsible for America’s nuclear weapons
The National Nuclear Security Administration is a semi-autonomous agency within the Department of Energy that oversees the U.S. stockpile of thousands of nuclear weapons. Officials were given hours to fire hundreds of employees.
HUD employees are bracing for what they hear will be ‘drastic’ staff cuts
As federal layoffs mount, sources say the Trump administration plans a 50% staffing cut at the federal housing agency. The moves come amid an affordable housing shortage and record high homelessness.
A judge orders a temporary thaw to Trump’s foreign aid freeze. What will that mean?
He wrote that there was no explanation "why a blanket suspension of all congressionally appropriated foreign aid" is needed to review programs. But how funds will start flowing again is unclear.
Fallout from Eric Adams case continues at the Justice Department
An order to dismiss the corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams has sent the Justice Department into a crisis. Several top prosecutors resigned rather than obey orders to dismiss the case.
Access to Ukraine’s rare earths may help keep U.S. aid flowing
As the Trump administration publicly hammers out its plans on the Ukraine war, it's also pressing Ukraine for deals in exchange for more aid — including giving the U.S. mining rights for rare earths.
Layoffs accelerate at federal agencies with more cuts to come
Federal agencies continued to lay off workers Friday. The cuts come after President Trump signed an executive order this week directing agencies to prepare for "large-scale" reductions in force.
Former Kennedy Center president speaks out in first interview since her firing
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks to Deborah Rutter, former head of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in her first interview since the board installed President Trump as its new chair.
Altimeter in Black Hawk helicopter may have malfunctioned before DCA mid-air collision
The National Transportation Safety Board says altimeter in the Black Hawk helicopter may have malfunctioned before the DCA mid-air collision with an American Airlines jet. All 67 people aboard died.
At 74, Wisdom the albatross is welcoming new motherhood once again
The Laysan Albatross was first banded (or marked) in Hawaii in 1956. Meaning, she could be even older than the current estimate of 74.
Will the Eagles visit the White House after Super Bowl win? They didn’t last time
The Eagles pulled out a win over the Kansas City Chiefs this week, but they might opt out of making the traditional visit to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
President Trump is testing the limits of ’emergency’ powers — again
President Trump has declared multiple national emergencies since taking office. That's helping him act quickly. There are few checks and balances on the emergency powers he's claiming.
‘Moss Appreciation Week’: a lot of celebration for a very little plant
Moss Appreciation Week is packed with events both scientific... and also silly. Moss walks, moss talks, moss movies, crafting moss-themed Valentines, and a "gastropod derby" with snails and slugs (for whom moss is a nice moist microclimate).
Layoffs start at CDC, targeting probationary staff
As many as 1,300 probationary employees at CDC are being let go, at the direction of the Trump administration. The cuts represent around 10% of the agency's workforce.
Park Service erases ‘transgender’ on Stonewall website, uses the term ‘LGB’ movement
The website deleted all mentions of "transgender" and "queer" in its history of the Stonewall riots, and only referred to the riots' impact on lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
ICE officers granted access to unaccompanied minors database
Trump administration officials say the move was necessary "to build a culture of child safety and accountability." But advocates say they fear the administration will use it for immigration enforcement.
Did a whale swallow a kayaker? The truth behind the viral video
A humpback whale briefly engulfed a kayaker off the coast of Chile in an incident caught on camera. Experts say it couldn't have swallowed him even if it wanted to.
Elon Musk’s team is expected to target the Pentagon soon, pledging cost cuts
The DOGE team is aiming to cut 8% from next year's defense budget, officials tell NPR.
Jordan’s military is test-running an air bridge for aid to Gaza
NPR traveled with Jordan's military on a recent helicopter flight delivering aid to the Gaza Strip, part of a test program since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect last month.
Crime bills go before the Alabama legislature
Gov. Kay Ivey has said public safety would be her top priority this legislative session. Ivey put that into action this week as she and several mayors from around the state took to the Capitol to promote what's been called the "Safe Alabama" package of bills. We talk about that and other happenings in Montgomery with week with Todd Stacey, host of Capital Journal and Alabama Public Television.
Glenn Foster Jr’s family uses Super Bowl to bring awareness to his death, demand justice
The former New Orleans Saints player's family called on others, including the NFL, to advocate for Foster — who died while in police custody in Alabama.
The next Israeli hostages Hamas will release include U.S. and Russian nationals
Hamas says it will release three hostages on Saturday, resolving a dispute with Israel that threatened to derail the ceasefire. In exchange, Israel will free dozens of Palestinians from jail.
The revolution will be screenshot (hopefully)
Code Switch's B.A. Parker takes a look at the many ways our digital world is being erased.
Eating yogurt regularly may reduce the risk of colon cancer, a study finds
Humans have been eating yogurt for millennia. Ancient texts reference its health-promoting properties. Now a new study finds yogurt may reduce the risk of certain types of colon cancer.
An Israeli raid of a famous Palestinian bookstore stokes censorship fears
A famous Palestinian-owned bookstore in East Jerusalem was raided by Israeli police, stoking fears of increased censorship.
Which dog breed got robbed — AGAIN — at Westminster? Find out in the quiz!
This week, we've got little kids, loser dogs, the Super Bowl, '90s power ballads and too much government.
This week in DOGE: Elon Musk’s role in overhauling ‘America, Inc.’
Elon Musk has emerged as a key figure in President Trump's plans to reshape the government. Here's a recap of this week with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team he leads.
A federal worker tried to take Trump’s ‘Fork’ resignation offer. Here’s what happened
Liz Goggin, a social worker with the Veterans Health Administration, took the offer to resign in exchange for pay and benefits through September. Then she learned her position was exempt.