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Amnesty International accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza, which Israel strongly denies

Amnesty International says Israel has sought to deliberately destroy Palestinians in its war with Hamas, by mounting deadly attacks, demolishing vital infrastructure and preventing aid deliveries.

Anthem plans to put time limits on anesthesia coverage, alarming doctors

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is under scrutiny for planning to put time limits on anesthesia care. The Connecticut comptroller's office said Wednesday it had intervened to block the policy there.

Pantone’s 2025 color is Mocha Mousse: How the company sold color to the world

Pantone isn't the only color system of its kind. But thanks to an innovative founder and savvy marketing, it's become the industry standard.

Syrian opposition forces enter the strategic city of Hama

Syrian rebels have entered another major city, in a further blow to President Bashar Assad after they took over Aleppo days earlier.

Why do kids with cancer in the Global South have such low survival rates?

In wealthy countries, a child diagnosed with cancer often has an excellent chance of survival. But in lower resource countries, survival rates are dramatically lower. What's going on?

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy take their DOGE government efficiency pitch to the Hill

The leaders of the so-called "Department of Government Efficiency" are calling for large-scale layoffs of federal workers and the elimination of some federal agencies during Trump's second term.

How sweet! A daily dose of dark chocolate may cut your risk of diabetes

A new study finds people who eat a small, daily serving of dark chocolate have a reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. People who ate milk chocolate did not have a lower risk. Here's why.

An unknown infant was rushed to a Gaza hospital. A nurse gave her a name, and a home

The newborn, found by rescuers after an Israeli attack, was rushed to a hospital. Nurse Amal Abu Khatleh gave her the name Malak, meaning angel. She is raising the baby until relatives can be found.

The right (and wrong) things to say to a grieving friend

It can be hard to find the right words to say to a friend whose loved one has died. Experts share the dos and don'ts of expressing condolences.

How a staffing shortage can make special education jobs more dangerous

Special educators are more likely to experience violence or aggression from students. That can make hiring a challenge, at a time when schools nationwide are struggling to fill these positions.

Jon Batiste traces the blues back to Beethoven and beyond

The Grammy winner and former Late Show bandleader unravels the crisscrossing threads of musical lineage from Beethoven's own personal blues to the musical art form that undergirds Batiste's Louisiana roots.

Long before this week, South Korea had a painful history with martial law

In 1980, violent clashes between government forces and pro-democracy demonstrators in the southwestern city of Gwangju created lasting scars that continue to shape South Korea to this day.

Mexican troops seize a record fentanyl haul in northern Sinaloa state

Mexican soldiers and marines have seized over a ton of fentanyl pills in two raids in the north, with officials calling it the biggest catch of the synthetic opioid in the country's history.

Legendary Medellin cartel drug lord released from U.S. prison after serving 25 years

One of Colombia's legendary drug lords has been released from prison and is expected to be deported. Ochoa was first indicted in the U.S. for his alleged role in the 1986 killing of a DEA informant.

A major power plant fails in Cuba, plunging the island into darkness — again

The blackout, on Wednesday, affected the entire nation, leaving millions without electricity and forcing authorities to suspend classes and work activities indefinitely.

Bitcoin hits $100,000 for the first time. 3 things to know about an incredible ride

From how it got here to why critics are alarmed, here's what to know about the spectacular milestone for bitcoin.

Afghan women reportedly barred from studying nursing and midwivery

Several sources confirm the Taliban pronouncement, part of ongoing efforts to curtail education for girls and women. Women studying these subjects say they were barred from classes this week.

Trump picks crypto backer Paul Atkins as new Securities and Exchange Commission chair

Trump picked Atkins, a former SEC commissioner, to head the agency. Known for his support of cryptocurrencies, Atkins could help shape regulations for the industry.

French lawmakers oust the prime minister after just 91 days, toppling the government

France's government has been toppled by a no-confidence vote in parliament, for the first time sine 1962. Prime Minister Michel Barnier served the shortest time in the post in France's modern history.

Trump chooses billionaire astronaut Jared Isaacman to run NASA

Earlier this year, Isaacman became the first private citizen to conduct a spacewalk. But his longstanding ties with Elon Musk's company SpaceX raise possible conflicts of interest.

Who is Brian Thompson, the UnitedHealthcare CEO gunned down in New York?

Thompson, a 50-year-old father of two, spent two decades at UnitedHealth Group before his shocking death. Tributes are pouring in from coworkers and public officials in his home state of Minnesota.

Longer careers in ice hockey are linked to a greater risk of CTE, a new study finds

A new Boston University study of 77 deceased male ice hockey players found that their chances of developing the degenerative brain disease known as CTE increased with each year they played the sport.

Supreme Court appears skeptical of challenge to ban on gender-affirming care for minors

At issue is a state law in Tennessee that blocks minors from accessing gender-affirming care in the state.

‘Time of the Child’ is a marvelous blend of despair and redemption

Set in a small Irish village in the weeks leading up to Christmas 1962, Niall Williams' latest novel avoids cliché by investing specificity and life into characters and places.

Montana lawmakers cross the aisle to block a trans bathroom ban in the state capitol

Some Republicans joined Democrats in rejecting the measure, which would have restricted bathroom access. Rep. Zooey Zephyr, Montana's first openly transgender legislator, won a second term last month.

Trump’s Defense pick Hegseth is under scrutiny. But he says he’s ‘not going anywhere’

Pete Hegseth is fighting to keep his nomination on track after a series of negative reports about his past behavior — including a damning email his mom sent him during his second divorce.

A North Carolina town is suing utility Duke Energy over climate change

A small North Carolina town is suing Duke Energy for costs from climate change, claiming the utility knew its fossil fuel power plants were heating the planet and deceived the public.

The 124 Best Songs of 2024

2024 was a year of breakthroughs, with new stars storming the top of the charts and artists across genres making modern classics. NPR Music's list of best songs of the year has something for everyone.

South Korea’s president faces calls to resign or be impeached

Opposition parties have filed a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol and plans for rallies in major cities are underway.

D.R. Congo’s mining capital is at the heart of Biden’s bid to counter China in Africa

Kolwezi has some of the world's largest copper and cobalt reserves and that makes it a key location at the heart of the U.S. and China's jostle for mineral supremacy on the African continent.

Supreme Court hears challenge to law banning gender-affirming care for trans kids

At issue is a Tennessee law that bans access to hormones, puberty blockers, and other treatments for trans kids in the state.

Inside RFK Jr.’s nonprofit’s legal battles over vaccines and public health

The nonprofit Children's Health Defense that Kennedy led has filed nearly 30 federal and state lawsuits since 2020, many challenging vaccines and public health mandates.