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Trump says he’s closing the Kennedy Center for renovations. We have questions

After President Trump announced plans for a "Complete Rebuilding" of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., what exactly did he mean, and what does it mean for the arts?

A major census test faces cutbacks — with postal workers tapped to help count

The Trump administration has shrunk the number of locations for this year's field test of the 2030 census and added plans to test replacing temporary census workers with U.S. Postal Service staff.

N.Y. Republican met with jeers over ICE tactics during town hall in swing district

Discontent over ICE enforcement tactics is spilling out into races across the country, including competitive congressional districts held by Republicans, like Rep. Mike Lawler of New York.

Meet Milo and Tina, the ‘first openly Gen Z’ Olympic mascots

The 2026 Olympics and Paralympics mascots are Milo and Tina, a pair of teenage, scarf-clad stoat siblings with big dreams. If you're wondering what a stoat is, you're in the right place.

This global health leader praises Trump’s aid plan — and gears up to beat malaria

Bill Steiger, who served in the George H.W. Bush and first Trump administrations, reflects on the past year's changes in the U.S. role — and his new job as head of Malaria No More.

Grammys 2026: 10 takeaways from a historic, chaotic night

The Grammy Awards were full of milestone wins, chaotic performances and viral moments, as well as speeches that frequently addressed this moment in American history.

Hemp and marijuana are the same species. So why all the different laws?

Farmers in the U.S. have grown cannabis since the 1600s — but policymakers are still figuring out how to regulate two famous types of Cannabis sativa. A historian calls the plant "incredibly cryptic."

With an ACA fix uncertain in the Senate, Republicans replay old health care fights

Things are looking bleak for a fix in Congress for ACA premiums that doubled, on average, this month. And Republicans are making arguments against the law that haven't worked in years past.

Refugees relive the trauma they fled as ICE targets them in Minnesota

The Trump administration says it's reviewing thousands of cases to look for potential fraud. A judge ordered a temporary pause, saying refugees cannot be arrested "without warrants or cause."

From the dumpster to the aisle: This wedding dress restorer brings gowns back to life

During the coronavirus pandemic, TikTok and Instagram creator Hobby Bobbins taught herself how to restore vintage dresses. Now, she's brought dozens of old wedding dresses back to life.

After being hit by a car, she was saved by a lavender bunny

Eight years ago, Joann Moschella was injured after her bicycle was hit by a car. That's when her unsung hero appeared, dressed in a furry lavender bunny suit.

Too old to compete? This 87-year-old triathlete has tips for staying in the game

Despite issues with her heart, this octogenarian still competes in triathlons. She's proof that preventive medicine paired with smart lifestyle choices help seniors stay active longer.

The Education Department’s efforts to fire staff cost over $28 million, watchdog says

A new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office calculates the cost of efforts to fire civil rights staff, and questions the department's ability to enforce federal civil rights laws.

Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt reopens for limited traffic

Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt reopened on Monday for limited traffic, a key step as the Israeli-Hamas ceasefire moves ahead, according to Egyptian and Israeli security officials.

Groundhog Day puts Punxsutawney Phil’s forecast about winter’s length in the spotlight

When Phil is said to have seen his shadow upon emergence from a tree stump in rural Pennsylvania, that's considered a forecast for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn't see his shadow, an early spring is said to be on the way.

Bad Bunny wins Grammy for album of the year

At the 2026 Grammys, Bad Bunny became the first artist to win the album of the year award for a Spanish-language release. Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga also took home major awards.

Kennedy Center to close for 2 years for construction in July, Trump says

President Trump says he will move to close Washington's Kennedy Center for two years. It follows a wave of cancellations since Trump ousted the previous leadership and added his name to the building.

Bomb cyclone brings bitter cold and snow to the Southeast

Temperatures in southern Florida reached the coldest they've been since 1989, according to the National Weather Service.

The complete list of 2026 Grammy winners and nominees

Kendrick Lamar, last year's biggest winner, could repeat in the major categories. Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter and Lady Gaga are also among the nominees up for multiple Grammys.

Swiss Alpine bar fire claims 41st victim, an 18-year-old Swiss national

Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the owners of Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, where a fire in the early hours of Jan. 1 killed dozens.

Sunday Puzzle: Rhyme Time

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe plays the puzzle with WBUR listener Laurie Rose and Weekend Edition Puzzlemaster Will Shortz.

Alcaraz beats Djokovic to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam

The 22-year-old Spaniard's win against 38-year-old rival Novak Djokovic at Sunday's Australian Open makes him the youngest male player to win all four major tournaments.

You already know the song — now, ‘The One About the Blackbird’ is also a picture book

In The One About the Blackbird, a young boy learns to play guitar from his grandfather. And there's one song in particular that they love…

At a clown school near Paris, failure is the lesson

For decades, students at the Ecole Philippe Gaulier have been paying to bomb onstage. The goal isn't laughs — it's learning how to take the humiliation and keep going.

In the world’s driest desert, Chile freezes its future to protect plants

Tucked away in a remote desert town, a hidden vault safeguards Chile's most precious natural treasures. From long-forgotten flowers to endangered crops.

Iran’s supreme leader warns any US attack would spark ‘regional war’

Iran's supreme leader warned Sunday that any attack by the United States would spark a "regional war" in the Mideast, further escalating tensions as President Donald Trump has threatened to militarily strike the Islamic Republic.

Minnesota citizens detained by ICE are left rattled, even weeks later

The number of immigration agents in Minnesota may be reduced, but they'll leave leave behind a changed community, including many U.S. citizens questioned and detained in recent weeks.

Gaza border crossing buzzes with activity after years of near-complete closure

Reopening the border crossing is a key step as the Israel-Hamas ceasefire moves ahead.

Democrat Taylor Rehmet wins a reliably Republican Texas state Senate seat, stunning GOP

Democrat Taylor Rehmet won a special election for the Texas state Senate on Saturday, flipping a reliably Republican district that President Donald Trump won by 17 points in 2024.

Trump says feds won’t intervene during protests in Democratic-led cities unless asked to do so

President Donald Trump said Saturday that he has instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem not to intervene in protests occurring in cities led by Democrats unless local authorities ask for federal help.

U.S. intervention in Venezuela divides Houston

In nearly two dozen interviews, Houstonians expressed everything from admiration and relief to skepticism and dread following the seizure of leader Nicolás Maduro.

Anti-ICE protesters call for national action against federal immigration tactics

Hundreds of groups hold protests against federal immigration operations, calling for an end to ICE surge. Demonstrators challenge Minneapolis-based retailer Target.