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Supreme Court agrees to review TikTok ban-or-sale law

The high court said Wednesday it will review a challenge submitted by TikTok asking for the overturn of a law that could ban the video-sharing app by Jan 19.

Supreme Court takes up South Carolina’s effort to defund Planned Parenthood

The state cut off funding to Planned Parenthood because it provided non-abortion services to Medicaid patients.

The bald eagle isn’t actually America’s national bird — but that’s poised to change

After learning the U.S. doesn't officially recognize the bald eagle as its national bird, a Minnesota man swooped in. This week the House passed his bill, which now heads to Biden's desk.

Viewers watched 20.35 billion hours on Twitch in 2024. ‘Stream Big’ explores why

According to the Twitch 2024 community recap, viewers watched 20.35 billion hours on the live-streaming service. A forthcoming book explains why.

Scientists know our bodies are full of microplastics. What are they doing to us?

Plastic particles are found in our organs, blood and even semen. But do they stay in us forever? What damage are they doing? Here are six questions scientists are trying to answer.

The season of Christmas songs is here. Will the classics make room for anything new?

'Tis the season for a handful of familiar Christmas songs to monopolize the top spots on the Billboard pop chart. But a few newer songs are making a play to join the annual holiday jukebox.

You don’t look a day over 4.35 billion! Here’s the moon’s anti-aging secret

Early interactions with the Earth may have heated up the Moon and caused it to remelt, producing new lunar rocks and erasing old craters. 

Study finds more TV depictions of abortion this year — but they’re still mostly getting it wrong

The findings of an annual report on how abortion is depicted on TV are released today.

These were the top animal stories on NPR in 2024, including a boy’s pregnant octopus

This year, the animal kingdom was filled with triumph, loss and new discoveries. Here is a look at NPR's top animal stories of 2024.

Federal regulators say an Alabama coal mine’s plans may violate law, leaving citizens at risk

A “ten-day notice” issued to Alabama officials aims to mitigate risks to citizens living above Oak Grove Mine. It comes after months of state inaction and community outrage.

How much power would RFK Jr. have at HHS? A former health secretary weighs in

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is making the case with senators that he should lead Health and Human Services. Kathleen Sebelius, who had the job under Obama, explains the power and limits of the role.

10 young adult novels you don’t have to be young to enjoy

Whether you're young or young at heart, we have book ideas for you. This year's YA collection, gathered by NPR book critics and staff, includes romance, historical fiction, poetry, fantasy and more.

This weightlifting gym helps older people build more than just strength

At Fivex3 Training, a gym in Baltimore, several mornings a week are reserved for older people to train.

Trains, tracks, and tradition: Lionel celebrates 125 years of Christmas fun

Lionel trains turns 125, celebrating more than a century of holiday magic. From historic models to smartphone-controlled locomotives, these iconic toy trains continue to captivate kids and collectors alike.

Michael Vick says he will be the new head football coach at Norfolk State University

Vick, a four-time Pro Bowl player, is returning to his home state of Virginia to coach the team.

Churches are making room for grief and loss at Christmas

More and more congregations are trying to be sensitive to those who are grieving during the holidays. The move ranges from special services to the inclusion of hymns and prayers that speak to sadness during regular Sunday worship.

‘Cancer ghosting’ can be more painful than treatment, survivors say

Loss of social support after a cancer diagnosis is a surprisingly common experience, social workers and cancer patients say. For young cancer survivors, it is a particularly difficult part of the disease.

The American industry that wants more government intervention

As President-elect Trump promises to eliminate government agencies and regulations, one American industry — mining — is asking for more intervention. They say national economic and military security are at stake.

Energy chief Granholm warns against ‘unfettered exports’ of liquefied natural gas

Granholm's statement came as the Energy Department released a long-awaited study that found U.S. LNG shipments drive up domestic wholesale prices and frequently displace renewable energy sources.

At least 25 killed after an overcrowded boat capsizes in Congo

It capsized a few hundred meters into the journey along the Fimi River, the latest such tragedy to strike Congo.

Nuclear bunker sales increase, despite warnings they won’t provide protection

Critics warn argue that people planning to live through an atomic blast aren't focusing on the real and current dangers posed by nuclear threats.

Deadly violence in Nigeria tied to United Methodist Church schism over LGBTQ policies

A religious schism has turned deadly in Nigeria, with a church member fatally shot and two young children killed as homes were set ablaze, according to United Methodist News Service.

Man set to be put to death in Indiana’s first execution in 15 years

Barring intervention by Gov. Eric Holcomb, Corcoran is scheduled to be executed before sunrise Wednesday at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City.

U.S. to pay $116M settlement over rampant sexual abuse at Calif. women’s prison

The lawsuits were brought by more than 100 women who say they were abused or mistreated at a now-shuttered federal prison in California that was known as the "rape club" because of rampant staff-on-inmate sexual misconduct.

In last-ditch effort, Democrats push to get Julie Su confirmed as Labor Secretary

Acting Secretary Julie Su has led the Labor Department for nearly two years, despite never getting a Senate confirmation vote. With time running out, her staunchest supporters haven't given up.

Lawmakers release spending bill to fund federal government until March 14

Congressional leaders released a stop-gap spending bill to fund the government until March 14.

Carlos Watson gets nearly 10 years in prison in case about failed startup Ozy Media

Watson, 55, and the now-defunct company were found guilty last summer of charges including wire fraud conspiracy. He has denied the allegations and plans to appeal.

The president of the NCAA calls for a ban on ‘prop bets’ in college sports

As sports betting has spread across the U.S., college athletes have increasingly faced harassment from bettors. A federal ban on wagers that concern individual performances could help, the NCAA says.

Harris nods to the coconut tree meme that started it all

Vice President Harris had some fleeting meme-mentum in the early days of her campaign. On Tuesday, she nodded to that in remarks to young voters.

Q&A: The little-known history of how enslaved people were jailed in antebellum New Orleans

Author John Bardes discusses how Louisiana’s complicated history with mass incarceration began with imprisonment being used as a tool against enslaved people.

Luigi Mangione is charged with murder as an act of terrorism in CEO’s death

The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO has been charged with murder as an act of terrorism. The indictment could help move along procedural steps toward extraditing the suspect.

Senators launch probe into sale-leaseback company, citing NPR’s reporting

EasyKnock, the subject of the probe, announced its sudden closure earlier this month.