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Turkey looks set to play an outsize role in shaping the new Syria after Assad
As the world watches Syria grapple with the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad's brutal regime and the formation of a new government, one neighbor has emerged as having great influence over the new Syria.
The Federal Reserve lowers interest rates again — but hints at fewer cuts next year
The Fed lowered interest rates by a quarter percentage point — but policymakers are projecting fewer rate cuts next year as inflation remains elevated.
In 2024, our TV critic was grateful for fantastic shows and familiar faces
Fresh Air critic David Bianculli watches more TV than anyone he knows. He found it impossible to come up with a top 10 list this year — and is reveling in the abundance of exceptional shows.
Genital herpes is a ‘forgotten’ virus. But that doesn’t mean it’s gone away.
Over 800 million people have genital herpes — and in many cases the virus can flare up over a person's lifetime, causing painful symptoms. So why doesn't the world pay more attention?
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.
