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Despite strict laws, Texas is awash in intoxicating cannabis
Recreational marijuana is still illegal in Texas. The socially conservative legislature has voted it down year after year. And yet, with its exploding market for largely unregulated consumable hemp, Texas has inadvertently become the new Republic of THC.
China’s exports in December up 10.7%, beating estimates as higher U.S. tariffs loom
China has raced to fill orders ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's promised tariffs on Chinese goods. Exports have surged in the country since the pandemic.
India kicks off a Hindu festival touted as the world’s largest religious gathering
Over the coming weeks, Hindu pilgrims with gather at the confluence of three rivers where they will begin a journey to reach Hindu philosophy's ultimate goal: the release from the cycle of rebirth.
Italy releases Iranian man wanted by U.S. over drone attack that killed 3 soldiers
The release of Mohammad Abedini follows Iran's recent freeing of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, sparking speculation that Sala may have been a bargaining chip.
Why Los Angeles, America’s most fire-ready city, became overwhelmed by flames
In a city prone to large natural disasters, L.A. firefighters are widely considered to be among the best in the business at knocking down urban wildfires. But in the extreme conditions lately, experts say little can be done even to slow these modern fires.
L.A. is bracing for the return of more powerful winds as fires continue to burn
As firefighters continue to battle blazes in multiple fires, more Santa Ana winds in the coming days threaten to increase fire risk.
Southern California wildfires destroy or damage many houses of worship
Faith communities in Los Angeles are trying to protect their homes and houses of worship from deadly wildfires. They are also trying to provide spiritual support for their traumatized congregations.
FEMA’s administrator says more than 24,000 in LA have applied for assistance
"People have lost everything," says FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell. More than 24,000 have already applied for assistance from FEMA, but Criswell says that number is certain to rise.
Kate Bowler wants to have more ‘uncounted, completely-wasted, doesn’t-matter time’
On Wild Card this week, Kate Bowler opens up about how she wants to waste her time, her feelings about God and how she talks about death with her child.
Kangaroo species went extinct in the Pleistocene. Research hops in with a possible explanation.
In a mass extinction event some 40,000 years ago, Australia lost 90% of its large species, including nearly two dozen kinds of kangaroos. Two theories suggest why.
7 global buzzwords for 2025: From ‘techquity’ to ‘climate displacement’ to ‘belonging’
What words will be buzzing about in the global health and development hive in the year ahead? Our experts have nominations for your consideration.
Exit interview: DOT Sec. Buttigieg on infrastructure act and the road ahead
In an exit interview with All Things Considered, DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg reflects on the Biden administration's infrastructure act and why it didn't resonate with some voters.
How one U.S. conservationist’s work is helping to preserve Chile’s wilderness
Chile is set to gain its 47th national park early this year — largely due to the efforts of U.S. conservationist Kristine Tompkins and her organization.
People are rushing to install solar panels before Trump becomes President
Potential rooftop solar customers and installers worry the incoming Trump administration might try to eliminate a 30% federal tax credit. Some customers plan to install sooner because of that and solar companies are changing their business plans.
Jack Smith has resigned from the justice department, after submitting his Trump report
Special counsel Jack Smith has resigned from the Justice Department after submitting his report on President-elect Donald Trump, amid legal wrangling over how much of the document can be made public.
Biden awards Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction
The White House commended Pope Francis for his commitment to serving the poor, as well as advocating for peace and protecting the planet.
USDA report finds Boar’s Head listeria outbreak was due to poor sanitation practices
A report released by the Department of Agriculture found that poor sanitation practices at a Boar's Head facility in Virginia contributed to the largest listeria outbreak since 2011.
Firefighters make progress on LA blazes, and alert system is changed
Firefighters made progress overnight on almost all of the active fires, including the massive Palisades and Eaton blazes, officials said.
A winter storm wraps up in the South, with travel delays and power outages persisting
The significant winter storm had passed in the South by Saturday morning, but travel issues and power outages were still ongoing.
As fires in Los Angeles rage, an already-hurting Hollywood presses pause
The fires around Los Angeles arrived just as Hollywood's awards season kicked off. It's an ominous sign at a time when film and TV production is already down.
How Jimmy Carter’s love of music helped launch his presidential campaign
Former President Jimmy Carter's close friends included the likes of Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and the Allman brothers.
Why are so many indigenous Panamanians contracting HIV — and dying of AIDS?
The government provides HIV medicines free of charge. Yet in one indigenous territory, cases and deaths are increasing at an alarming rate.
In a bitter fight for the Minnesota Legislature, Democrats have threatened a walkout
A series of unexpected events after the narrow election has set up a power struggle in the Minnesota Legislature. Days before the legislative session kicks off, it's unclear who will take control.
Photos: Southern California residents return to devastation as two major wildfires rage on
More than 100,000 Los Angeles County residents remain under evacuation orders, and the threat of fire there is not over. New evacuations were ordered last night and strong Santa Ana winds are expected to pick up again today.
Bomb threats shadowed international reporters who covered Chinese celebrity dissident
Reporters covering a Chinese dissident in Europe were accused of making bomb threats. An NPR investigation now has them wondering if it was the work of the Chinese government or someone else.
An army of community volunteers springs into action as LA fires rage
"It's wild. There's people out here that have just created a chain," said one woman who showed up to volunteer at a YMCA in Los Angeles' Koreatown neighborhood.
When the power goes out, health risks rise
From California to the South, tens of thousands of people are without power, due to fires and winter storms. Studies show health risks rise when the power goes out. Here's how to protect yourself.
8 off-the-beaten path movies you can stream right now
Check out the big Oscar contenders all you want, but 2024 was also a solid year for movies that didn't have big names, big studios and big marketing departments behind them.
Amid the fires, LA is warning some residents the tap water isn’t safe. Here’s why
Wildfires have a history of causing problems with the drinking water systems. In some affected areas around LA, officials are warning residents not to drink from the tap or even to shower.
Is Trump’s rhetoric on Greenland, Canada and Panama Canal a ‘Madman Strategy’?
The president-elect's undiplomatic talk in recent days of reclaiming the Panama Canal — and annexing Greenland and even Canada — have some experts comparing his strategy to Nixon's "Madman Theory."
A look at how one family keeps traditions alive at a rodeo extravaganza in Colorado
The 30th anniversary of the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza at the National Western Stock Show is a celebration of pageantry and cultural heritage.
Sam Moore, who sang ‘Soul Man’ in Sam & Dave duo, dies at 89
Moore, the surviving half and higher voice of the 1960s duo Sam & Dave, died Friday morning in Coral Gables, Florida, due to complications while recovering from surgery, his publicist said.
