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Lebanon chooses a new president after two years without one

Lebanon's parliament chose the head of the country's armed forces, Joseph Aoun, to be its next president, a post that's been vacant since October 2022.

Powerful winds fueling the California wildfires are expected through Friday

Red flag warnings are in effect for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as the National Weather Service warns that powerful winds and low humidity will increase the risk of fire.

World Health Organization head on bond with Jimmy Carter: ‘I consider him my mentor’

The World Health Organization leader worked with Carter for 20 years to fight the world's "neglected" diseases. After attending Carter's funeral, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared memories.

Photos: See the California wildfires’ destructive force, in satellite images

Satellite images show the extent of devastation from multiple wildfires burning in Los Angeles County after one day. The fires have killed at least five people and destroyed thousands of structures.

Photos: Los Angeles wildfires threaten lives, homes and cultural landmarks

The fires have forced mass evacuations. Firefighters are struggling to control a patchwork of deadly blazes that have killed at least five people and leveled entire communities.

Billy Crystal, Paris Hilton, other celebrities share LA fire experiences, resources

The California wildfires are burning in the middle of what's usually a busy awards season in Hollywood, home to many celebrities.

Birmingham braces for winter storm: here’s what to do

Gov. Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency for 37 Alabaman counties Thursday, including the Birmingham metro area, ahead of a weekend winter storm. Forecasters expect icy weather to sweep through the region from Thursday night through Friday night.

We can’t wait to read these 10 books hitting shelves soon

From the fictional story of a pregnant woman stuck in an IKEA during an earthquake, to in-depth reporting on Alzheimer's research, here are the books we're looking forward to in the next few months.

A husband honors the 4 women who protected his injured wife from oncoming traffic

When Charlie Essers arrived at the scene of his wife's bike accident, he found four women shielding and soothing her until emergency crews could arrive.

Looking to have fun without alcohol? This guy has ideas that may help

If you're looking for inspiration to stick with Dry January, or you're worried about the cancer risk linked to alcohol, you may want to check out booze-free gatherings happening all over the country.

In New Orleans, focus shifts toward community recovery, healing after terror attack

Officials and health experts are working to make sure those affected by the Bourbon Street attack have access to the medical and financial resources they need.

Fluoride analysis triggers renewed debate over what levels are safe for kids

A new study suggests a link between high levels of fluoride and lowered IQ. It's heating up arguments over fluoridating drinking water, which dentists say is critical for protecting teeth.

More fires erupt in Southern California and spread to the Hollywood Hills

Three new fires broke out in Los Angeles and Ventura counties on Wednesday. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said more than 7,500 personnel are helping in the response to the infernos.

A major winter storm will bring snow to the South. Here are tips from winter experts

Southern states don't often deal with winter conditions, but New England does. New Hampshire especially has tips for how to prepare for a winter storm.

U.S. stock markets close to honor former President Jimmy Carter

The New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq will both observe Thursday's national day of mourning in a Wall Street tradition dating back to 1865.

Here’s what’s behind Russia cutting off its last gas line to Europe

A decades-long Russian-Ukrainian transit gas deal to Europe ended on Jan. 1. For now, the most acute effects are being felt in a region called Transnistria, on the eastern edge of Moldova.

All 5 living presidents expected to attend Jimmy Carter’s National Cathedral funeral

President Biden is expected to deliver a eulogy to former President Jimmy Carter at the National Cathedral service.

What’s next for Canada? 5 questions will help decide the future after Trudeau

"We're in a unique situation in Canadian politics," Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute, tells NPR. Voters need to replace a lame-duck leader — and cope with threats from Trump.

Special ed students benefit from being integrated at school. It doesn’t always happen

Research shows including students with and without disabilities in the same classroom can benefit everyone. Two students with Down syndrome show what can be gained when that happens.

Justice Department accuses 6 major landlords of keeping rents high

The lawsuit arrives as U.S. renters continue to struggle. The latest figures show that half of American renters spent more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities in 2022, an all-time high.

The NHL postpones a game and the Lakers coach evacuates his family amid LA fires

The fires burning across Los Angeles have affected tens of thousands of people, including athletes and staff for the city's sports teams. Pasadena's iconic Rose Bowl was under evacuation warning.

Fire hydrants ran dry in Pacific Palisades as a major wildfire raged

Janisse Quiñones, CEO of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, said the fight to contain the flames has put immense strain on the system.

In D.C.’s bitter cold, a homeless shelter offers hot food and some hope

NPR visited a homeless shelter in Washington, D.C., to see how residents and staff are faring during a cold emergency. The shelter is busy year-round, though the frigid weather brings in more people.

How to get more movement into your screen-filled life. No gym required.

Research shows that 5-minute walking breaks every half hour offset the harm of too much sitting. But that is easier said than done. These 5 tips can help you maintain movement throughout your day.

What are the Santa Ana winds and how are they impacting the LA wildfires?

Although the Santa Anas are a routine part of life for people living in southern California, the winds are particularly violent and destructive this time around, experts say.

With the holidays over, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga and more stars flood the pop charts

Now that most Christmas songs and albums have been packed away into the proverbial attic, the pop landscape of the new year is coming into focus.

A record 24 million people now get Obamacare health plans. Will it last under Trump?

Enrollment in Affordable Care Act health insurance plans has grown every year of the Biden administration, leading to a record high rate of people with insurance.

Tilda Swinton thinks about death and says you should, too

Swinton plays a woman dying of cancer in Pedro Almodóvar's The Room Next Door. "A life spent considering how we're going to spend our end is not wasted time," Swinton says.

Girl Scouts are retiring two cookie flavors (don’t worry, your Thin Mints are safe)

2025 will be the last time you can buy Girl Scout S'mores and Toast-Yay! cookies. They join the ranks of many other discontinued flavors — RIP Mango Cremes with Nutrifusion and cheesy Golden Yangles.

Here’s where things stand for several major landmarks in the Los Angeles fires

The fires raging across Los Angeles are putting some cultural institutions in danger.

‘Raining ash’: Residents share how they fled the Southern California wildfires

Tens of thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate amid the uncontained wildfires. NPR member station LAist spoke to members of the community about how they have been affected.

Justice Department wants to release only part of its report on Trump cases

Prosecutors dropped the two criminal cases against Trump after he won the 2024 election, and the final report by Smith may be the last chance for prosecutors to explain their decisions.