Series
Sheila Jordan, a singular voice in jazz, has died
She recorded a magical debut album on Blue Note and was later named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment of the Arts.
Famed NASA astronaut and Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell has died at age 97
Lovell commanded the mission that almost ended in disaster after an explosion that threatened the crew's oxygen and electrical supply. The inspiring story of their survival was made into a hit movie.
New Orleans musicians feel the heat of rising temperatures: ‘You can hear it in the music’
Data from climate scientists show that the heat is turning up in New Orleans, and the rate that it’s increasing is getting faster. Here’s why.
Eddie Palmieri, a trailblazer in Latin music, has died at age 88
The bandleader and pianist was one of the leading Latin musicians of his generation. He won multiple Grammys and was recognized as an NEA Jazz Master.
Canada wildfires cause poor air quality in the midwest and northeast U.S.
Health officials from Minnesota to Maine have issued alerts warning of poor air quality from wildfires burning in Canada. People are advised to limit outdoor exposure.
Do neck cooling fans really help you beat the heat?
You might see more people wearing a neck cooling fan to fight the summer heat. But can they really help? We talk to experts about how our bodies deal with heat — and to people using the fans.
Accordion master Flaco Jimenez has died at 86
Over a career that spanned 70 years, Jimenez' playing came to define the Tex-Mex music and carried the tradition-drenched conjuto sound all over the world and across genres.
In an emotional hearing, Texas lawmakers hear from flood survivors, local officials
The Texas Legislature is in a special session and discussing proposals to improve disaster preparedness after floods killed more than 130 people early this month.
The manhunt for Eric Rudolph was the largest in US history: How it began. How it finally ended
Eric Rudolph planted a bomb in 1998 at a Birmingham clinic that performed abortions. A new podcast explores the massive manhunt assembled to find him, and how his words and actions are possibly more accepted now, than they were then.
A tsunami makes its way across the Pacific, with waves hitting the U.S. West Coast
A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Russia's Far East is sending tsunami waves to Hawaii, Alaska, California and Oregon. More countries, like Peru and Chile, are bracing for impact.
Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg has died after battling cancer
Ryne Sandberg, a Hall of Fame second baseman who became one of baseball's best all-around players while starring for the Chicago Cubs, has died. He was 65.
Tom Lehrer, influential musical satirist, dies at 97
The songwriter and math professor found a following with his satirical political songs.
Independent grocery stores have had a tough five years. SNAP cuts will make it harder
The bulk of sales for many independent grocers come from SNAP. Cuts to the program could leave some making hard decisions about their future.
Singer Cleo Laine, who boasted a four-octave range, has died at 97
London's Sunday Times once called Laine "quite simply the best singer in the world."
Alabama officials worry about life-saving Narcan program’s future as CDC grants stall
OD2A funds helped Alabama make naloxone more widely available last year. Health experts say it's responsible for a promising downturn in overdose deaths.
Chuck Mangione, whose jazz horn warmed up the pop charts, has died
With his beard, long hair and brown felt fedora, the jazz flugelhorn player and composer cut an unforgettable figure in American culture.
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dies at 71
According to the Clearwater Police and Fire departments, Terry Bollea died Thursday morning after a cardiac arrest.
WATCH: SANEs and survivors in the South, a listening session with the Gulf States Newsroom
The Gulf States Newsroom hosted a virtual discussion of Drew Hawkins' reporting on the shortage of sexual assault nurse examiners in the region.
10 years ago, a flood devastated this Texas town. The road to recovery has been long
Wimberley, Texas, was the site of a devastating flash flood on Memorial Day weekend in 2015. Now, 10 years later, the town has rebuilt with such floods in mind — but still feels the emotional effects.
Heavy rains and flash flooding sweep across Northeast
Flash flood watches and warnings were in place in parts of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas as downpours moved through the region.
Wildfire destroys a historic Grand Canyon lodge and other structures
A park official said the visitor center, the gas station, a waste water treatment plant, an administrative building and some employee housing were among the 50 to 80 structures lost.
‘Helping every dang soul’: Beloved camp director was among those lost in Texas flooding
Jane Ragsdale ran the Heart O' the Hills camp for girls in Kerr County. The camp was between sessions when the deluge hit. The only person killed there was Ragsdale.
David Gergen, adviser to 4 presidents, dies at 83
David Gergen worked in the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton as a speechwriter, communications director and counselor to the president, among other roles.
What should you do in a flash flood? Expert safety tips for before, during and after
Flash floods can start suddenly and become dangerous quickly. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself, both in the moment and well in advance.
In ‘The Jailhouse Lawyer,’ Calvin Duncan fights wrongful convictions behind the razor wire
While incarcerated at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, Duncan would help hundreds of prisoners file appeals for their cases and motions for improved treatment.
Over 160 are missing after Texas floods. It could take months to find all of them
A retired Army lieutenant general who led the military response after Hurricane Katrina says searches can take a long time because human remains can be trapped under debris that must be removed piece by piece.
Q&A: How a conservative Mississippi mom became an advocate for legalizing drugs
Christina Dent talks about founding End It For Good, her journey to rethinking drugs and addiction and how Mississippi can change its approach, too
‘The worst day of my life:’ Texas’ Hill Country reels as deaths rise due to floods
Dozens of people have died in the Texas Hill Country. Scores of others are missing or unaccounted for. As rescue crews continue to search for victims, those who survived are coping with the loss.
How good was the forecast? Texas officials and the National Weather Service disagree
As searchers continue to look for victims in the deadly flash flooding in Texas, officials are answering questions about the weather forecasts ahead of and during the storm.
Tropical Storm Chantal strengthens slightly as it nears landfall in South Carolina
Tropical Storm Chantal grew in strength as it approached the southeast U.S. coast. It's forecasted to bring heavy rains to parts of the Carolinas on Sunday.
At least 43 dead in catastrophic Texas flooding and dozens missing from girls camp
Flash flooding slammed the Texas Hill Country overnight on Friday. At least 27 girls from a summer camp next to the Guadalupe River remain missing.
Here’s a timeline of the catastrophic Texas floods
NPR has compiled a timeline of when local, state and federal officials posted warnings on social media as well as the timeline of events as presented by local officials.



