Oil prices jump and stocks tumble following Israel’s attack on Iran
Oil prices jumped and stocks tumbled Friday following Israel’s attack on Iran, which raised fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.
Crude oil prices saw their biggest increase since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago, pushing the U.S. benchmark close to $73 a barrel. If sustained, that could reverse the downward slide in gasoline prices, which has helped to keep inflation in check. The Labor Department said Wednesday that gas prices had fallen 12% in the last twelve months.
Stocks fell sharply Friday as investors weighed the potential fallout from the conflict. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell close to 500 points, or 1.1% in the first two hours of trading.
Investors were rattled after Israel launched air strikes into Iran, targeting the country’s nuclear facilities, and Iran sent drones towards Israel to retaliate.
Ordinarily, nervous traders would seek shelter in U.S. government bonds, pushing bond prices up and yields down. That didn’t happen early Friday, however, perhaps signaling investors’ lingering worries over the high level of U.S. debt. This week, the Treasury Department reported that the federal deficit had topped $1.2 trillion, with four months still to go in the fiscal year.
‘Sorry, Baby’ is a story about pain and healing you haven’t heard before
Eva Victor wrote, directed and stars in this tender film about a woman trying to make sense of life after sexual assault. Although very much a drama, Sorry, Baby showcases Victor's comic smarts.
Greetings from New Delhi, India, where performing monkeys spark delight — and ambivalence
Far-Flung Postcards is a weekly series in which NPR's international team shares moments from their lives and work around the world.
Israel strikes Syria’s capital Damascus
The Israel military said targets included a Syrian military compound in Damascus as well as a target near the Syrian presidential palace. Israel's defense minister said "painful strikes have begun."
The best games of 2025 so far, picked by NPR’s staff
From indies like Blue Prince to big console exclusives like Donkey Kong Bananza, NPR staff and contributors round up their favorite games of the year so far.
Israel strikes in Damascus as Syrian forces clash with Druze groups
The strike came as clashes continued in the southern Syrian city of Sweida after a ceasefire between government forces and Druze armed groups collapsed.
Even healthy brains decline with age. Here’s what you can do
Scientists are finding ways to minimize the effects of aging on the brain. Here are some ways to keep it healthy.
