‘It Was Just an Accident’ is a blast of pure anti-authoritarian rage

Iranian director Jafar Panahi has been arrested repeatedly in his home country. His shockingly funny new revenge thriller was informed by the stories of people he met in prison.

Effort to pay at least some federal workers fails in Senate

The Senate failed to advance two partisan bills that would have paid some federal workers during the shutdown. Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked as the shutdown drags on.

How presidents have changed the White House — and how Trump’s ballroom is different

President Trump is demolishing the East Wing to make room for a ballroom. His administration says he's continuing a presidential legacy of White House renovations, but this is the biggest in decades.

The East Wing could fully be demolished soon, as preservationists urge caution

President Trump is plowing ahead with plans to build a grand ballroom where the East Wing of the White House currently stands. The plans have not gone through the committee tasked with overseeing such projects.

Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro says ‘I’d rather die’ than use generative AI

Del Toro's new Frankenstein adaption reimagines Mary Shelley's 1818 Gothic novel. Frankenstein was like a tech bro: "creating something without considering the consequences," he explains.

Anglican Church Archbishop accused of sexual misconduct

Archbishop Steve Wood, who heads the Anglican Church of North America, faces of sexual harassment allegations. This marks the latest in a string of crises to rock the small, conservative denomination.

NBA coach Chauncey Billups, player Terry Rozier arrested in FBI gambling probe

Rozier, a guard for the Miami Heat, was investigated by the NBA in 2023 in connection with suspicious gambling activity on a game that he exited early.

Its the deadliest year for ICE in decades. As detentions rise, the trend may continue

There have been at least 20 deaths in ICE custody in 2025, the deadliest year since 2004. As the agency is ramping up hiring and increasing detentions, concerns remain about how to stop the trend.

In an era of techno-dystopia, Sudan Archives’ ‘The BPM’ imagines a liberated future

On her stunning new album The BPM, the multi-instrumentalist Sudan Archives explores the freedom of augmented reality and technology through the sounds of club music.

Vance slams Israel’s parliament vote on West Bank annexation, calling it an ‘insult’

Vice President Vance's scathing remark came as he wrapped up an Israel trip, as the Trump administration attempts to keep up momentum on the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

This ‘magical’ dinosaur specimen emerged from the ground like a polished jewel

A new pachycephalosaur, officially named Zavacephale rinpoche, was described in the journal Nature. The word rinpoche is Tibetan for "precious one" and refers to the domed skull.

Your ballot or other mail may not get postmarked by USPS the day it’s dropped off

Close to a deadline for mailing your ballot, tax return or legal document? To make sure it gets a postmark on time under the latest USPS changes, you may want to send it early or visit a post office.

What Jared Kushner brings to the negotiating table in the Middle East

President Trump's son-in-law says his relationships in the Middle East helped him broker a deal between Hamas and Israel. But his business ties also present a potential conflict.

Confused by the legal battles over troop deployments? Here’s what to know

Two significant legal actions — including a possible decision from the U.S. Supreme Court — are expected this week. While both would be preliminary, they could impact how courts weigh in on such cases going forward.

Starter homes are scarce. But homebuyers can improve their odds

For decades, construction of smaller, entry-level homes has been has been falling. But there are ways to find an affordable first home, and the changing market may help.

Antidepressant side effects differ greatly depending on the drug, study finds

Millions of Americans take antidepressants. And like all medication they come with side effects. Researchers studied 30 different antidepressants and found side effects vary from drug to drug.

Sports ticket prices are getting more expensive — and pricing out many fans

For sports fans, there's nothing as exciting as going to see your team play. But what was once an affordable form of entertainment is becoming increasingly more expensive and pricing some loyal fans out.

Trump levies new sanctions on Russian oil giants in a push to end Ukraine war

President Donald Trump's administration announced Wednesday new "massive sanctions" against Russia's oil industry that are aimed at bringing an end to Moscow's brutal war on Ukraine.

Misty Copeland hangs up her pointe shoes after performing at retirement show

Misty Copeland took one last spin on her pointe shoes Wednesday, as she retired after a trailblazing career in which she became an ambassador for diversity in an overwhelmingly white art form.

This nation has the fastest rising rate of cancer cases — and deaths — in the world

According to a new report, cancer rates are skyrocketing in this tiny country. What's causing this to happen? And what steps can be taken to turn the tide?

Iceland reports the presence of mosquitoes for the first time, as climate warms

The discovery of three Culiseta annulata mosquitoes was confirmed this week by the Natural Science Institute of Iceland, which said the mosquitoes likely arrived by freight.

After months of the same songs on the Hot 100, ‘Billboard’ tweaks its rules

Billboard has revised its system of removing songs from the Hot 100 singles chart once they've gotten too old to qualify as contemporary hits.

Greetings from an Indian Railways coach, with spectacular views from Mumbai to Goa

Far-Flung Postcards is a weekly series in which NPR's international team shares moments from their lives and work around the world.

Mental exercise can reverse a brain change linked to aging, study finds

Scientists have found the first compelling evidence that cognitive training can boost levels of a brain chemical that typically declines as people age.

The federal government is still shut down. Here’s what that means across the country

The federal government remains shut down. The NPR Network is following the ways the shutdown is affecting services across the country.

Mamdani’s rise in NYC reflects generational fight within the Democratic Party

Newcomer Zohran Mamdani, age 34, has used social media and big progressive ideas to shoulder past Andrew Cuomo, who's 67 and long a member of Democratic Party royalty.

Trump uses ‘common sense’ to make a political point. It has populist appeal

The phrase appeals more to several demographics that strongly align with Trump, says Republican strategist Frank Luntz, including older voters, for whom he suggests it signals "a more simple past."

The not-so-spooky origins of ‘ghost’ — and why the word still haunts our language

It wouldn't be spooky season without ghosts. But they weren't always the evil spirits we see in books and movies today. For Word of the Week, we look back on the origins of "ghost."

American ‘Bibisitters’ try to keep the Israel-Hamas truce on track

Several top U.S. officials are in Israel to shore up the Gaza ceasefire and attempt to bring about a permanent end to the war. They acknowledge the next phase poses serious challenges.

Spanish league cancels plans for Barcelona to play regular-season match in Miami

The Spanish soccer league said Tuesday that plans for Barcelona to play a game against Villarreal outside Miami in December have been called off, following increased opposition to the match.

Trump pick to lead watchdog agency withdraws after offensive text messages revealed

President Donald Trump 's pick to lead a federal watchdog agency withdrew from consideration Tuesday evening, after his offensive text messages were made public and GOP senators revolted.

Republicans advance the mid-decade redistricting fight into swing-state North Carolina

North Carolina is poised to become the first swing state to draw new congressional districts amid a nationwide redistricting battle initiated by President Trump.