News
This Memorial Day, NPR readers honor the ones they’ve lost
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, is a day to honor and mourn fallen military service members. NPR readers share stories of the loved ones they've lost.
That zing in your teeth from a cold treat? Blame this ancient armored fish
The sometimes uncomfortable sensations we feel in our teeth may be an evolutionary holdover from the scaly exteriors of ancient armored fish.
Mahmoud Khalil told a judge his deportation could be a death sentence. Here’s why
Khalil's lawyers are trying to convince an immigration judge that if he's deported, Israel could target him over his advocacy for Palestinian rights.
Trump shrinks National Security Council in major foreign policy shakeup
The NSC has traditionally played a pivotal role in advising the president for his biggest diplomatic and security decisions. But in Trump's second term, it has seen its influence shrink.
Backyard feeders changed the shape of hummingbird beaks, scientists say
A new study details the evolutionary change of Anna's Hummingbirds, finding their beaks have grown longer and more tapered to get the most from common feeders.
Cold case solved: College students help ID the remains of a 19th century sea captain
Remains of the "Scattered Man John Doe" began washing ashore in New Jersey in 1995 and went unidentified for the next three decades. Students at Ramapo College set about to solve the mystery.
Trump seeks to boost nuclear industry and overhaul safety regulator
A series of executive orders aims to promote new kinds of nuclear reactors while restructuring the body in charge of nuclear safety.
What’s Possible — AI in Alabama
Every so often, a new technology arises that transforms everything it touches. It fundamentally alters how we relate to each other and the world around us. Right now, the technology with that potential is artificial intelligence. On "What’s Possible – AI in Alabama," a locally-produced special by WBHM, we dive into a conversation about what AI means for the state.
DOJ confirms it has a deal with Boeing to drop prosecution over deadly 737 Max crashes
The Justice Department says it has reached an agreement in principle with Boeing to drop criminal charges over two fatal crashes of 737 Max jets, despite objections from some victims' family members.
DOGE created a ‘survey of surveys’ for a push to cut some government data collection
DOGE's push to cut some federal surveys conducted by the Census Bureau may be duplicating a White House agency's oversight work and weaken U.S. data infrastructure, experts warn.
Fired Copyright Office head sues Trump administration over removal
Shira Perlmutter's termination came shortly after the Copyright Office published a long-anticipated report on artificial intelligence.
Judge blocks Trump admin’s move to bar Harvard from enrolling international students
This comes in response to a lawsuit Harvard filed on Friday morning, challenging the Trump administration's abrupt move to revoke the school's ability to enroll foreign students.
The White House rejects a watchdog finding that it’s breaking the law over halted funds
The White House budget office rejected the conclusion of a nonpartisan congressional watchdog that said the Trump administration is breaking the law by not spending funds as directed by Congress.
What should happen to George Floyd Square? The community is divided
Five years after George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer, the future of the intersection where it happened is uncertain. Today, a memorial is set up in the partially blocked street. But some want to move on. How does a community reckon with its past and confront its future?
Ukraine and Russia begin the largest prisoner-of-war exchange since the invasion
Ukraine and Russia have begun the exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war, the largest such swap since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Insurance costs are soaring around Tornado Alley. Hail is the big problem.
While tornadoes can obliterate communities, hailstorms cause damage across much larger areas.
GOP US Sen. Tommy Tuberville is expected to announce run for Alabama governor, associates say
Two people who have spoken with Tuberville about his plans said Thursday they expect him to announce a gubernatorial bid. They spoke on condition of anonymity because were not authorized to talk about a campaign.
Memorial Day Weekend travel could break records. Here’s how to prepare for your trip
AAA predicts a record-breaking 45.1 million Americans will travel between Thursday and Monday, mostly by car and plane. Here's what to know if you're one of them.
Trump threatens steep tariffs on trade with the European Union — and on iPhones
Trump said on social media that he had recommended 50% tariffs on European Union products starting June 1 — and warned Apple's CEO to move manufacturing of iPhones to the United States.
Kim Kardashian robbery trial: verdict expected in Paris
A verdict is expected in the Paris trial of 10 people accused of robbing Kim Kardashian at gunpoint in 2016. French media nicknamed them "the Grandpa Robbers" — most were in their 60s when the heist took place.
A federal judge further halts Trump’s radical transformation of government
In her order, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston said the president may not initiate large-scale executive branch reorganization without approval from Congress.
Trump threatens steep tariffs on trade with the European Union — and on iPhones
Trump said on social media that he had recommended 50% tariffs on European Union products starting June 1 — and warned Apple's CEO to move manufacturing of iPhones to the United States.
9 things to know about the big, private-school voucher plan in Republicans’ tax bill
NPR asked researchers, advocates, tax experts, a parent and a public school leader for their thoughts on this first-of-its-kind national voucher plan. Here's what they said.
Electric grills are a climate-friendly option to fossil fuel grills
Grilling usually involves burning fossil fuel. But some manufacturers are offering electric grills and citing climate change and convenience as reasons to switch.
Graphics: Here’s what it will take to transform the Qatari jet into Air Force One
The U.S. has officially accepted a luxury jetliner from Qatar as a gift, and slated it to become a new Air Force One. Experts say that overhaul could take years and cost hundreds of millions.
Why you should fight to keep old friends
Nina Badzin, host of a friendship podcast, explains why staying friends with people from our past matters — and how to nurture relationships with old friends across time and distance.
NPR wants to hear from interracial couples to commemorate Loving Day
Loving Day, the landmark case that overturned U.S. state laws against interracial marriage, is on June 12. NPR wants to hear from people who celebrate this day.
Kristi Noem couldn’t define habeas corpus. Can you? Find out in the quiz!
Tush pushes, prison breaks, luxury jets and orange cats: This week's quiz is the usual potpourri of the silly and sublime. Actually, not the latter.
Record floodwaters in eastern Australia leave 4 dead and 1 missing
Some 50,000 people have been isolated by the flooding in New South Wales, after days of heavy rain. Four bodies have been retrieved from floodwaters since Wednesday.
Music talent agent among dead after jet crashes into San Diego neighborhood
Six people, including music talent agent Dave Shapiro, were on board a private jet that crashed into a San Diego neighborhood on Thursday.
Trump’s Harvard visa threat could wipe out several of the school’s sports teams
Some of Harvard's sports teams could be wiped out by a Trump administration decision that would make the school with the nation's largest athletic program ineligible for international student visas.
In reversal, Trump administration restores classes at the National Fire Academy
The academy in Emmitsburg, Md., is often described as the national war college for firefighting. It offers training that ranges from leadership to how to conduct fire, arson and blast investigations.
