Accessibility links
NPR - Breaking News, Analysis, Music, Arts & Podcasts Top stories in the U.S. and world news, politics, health, science, business, music, arts and culture. Nonprofit journalism with a mission. This is NPR.
A number of Democratic congressional candidates have made faith central to their campaign, including (from left) Frederick Haynes,

A number of Democratic congressional candidates have made faith central to their campaign, including (from left) Frederick Haynes, Getty Images, AP/Getty Images, AP hide caption

toggle caption
Getty Images, AP/Getty Images, AP
A number of Democratic congressional candidates have made faith central to their campaign, including (from left) Frederick Haynes,

A number of Democratic congressional candidates have made faith central to their campaign, including (from left) Frederick Haynes, Getty Images, AP/Getty Images, AP hide caption

toggle caption
Getty Images, AP/Getty Images, AP

Religion

These Democrats are running for Congress on Christian faith. Will it pay off?

It's rare for Democrats to make religion a centerpiece of their campaigns. But this midterm election cycle, a number of candidates for Congress are doing just that.
ImageWatch
Emergency services at the scene of an incident close to RAF Fairford,, in Whelford, England, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026.

Emergency services at the scene of an incident close to RAF Fairford,, in Whelford, England, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. Ben Birchall/PA via AP hide caption

toggle caption
Ben Birchall/PA via AP
Emergency services at the scene of an incident close to RAF Fairford,, in Whelford, England, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026.

Emergency services at the scene of an incident close to RAF Fairford,, in Whelford, England, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. Ben Birchall/PA via AP hide caption

toggle caption
Ben Birchall/PA via AP

World

Multiple arrests on suspicion of explosives offenses near U.K. base used by U.S. forces

Police evacuated homes Sunday near an air base in England used by the U.S. and arrested several men over suspected explosives offenses.
Shepherds attend a part time night school near Mokhotlong, Lesotho. For many, these classes, which occur roughly twice a month, are the only form of education they can access.

Shepherds attend a part time night school near Mokhotlong, Lesotho. For many, these classes, which occur roughly twice a month, are the only form of education they can access. Tommy Trenchard for NPR hide caption

toggle caption
Tommy Trenchard for NPR

Global Health

Photos: These shepherds climb down a mountain to go to night school

Many thousands of boys and men in Lesotho take up the vital profession of herding but have to give up their education. A small network of schools on a shoestring budget is teaching them the ABCs.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin speaks during a news conference July 1 in New York.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin speaks during a news conference July 1 in New York. David Delgado/AP hide caption

toggle caption
David Delgado/AP
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin speaks during a news conference July 1 in New York.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin speaks during a news conference July 1 in New York. David Delgado/AP hide caption

toggle caption
David Delgado/AP

Elections

The Supreme Court revives a controversial data system for citizenship checks

The Supreme Court is allowing use of a data system that Trump officials overhauled. The system has erroneously flagged U.S. citizens and a lower court found it violated federal privacy protections.

SAVE gets revived at SCOTUS

Listen · 3:36
Transcript
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5976804/nx-s1-9941197" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Volunteers prepare food at Community Servings, a Boston nonprofit that produces medically-tailored meals.

Volunteers prepare food at Community Servings, a Boston nonprofit that produces medically-tailored meals. Robin Lubbock

/WBUR
 hide caption

toggle caption
Robin Lubbock

/WBUR
Volunteers prepare food at Community Servings, a Boston nonprofit that produces medically-tailored meals.

Volunteers prepare food at Community Servings, a Boston nonprofit that produces medically-tailored meals. Robin Lubbock

/WBUR
 hide caption

toggle caption
Robin Lubbock

/WBUR

Health Reporting in the States

Meal deliveries can save money and improve health. Will they survive Medicaid cuts?

WBUR

Some states deliver meals to Medicaid patients that address their dietary needs. Evidence shows it aids recovery and saves healthcare costs, but federal budget cuts may lead some states to cancel it.

Federal budget cuts may force some states to end meal delivery for Medicaid patients

Listen · 3:40
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5946434/nx-s1-9929719" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
FILE - The OpenAI logo is displayed on a cell phone in front of an image generated by ChatGPT's Dall-E text-to-image model, Dec. 8, 2023, in Boston.

FILE - The OpenAI logo is displayed on a cell phone in front of an image generated by ChatGPT's Dall-E text-to-image model, Dec. 8, 2023, in Boston. Michael Dwyer/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Michael Dwyer/AP
FILE - The OpenAI logo is displayed on a cell phone in front of an image generated by ChatGPT's Dall-E text-to-image model, Dec. 8, 2023, in Boston.

FILE - The OpenAI logo is displayed on a cell phone in front of an image generated by ChatGPT's Dall-E text-to-image model, Dec. 8, 2023, in Boston. Michael Dwyer/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Michael Dwyer/AP

Technology

OpenAI says its models engaged with US government websites in misbehavior disclosure

The disclosure is the latest in a string of incidents in which the AI platform has been caught going rogue. OpenAI says it is reviewing the findings.
The motorcade of President Donald Trump departs the White House en route to the National Archives to greet China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Washington.

The motorcade of President Donald Trump departs the White House en route to the National Archives to greet China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Washington. Jacquelyn Martin/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
The motorcade of President Donald Trump departs the White House en route to the National Archives to greet China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Washington.

The motorcade of President Donald Trump departs the White House en route to the National Archives to greet China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Washington. Jacquelyn Martin/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Jacquelyn Martin/AP

National

CNN left off Air Force One for Trump's upcoming trip, White House signals in new media restriction

The White House has signaled that CNN will be left off Air Force One for President Donald Trump's Saturday trip in the latest media restriction in an ongoing dispute with First Amendment implications.
Pope Leo XIV, left, and French President Emmanuel Macron, attend a joint statement at the Elysee Palace, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.

Pope Leo XIV, left, and French President Emmanuel Macron, attend a joint statement at the Elysee Palace, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Teresa Suarez/AP POOL hide caption

toggle caption
Teresa Suarez/AP POOL
Pope Leo XIV, left, and French President Emmanuel Macron, attend a joint statement at the Elysee Palace, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.

Pope Leo XIV, left, and French President Emmanuel Macron, attend a joint statement at the Elysee Palace, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Teresa Suarez/AP POOL hide caption

toggle caption
Teresa Suarez/AP POOL

World

Pope warns a 'paradise of machines' could undermine humanity as he opens France trip

Pope Leo XIV has warned that a "paradise of machines" could undermine humanity. He raises concerns about artificial intelligence, nuclear arms, and human rights during his visit to France.
Voters arrive before casting their ballots at a polling location in Arlington, Va., on April 21. "This is my 22nd year [running elections]," one Colorado election official told NPR. "Absolutely, this is the most uncertain."

Voters arrive before casting their ballots at a polling location in Arlington, Va., on April 21. "This is my 22nd year [running elections]," one Colorado election official told NPR. "Absolutely, this is the most uncertain." Win McNamee/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Win McNamee/Getty Images
Voters arrive before casting their ballots at a polling location in Arlington, Va., on April 21. "This is my 22nd year [running elections]," one Colorado election official told NPR. "Absolutely, this is the most uncertain."

Voters arrive before casting their ballots at a polling location in Arlington, Va., on April 21. "This is my 22nd year [running elections]," one Colorado election official told NPR. "Absolutely, this is the most uncertain." Win McNamee/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Elections

Americans are confused and worried about elections. Will that impact turnout?

New polling shows many voters are concerned about the midterms. But prior elections show no clear link between voter concerns and fewer voters actually casting ballots.
Hurricane Nolo is seen approaching Hawaii's islands, in this satellite image captured Friday. Nolo is expected to avoid making landfall as it strengthens, but forecasters warn it will bring dangerous flooding rains.

Hurricane Nolo is seen approaching Hawaii's islands, in this satellite image captured Friday. Nolo is expected to avoid making landfall as it strengthens, but forecasters warn it will bring dangerous flooding rains. NOAA/NESDIS/STAR/GOES-West hide caption

toggle caption
NOAA/NESDIS/STAR/GOES-West
Hurricane Nolo is seen approaching Hawaii's islands, in this satellite image captured Friday. Nolo is expected to avoid making landfall as it strengthens, but forecasters warn it will bring dangerous flooding rains.

Hurricane Nolo is seen approaching Hawaii's islands, in this satellite image captured Friday. Nolo is expected to avoid making landfall as it strengthens, but forecasters warn it will bring dangerous flooding rains. NOAA/NESDIS/STAR/GOES-West hide caption

toggle caption
NOAA/NESDIS/STAR/GOES-West

Weather

Hurricane Nolo, a zig-zagging storm, threatens Hawaii with flooding rains

Nolo will slow down as it nears Hawaii's Big Island and is expected to become a major hurricane this weekend, bringing torrential rain to areas that have been flooded by big storms this summer.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds up a Starlink satellite internet dish.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds up a Starlink satellite internet dish as he speaks during the 81st session of the U.N. General Assembly at United Nations headquarters on Thursday. Seth Wenig/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Seth Wenig/AP
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds up a Starlink satellite internet dish.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds up a Starlink satellite internet dish as he speaks during the 81st session of the U.N. General Assembly at United Nations headquarters on Thursday. Seth Wenig/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Seth Wenig/AP

Middle East

Netanyahu rages against critics, including Mamdani, at the U.N. General Assembly

Middle East crises draw major focus as the U.N. General Assembly hears from Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Yemen.

Israel's prime minister addresses U.N. General Assembly

Listen · 3:42
Transcript
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5979852/nx-s1-9940053" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
This satellite image from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows Tropical Storm Nolo, left, south of Hawaii; Hurricane Odalys, middle, and Hurricane Polo, right, off the coast of Mexico, in the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026.

This satellite image from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows Tropical Storm Nolo, left, south of Hawaii; Hurricane Odalys, middle, and Hurricane Polo, right, off the coast of Mexico, in the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. NOAA via AP/NOAA hide caption

toggle caption
NOAA via AP/NOAA

Climate

The Pacific is churning with hurricanes. The Atlantic is quiet. Blame El Niño

The Pacific Ocean has had an unusual number of storms this year, while the Atlantic hasn't recorded a single full-blown hurricane. Scientists point to an exceptionally strong El Niño.

The Pacific is churning with hurricanes. The Atlantic is quiet. Blame El Niño

Listen · 3:09
Transcript
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5980351/nx-s1-9941160" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Marshall Evans next to his adaptive bike after riding Canyon Rim Trail at Snowbasin Resort, Sept. 10, 2026.

Marshall Evans next to his adaptive bike after riding Canyon Rim Trail at Snowbasin Resort, Sept. 10, 2026. Macy Lipkin/KUER hide caption

toggle caption
Macy Lipkin/KUER
Marshall Evans next to his adaptive bike after riding Canyon Rim Trail at Snowbasin Resort, Sept. 10, 2026.

Marshall Evans next to his adaptive bike after riding Canyon Rim Trail at Snowbasin Resort, Sept. 10, 2026. Macy Lipkin/KUER hide caption

toggle caption
Macy Lipkin/KUER

Trail builders are starting to catch up with better adaptive sports technology

 KUER 90.1

"My bike gives me the freedom to go to those wild places," she said, "to get out and in the outdoors, to go in the mountains and to do all of those things I used to do."
Two teen girls and two young women sit in a circle on a blue carpet.

Two teens look at different kinds of birth control with an intern and staff member of Bridgercare, a nonprofit in Bozeman, Montana in June 2025. Bridgercare hasn't received its grant. Hazel Cramer hide caption

toggle caption
Hazel Cramer
Two teen girls and two young women sit in a circle on a blue carpet.

Two teens look at different kinds of birth control with an intern and staff member of Bridgercare, a nonprofit in Bozeman, Montana in June 2025. Bridgercare hasn't received its grant. Hazel Cramer hide caption

toggle caption
Hazel Cramer

Only on NPR

Congress passed $100 million for teen pregnancy prevention. Most of it is untouched

With days left to go in the 2026 fiscal year, lawmakers push the health department to spend the money Congress allocated to prevent teen pregnancy. An NPR exclusive.

$100 million in teen pregnancy prevention funds remain unused. What happened?

Listen · 2:26
Transcript
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5974336/nx-s1-9940057" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
People opposed to a congressional redistricting plan rally outside the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City, Mo., earlier this month.

People opposed to a congressional redistricting plan rally outside the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City, Mo., earlier this month. David A. Lieb/AP hide caption

toggle caption
David A. Lieb/AP
People opposed to a congressional redistricting plan rally outside the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City, Mo., earlier this month.

People opposed to a congressional redistricting plan rally outside the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City, Mo., earlier this month. David A. Lieb/AP hide caption

toggle caption
David A. Lieb/AP

Elections

Supreme Court blocks Trump-backed Missouri congressional map

 St. Louis Public Radio

The ruling is a defeat for Republicans seeking to give their party an edge in the midterms for control of the House. It means voters will face a different map than the one used in the primaries.
Rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z.

Rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z. Phillip Faraone/Getty Images/Getty Images North America hide caption

toggle caption
Phillip Faraone/Getty Images/Getty Images North America
Rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z.

Rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z. Phillip Faraone/Getty Images/Getty Images North America hide caption

toggle caption
Phillip Faraone/Getty Images/Getty Images North America

Music

Woman who accused Jay-Z of sexual assault says her claims were false

On Thursday, the woman identified as Jane Doe filed a declaration in Manhattan federal court stating that all of her original claims against the rapper were false.

NPR's Newsmakers

Tucker Carlson has reconsidered Trump. And quite a bit else

Tucker Carlson is talking about what happened behind closed doors in his very public break with President Trump over the war with Iran.

Tucker Carlson on his MAGA split and Trump’s ‘nihilism’

Listen · 57:50
Transcript
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5903129/nx-s1-mx-5903129-1" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Close-up of letters displaying a portion of the genetic sequence of the novel Coronavirus which infected people beginning in Wuhan, China in 2020, on a computer screen, San Ramon, California, January 29, 2020. The release of the genetic sequence of the virus is a key step towards developing vaccines and other treatments.

Close-up of letters displaying a portion of the genetic sequence of the novel Coronavirus which infected people beginning in Wuhan, China in 2020, on a computer screen, San Ramon, California, January 29, 2020. The release of the genetic sequence of the virus is a key step towards developing vaccines and other treatments. Smith Collection/Gado/Gado/via Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Smith Collection/Gado/Gado/via Getty Images
Close-up of letters displaying a portion of the genetic sequence of the novel Coronavirus which infected people beginning in Wuhan, China in 2020, on a computer screen, San Ramon, California, January 29, 2020. The release of the genetic sequence of the virus is a key step towards developing vaccines and other treatments.

Close-up of letters displaying a portion of the genetic sequence of the novel Coronavirus which infected people beginning in Wuhan, China in 2020, on a computer screen, San Ramon, California, January 29, 2020. The release of the genetic sequence of the virus is a key step towards developing vaccines and other treatments. Smith Collection/Gado/Gado/via Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Smith Collection/Gado/Gado/via Getty Images

Global Health

There's a global pandemic treaty that's signed -- and in 'limbo.' What's the holdup?

The treaty aims to help the countries of the world prepare for — and defeat — any future pandemic. Why hasn't it gone into effect?

Pandemic treaty negotiations are at an impasse

Listen · 3:47
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/g-s1-144948/nx-s1-9936255" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and President of China Xi Jinping (L) speak via an interpreter as they depart following a tour of the National Archives Museum on September 25, 2026 in Washington, DC.

U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and President of China Xi Jinping (L) speak via an interpreter as they depart following a tour of the National Archives Museum on September 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. Win McNamee/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Win McNamee/Getty Images
U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and President of China Xi Jinping (L) speak via an interpreter as they depart following a tour of the National Archives Museum on September 25, 2026 in Washington, DC.

U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and President of China Xi Jinping (L) speak via an interpreter as they depart following a tour of the National Archives Museum on September 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. Win McNamee/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Win McNamee/Getty Images

U.S. vs. China: Inside a great power rivalry

Takeaways from the Trump-Xi state visit: Pageantry and pandas

The visit comes at an important time for both men.
Robert Pattinson plays Chris Hansen, the host of To Catch a Predator, in the new movie Primetime.

Robert Pattinson plays Chris Hansen, the host of To Catch a Predator, in the new movie Primetime. A24 hide caption

toggle caption
A24
Robert Pattinson plays Chris Hansen, the host of To Catch a Predator, in the new movie Primetime.

Robert Pattinson plays Chris Hansen, the host of To Catch a Predator, in the new movie Primetime. A24 hide caption

toggle caption
A24

Review

Pop Culture Happy Hour

'To Catch a Predator' drama 'Primetime' brings the sleaze, and it's almost enough

Primetime dramatizes the story behind the series To Catch a Predator. It's full of big swings from the director and the actors — but doesn't engage with the most complicated questions the series raised.

WATCH

Alex Ferreira: Tiny Desk Concert

The Dominican singer raises the everyday to a level of artistic beauty, yet manages to make life feel breathable. Silvana Estrada guests in this stripped down set.

Life Kit: Tools to help you get it together

An illustration of split screen image of a family sitting on the same side of the table. On the left side is a couple from the younger generation, on the right side are the parents from the older generation — the in-laws. The older woman reaches across the divide and holds the hand of the younger woman who is married into the family.
Enlarge this image
Jasjyot Singh Hans for NPR
An illustration of split screen image of a family sitting on the same side of the table. On the left side is a couple from the younger generation, on the right side are the parents from the older generation — the in-laws. The older woman reaches across the divide and holds the hand of the younger woman who is married into the family.
Jasjyot Singh Hans for NPR
An illustration of split screen image of a family sitting on the same side of the table. On the left side is a couple from the younger generation, on the right side are the parents from the older generation — the in-laws. The older woman reaches across the divide and holds the hand of the younger woman who is married into the family.
Enlarge this image
Jasjyot Singh Hans for NPR
An illustration of split screen image of a family sitting on the same side of the table. On the left side is a couple from the younger generation, on the right side are the parents from the older generation — the in-laws. The older woman reaches across the divide and holds the hand of the younger woman who is married into the family.
Jasjyot Singh Hans for NPR

Life Kit

My in-laws nitpick at me and my partner's life choices. How can we get along?

My in-laws nitpick at me and my partner's life choices. How can we get along?

Listen · 24:24
Transcript
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1141872654/1197916497" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
From left: a king, a king of bears, a queen of country

From left: a king, a king of bears, a queen of country. Lesley Martin - Pool/Getty Images; National Park Service via AP; Jason Kempin/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Lesley Martin - Pool/Getty Images; National Park Service via AP; Jason Kempin/Getty Images
From left: a king, a king of bears, a queen of country

From left: a king, a king of bears, a queen of country. Lesley Martin - Pool/Getty Images; National Park Service via AP; Jason Kempin/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Lesley Martin - Pool/Getty Images; National Park Service via AP; Jason Kempin/Getty Images

The NPR news quiz

Fill in the blank in the quiz: Trump's says his triumphal arch will include _____

Plus: It's a very special week! But which one?
The author, in his school uniform, as a child. The author's daughter, Maya, on the way to school in Sept. 2026.

The author, in his school uniform, as a child. The author's daughter, Maya, on the way to school in Sept. 2026. Courtesy Khari Thompson hide caption

toggle caption
Courtesy Khari Thompson
The author, in his school uniform, as a child. The author's daughter, Maya, on the way to school in Sept. 2026.

The author, in his school uniform, as a child. The author's daughter, Maya, on the way to school in Sept. 2026. Courtesy Khari Thompson hide caption

toggle caption
Courtesy Khari Thompson

When you're a Black student in America, nothing is simple

 WBUR

Writer Khari Thompson, who is Black, reflects on her parents' choice to send her to majority white schools rather than poorer schools with more Black students.
Rick Telesz farms 700 acres in western Pennsylvania. He says he'll be lucky to break even on his corn and soybean crops this year, given the sky-high cost of diesel fuel and fertilizer.

Rick Telesz farms 700 acres in western Pennsylvania. He says he'll be lucky to break even on his corn and soybean crops this year, given the sky-high cost of diesel fuel and fertilizer. Mike Clark's Studio hide caption

toggle caption
Mike Clark's Studio
Rick Telesz farms 700 acres in western Pennsylvania. He says he'll be lucky to break even on his corn and soybean crops this year, given the sky-high cost of diesel fuel and fertilizer.

Rick Telesz farms 700 acres in western Pennsylvania. He says he'll be lucky to break even on his corn and soybean crops this year, given the sky-high cost of diesel fuel and fertilizer. Mike Clark's Studio hide caption

toggle caption
Mike Clark's Studio

Economy

American farmers are hurting -- and worried about their futures

Farmers who grow soybeans, corn, cotton and other crops are facing another year of losses as soaring fuel and fertilizer costs offset higher revenues.

Farmers face big expenses and an uncertain bottom line during fall harvest season

Listen · 3:44
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5979886/nx-s1-9938434" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
A collage of 6 artificial intelligence figures, clockwise from top left: Then-Google AI research scientist Timnit Gebru, Anthropic Co-founder and CEO Dario Amodei, White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks, Steve Bannon, computer scientist and cognitive psychologist Geoffrey Hinton, researcher Fei-Fei Li.

Clockwise from top left: former Google AI research scientist Timnit Gebru, Anthropic Co-founder and CEO Dario Amodei, White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks, Steve Bannon, computer scientist and cognitive psychologist Geoffrey Hinton, researcher Fei-Fei Li. AFP via Getty Images/Collage by Emily Bogle/NPR hide caption

toggle caption
AFP via Getty Images/Collage by Emily Bogle/NPR
A collage of 6 artificial intelligence figures, clockwise from top left: Then-Google AI research scientist Timnit Gebru, Anthropic Co-founder and CEO Dario Amodei, White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks, Steve Bannon, computer scientist and cognitive psychologist Geoffrey Hinton, researcher Fei-Fei Li.

Clockwise from top left: former Google AI research scientist Timnit Gebru, Anthropic Co-founder and CEO Dario Amodei, White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks, Steve Bannon, computer scientist and cognitive psychologist Geoffrey Hinton, researcher Fei-Fei Li. AFP via Getty Images/Collage by Emily Bogle/NPR hide caption

toggle caption
AFP via Getty Images/Collage by Emily Bogle/NPR

Deep Dive

Understanding AI

The AI safety debate is confusing. Here's our guide to the different factions

The battle over AI's promise and perils is not a clash between two opposing sides, but a debate among a range of competing voices and ideologies. Here is a guide to who's who in that debate.
Mahershala Ali plays Latif and Jahleel Kamara is Qadir in Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother.

Mahershala Ali plays Latif and Jahleel Kamara is Qadir in Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother. Jaclyn Martinez/Amazon Content Services LLC hide caption

toggle caption
Jaclyn Martinez/Amazon Content Services LLC
Mahershala Ali plays Latif and Jahleel Kamara is Qadir in Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother.

Mahershala Ali plays Latif and Jahleel Kamara is Qadir in Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother. Jaclyn Martinez/Amazon Content Services LLC hide caption

toggle caption
Jaclyn Martinez/Amazon Content Services LLC

Review

Movie Reviews

Mahershala Ali stars as a devout father of three, making ends meet as a hitman

It's not easy, killing people and raising a family. The new action-thriller Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother reaffirms the power of faith — and delights in outrageous juxtapositions.

FA: Film Review: Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother

Listen · 7:41
Transcript
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5978798/nx-s1-9939583" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Where is Austin Tice - Final Podcast Artwork - 3000x3000 (1).jpg
Russell Gossett
Where is Austin Tice - Final Podcast Artwork - 3000x3000 (1).jpg
Russell Gossett

Embedded

Where is Austin Tice?: A meeting in Muskat

Josh uncovers a hidden world of secret negotiations, backchannels, and high-level talks. And, after years of failed promises, Austin's mother Debra decides to go to Syria herself - alone.

Where is Austin Tice?: A meeting in Muskat

Listen · 39:59
Transcript
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5979058/nx-s1-mx-5979058-1" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Experts say that while the NIH's total budget suggests that little has changed for the agency and its grantees, that topline masks deeper disruptions.

Experts say that while the NIH's total budget suggests that little has changed for the agency and its grantees, that topline masks deeper disruptions. Eva Revolver for NPR hide caption

toggle caption
Eva Revolver for NPR
Experts say that while the NIH's total budget suggests that little has changed for the agency and its grantees, that topline masks deeper disruptions.

Experts say that while the NIH's total budget suggests that little has changed for the agency and its grantees, that topline masks deeper disruptions. Eva Revolver for NPR hide caption

toggle caption
Eva Revolver for NPR

Exclusive

Only on NPR

These 6 charts show how NIH research funding has been reshaped under Trump

Stories of science funding being cut, labs shutting down and scientists losing jobs have flooded the media under Trump's administration. These six graphics show how those changes have affected U.S. biomedical research.
A woman poses at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria where thousands of South Africans gathered on 24 September, 2026, to try and break the Guinness World Record for the biggest ever braai, or barbecue.

A woman poses at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria where thousands of South Africans gathered on 24 September, 2026, to try and break the Guinness World Record for the biggest ever braai, or barbecue. Kate Bartlett/NPR hide caption

toggle caption
Kate Bartlett/NPR

Africa

Thousands of people gather for a South African barbecue, aiming to set a world record

South Africa is aiming to smash a savory world record — the world's largest BBQ — and more boerewors sausage than you can shake a stick at.

South Africa BBQ record

Listen · 3:14
Transcript
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5977047/nx-s1-9939542" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Hayden Cheek of MountainTrue river cleanup crew workin on the North Toe River in Mitchell County.

Hayden Cheek of MountainTrue river cleanup crew workin on the North Toe River in Mitchell County. Juan Diego Reyes for NPR hide caption

toggle caption
Juan Diego Reyes for NPR
Hayden Cheek of MountainTrue river cleanup crew workin on the North Toe River in Mitchell County.

Hayden Cheek of MountainTrue river cleanup crew workin on the North Toe River in Mitchell County. Juan Diego Reyes for NPR hide caption

toggle caption
Juan Diego Reyes for NPR

Climate

Years after storms, clean-up crews meticulously separate the sentimental from the wreckage

Across the country, lost-and-found networks seek to reunite objects with disaster survivors. The work can take years. In some cases, it's impossible to pick up all the pieces.
more from