News
A walking challenge to start 2026 on your feet — and off your screens
The solution to too much sitting is simple but hard to stick with. This walking challenge sets you up for success, with six tips to keep you moving throughout your day.
Greetings from a Paris park, where a lone sequoia tree is a marvel to behold
Far-Flung Postcards is a weekly series in which NPR's international team shares moments from their lives and work around the world.
Sick young ants send out a ‘kill me’ scent to prevent deadly epidemics
Young, infected Lasius neglectus ants will send out an altruistic "kill me" signal to worker ants, a new study finds, as part of a strategy to keep deadly pathogens from spreading through the colony.
Pro-Trump influencers take a victory lap amid fallout from viral video alleging fraud
The swift policy and political repercussions the video helped propel illustrate the symbiotic relationship between online content creators and the Trump administration's policy goals.
DHS wants Venezuelans to return home, but fears remain as long as Maduro regime is in power
Hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans have been in limbo since the Trump administration removed their temporary protected status late last year. That uncertainty has intensified as U.S. immigration officials again push for those migrants to return to Venezuela.
The delightful history behind serendipity suggests it’s not mere luck
While serendipity has often been associated with luck or happy accidents, its origin suggests that it goes beyond just happenstance.
After the LA fires, false narratives on social media impacted state policy
Misinformation spread quickly after the wildfires in Los Angeles last year. Some of these false narratives on social media impacted California policy.
CIA turncoat Aldrich Ames, who sold U.S. secrets to the Soviets, dies in prison at 84
CIA turncoat Aldrich Ames, who betrayed Western intelligence assets to the Soviet Union and Russia in one of the most damaging breaches in U.S. history, has died in a Maryland prison. He was 84.
Trump Mobile’s golden phone remains nowhere to be found
A golden phone that President Donald Trump's family business promised to release last year remains mysteriously under wraps as the technology industry serves up a glut of new gadgets at CES in Las Vegas this week.
Security forces clash with protesters in Iran’s main market as death toll rises
The protest at the Grand Bazaar represented the latest signal that the demonstrations are likely to continue. Violence surrounding the protests has killed at least 36 people, activists abroad say.
Trump says US to get 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil from Venezuela at market price
Trump pledged to use proceeds from the sale of this oil "to benefit the people" of both countries.
Homeland Security plans 2,000 immigration officers in Minnesota
Homeland Security said Tuesday that it launched what it described as the largest immigration enforcement operation ever carried out, tied to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents in Minnesota.
Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr — known for bleak, existential movies — has died
Tarr's films were long, dark, and often abstract explorations of everyday life and politics.
Attempting to predict the economy in 2026
Economists may have a pretty dismal record with predictions. But we're still interested in what they see in their non-existent crystal balls.
Tuberville files paperwork to enter Alabama governor’s race
Tuberville, who leveraged fame from his Auburn University football coaching days to win election to the U.S. Senate in 2020, announced last year that he planned to run for governor instead of seeking another Senate term.
After devastating LA fires, California is drafting nation’s toughest rules for homes
California is writing rules to limit plants around buildings to protect them from wildfires, after the Los Angeles fires a year ago. Some homeowners are pushing back over losing their greenery.
Venezuela strategy remains ‘vague’ after Trump admin briefing, says Rep. Adam Smith
Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat serving on the House Armed Services Committee, says Trump administration officials offered "vague talk" in briefing about the long-term strategy for Venezuela.
Pentagon will begin review of ‘effectiveness’ of women in ground combat positions
The review, outlined in a Pentagon memo obtained by NPR, comes after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told admirals and generals in September that women must meet the "highest male standard."
More seniors are becoming homeless. Shelters are trying to adapt
Older adults are the fastest-growing homeless population across the U.S. Now some shelters are trying to make it easier to accommodate older people.
The criminal prosecution of Nicolás Maduro is underway. Here’s what to expect
Now begins what could be a lengthy legal process of pretrial motions, potential plea negotiations and possibly a jury trial of the authoritarian leader who ruled Venezuela for more than a decade.
Trump to meet with House Republicans amid questions about Venezuela
President Trump is set to meet with House Republicans Tuesday at the Kennedy Center as lawmakers in both chambers are calling for more details on the recent operation in Venezuela.
Progress for Ukraine talks in Paris uncertain with U.S. focus shifting to Venezuela
Ukraine's allies are meeting Tuesday in Paris for key talks that could help determine the country's security after a potential ceasefire with Russia. But prospects for progress are uncertain.
Danish prime minister says a US takeover of Greenland would mark the end of NATO
Her comments came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed call for the strategic, mineral-rich Arctic island to come under U.S. control in the aftermath of the weekend military operation in Venezuela.
This Jan. 6 plaque was made to honor law enforcement. It’s nowhere to be found at the Capitol
Its whereabouts aren't publicly known, though it's believed to be in storage.
Amid fraud claims, Trump admin announces more changes to federal child care funding
The Child Care and Development Fund sends money to states to help make child care more affordable for low-income families. Allegations of fraud in Minnesota have put the program under scrutiny.
A $400,000 profit on Maduro’s capture raises insider trading questions on Polymarket
Online sleuths have tried to uncover who placed a winning bet on the Venezuelan leader's arrest to no avail. Still, prediction market watchers say the bet appears suspicious.
Health officials slash the number of vaccines recommended for all kids
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reducing the number of vaccines recommended for all children. The action follows a presidential memorandum ordering a review of the U.S. schedule.
‘Everything I knew burned down around me’: A journalist looks back on LA’s fires
Jacob Soboroff was raised in the Pacific Palisades and reported live from the area as it was devastated by fire in 2025. In Firestorm, Soboroff offers a minute-by-minute account of the catastrophe.
The NYC jail holding Maduro has a history of big names and dangerous conditions
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is being held in the troubled New York City jail that has housed high-profile defendants like Sean "Diddy" Combs, Ghislaine Maxwell and Honduras' former president.
Maduro and wife plead not guilty to narco-terrorism charges
Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores have pleaded not guilty to all charges during their first court appearance in their federal narco-terrorism case.
Wegovy obesity pill now available at pharmacies
Drugmaker Novo Nordisk said the prescription medicine can be found at a range of pharmacies, including CVS and Costco, as well as some telehealth providers.
Sen. Mark Kelly fires back after Hegseth threatens his rank and retirement pay
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has launched administrative action against Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain and astronaut, which could affect Kelly's rank and retirement pay.
