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White House

Katie Zacharia is 'transitioning out' as press secretary, White House says

U.S. President Donald Trump is followed by White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia (L) as he departs on the South Lawn of the White House on October 13, 2026 in Washington, DC.

U.S. President Donald Trump is followed by White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia (L) as he departs on the South Lawn of the White House on October 13, 2026 in Washington, DC. Win McNamee/Getty Images hide caption

Win McNamee/Getty Images
U.S. President Donald Trump is followed by White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia (L) as he departs on the South Lawn of the White House on October 13, 2026 in Washington, DC.

U.S. President Donald Trump is followed by White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia (L) as he departs on the South Lawn of the White House on October 13, 2026 in Washington, DC. Win McNamee/Getty Images hide caption

Win McNamee/Getty Images

Katie Zacharia's first official day was on Monday.

Only on NPR

'Everything got worse': Gen Z express frustration, regret after Trump vote

President Trump speaks at a campaign rally in San Antonio, Texas, on Oct. 7, 2026. Trump made big inroads with young voters in 2024, but some of that support appears to be waning.

President Trump speaks at a campaign rally in San Antonio, Texas, on Oct. 7, 2026. Trump made big inroads with young voters in 2024, but some of that support appears to be waning. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
President Trump speaks at a campaign rally in San Antonio, Texas, on Oct. 7, 2026. Trump made big inroads with young voters in 2024, but some of that support appears to be waning.

President Trump speaks at a campaign rally in San Antonio, Texas, on Oct. 7, 2026. Trump made big inroads with young voters in 2024, but some of that support appears to be waning. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

A focus group of eight Gen Z Trump voters reported feeling unhappy or disappointed with the state of politics, with some going as far as to say they regret supporting him in 2024.

Young voters focus group

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Middle East conflict

Israeli settlers beat Palestinians and a U.S. photojournalist in West Bank attacks

Photojournalist Heidi Levine leaves a hospital emergency room in a wheelchair in the Israeli-occupied city of Ramallah, West Bank. She's being treated after an attack by Israeli settlers as she was photographing Palestinian farmers harvesting their olives, in the Palestinian village of Abu Falah on Friday.

Photojournalist Heidi Levine leaves a hospital emergency room in a wheelchair in the Israeli-occupied city of Ramallah, West Bank. She's being treated after an attack by Israeli settlers as she was photographing Palestinian farmers harvesting their olives, in the Palestinian village of Abu Falah on Friday. Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images
Photojournalist Heidi Levine leaves a hospital emergency room in a wheelchair in the Israeli-occupied city of Ramallah, West Bank. She's being treated after an attack by Israeli settlers as she was photographing Palestinian farmers harvesting their olives, in the Palestinian village of Abu Falah on Friday.

Photojournalist Heidi Levine leaves a hospital emergency room in a wheelchair in the Israeli-occupied city of Ramallah, West Bank. She's being treated after an attack by Israeli settlers as she was photographing Palestinian farmers harvesting their olives, in the Palestinian village of Abu Falah on Friday. Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images

Masked Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians as they were harvesting olives in the occupied West Bank on Friday, injuring several people including a photojournalist working for The Washington Post.

Law

Amid talk of public execution, public opinion on death penalty is split

The U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, where Nidal Malik Hasan is being held on death row, is seen in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

The U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, where Nidal Malik Hasan is being held on death row, is seen in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images hide caption

Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, where Nidal Malik Hasan is being held on death row, is seen in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

The U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, where Nidal Malik Hasan is being held on death row, is seen in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images hide caption

Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

A majority of Americans support the death penalty for people convicted of murder, but support becomes more divided when questions vary.

Your Turn with Allison Aubrey

Hit a midlife wall? Here's how to rediscover your strengths

Ready for a midlife reset? First, take stock of your strengths.

Ready for a midlife reset? First, take stock of your strengths. Westend61/Getty Images hide caption

Westend61/Getty Images
Ready for a midlife reset? First, take stock of your strengths.

Ready for a midlife reset? First, take stock of your strengths. Westend61/Getty Images hide caption

Westend61/Getty Images

Health and science correspondent Allison Aubrey talks with Ailsa Chang about her new podcast Your Turn with Allison Aubrey — and they share a survey that can help us identify our most positive character traits.

Hit a midlife wall? This test identifies your strengths and what matters to you

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Health Policy

After booting 760K off ACA health plans, the Trump administration adds some people back

KFF Health News
The Healthcare.gov web page is shown.

The anti-fraud moves affect people in the states that use Healthcare.gov to buy Affordable Care Act health insurance. Not all of the 760,000 people disenrolled are "phantoms," as the government has claimed. Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption

Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Healthcare.gov web page is shown.

The anti-fraud moves affect people in the states that use Healthcare.gov to buy Affordable Care Act health insurance. Not all of the 760,000 people disenrolled are "phantoms," as the government has claimed. Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption

Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Trump administration provided few details about its process for canceling hundreds of thousands of Affordable Care Act enrollments — even as the next stage of the anti-fraud effort is underway.

National Security

Trump cancels public execution, but a line may already have been crossed

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks at the Association of the United States Army 2026 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 14.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks at the Association of the United States Army 2026 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 14. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks at the Association of the United States Army 2026 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 14.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks at the Association of the United States Army 2026 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 14. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

Defense Secretary Hegseth's announcement of a livestreamed execution elicited reactions of disgust and condemnation from some faith leaders and politicians. But within his church, it's not an outlier.

Law

Do Americans own the president's papers? Appeals court to weigh in

A flag featuring Donald Trump waves amid a group of supporters near Mar-a-Lago, Fla., in 2024.

A flag featuring Donald Trump waves amid a group of supporters near Mar-a-Lago, Fla., in 2024. Alon Skuy/Getty Images hide caption

Alon Skuy/Getty Images
A flag featuring Donald Trump waves amid a group of supporters near Mar-a-Lago, Fla., in 2024.

A flag featuring Donald Trump waves amid a group of supporters near Mar-a-Lago, Fla., in 2024. Alon Skuy/Getty Images hide caption

Alon Skuy/Getty Images

The administration says papers created in the White House belong to Donald Trump, not to the American people. The case could ultimately end up at the conservative-leaning Supreme Court.

Do Americans own the president's papers? Appeals court to weigh in

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National

'They're stealing from the poor': A major source of SNAP fraud robs recipients of millions

Jayeleauna Lewis, a singe mother, spends time with her 3-year-old daughter, Gianna, outside their home in Indianapolis, Indiana, Saturday, October 3, 2026. Jayeleauna says she became a victim of fraud after someone stole her EBT SNAP card number and used it to make unauthorized purchases in several states. Octavio Jones for NPR

Jayeleauna Lewis, a singe mother, spends time with her 3-year-old daughter, Gianna, outside their home in Indianapolis, Indiana, Saturday, October 3, 2026. Jayeleauna says she became a victim of fraud after someone stole her EBT SNAP card number and used it to make unauthorized purchases in several states. Octavio Jones for NPR Octavio Jones for NPR hide caption

Octavio Jones for NPR
Jayeleauna Lewis, a singe mother, spends time with her 3-year-old daughter, Gianna, outside their home in Indianapolis, Indiana, Saturday, October 3, 2026. Jayeleauna says she became a victim of fraud after someone stole her EBT SNAP card number and used it to make unauthorized purchases in several states. Octavio Jones for NPR

Jayeleauna Lewis, a singe mother, spends time with her 3-year-old daughter, Gianna, outside their home in Indianapolis, Indiana, Saturday, October 3, 2026. Jayeleauna says she became a victim of fraud after someone stole her EBT SNAP card number and used it to make unauthorized purchases in several states. Octavio Jones for NPR Octavio Jones for NPR hide caption

Octavio Jones for NPR

Organized criminal rings target SNAP recipients because of the government program's outdated security features. But upgrading the tech costs money and states' SNAP budgets are getting squeezed.

A major source of SNAP fraud robs recipients of milions

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Animals

A rare family of barn owls moved into Manhattan's Upper West Side. New Yorkers are captivated

An American Barn Owl sits perched on a water tower on the Upper West Side neighborhood, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, in New York.

An American Barn Owl sits perched on a water tower on the Upper West Side neighborhood, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, in New York. Yuki Iwamura/AP hide caption

Yuki Iwamura/AP
An American Barn Owl sits perched on a water tower on the Upper West Side neighborhood, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, in New York.

An American Barn Owl sits perched on a water tower on the Upper West Side neighborhood, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, in New York. Yuki Iwamura/AP hide caption

Yuki Iwamura/AP

Manhattan's Upper West Side has been reveling in the company of its latest celebrities: A family of barn owls nested in a water tower atop a building near Central Park.

The NPR news quiz

How much money has Musk given to Republican groups since July? The quiz knows

From left: Kimberly Guilfoyle, Selma Blair, Collin Gosselin.

From left: Kimberly Guilfoyle, Selma Blair, Collin Gosselin. Aurore Marechal/Getty Images; Amy Sussman/Getty Images; Chad Salvador/Variety via Getty Images hide caption

Aurore Marechal/Getty Images; Amy Sussman/Getty Images; Chad Salvador/Variety via Getty Images
From left: Kimberly Guilfoyle, Selma Blair, Collin Gosselin.

From left: Kimberly Guilfoyle, Selma Blair, Collin Gosselin. Aurore Marechal/Getty Images; Amy Sussman/Getty Images; Chad Salvador/Variety via Getty Images hide caption

Aurore Marechal/Getty Images; Amy Sussman/Getty Images; Chad Salvador/Variety via Getty Images

Plus, this week saw comings and goings at the White House, the revenge of a child (reality) star, and Elon Musk doing Elon Musk things.

NPR Shorts

3 children, teacher dead in Oregon school shooting, officials say

OPB
People gather for a candlelight vigil held in Drake Park in Bend, Ore., Oct. 15, 2026, following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School earlier in the day. Sources have confirmed that three children and an adult died in the shooting. The suspected shooter also died at the scene.

People gather for a candlelight vigil held in Drake Park in Bend, Ore., Oct. 15, 2026, following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School earlier in the day. Sources have confirmed that three children and an adult died in the shooting. The suspected shooter also died at the scene. Eli Imadali/OPB hide caption

Eli Imadali/OPB
People gather for a candlelight vigil held in Drake Park in Bend, Ore., Oct. 15, 2026, following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School earlier in the day. Sources have confirmed that three children and an adult died in the shooting. The suspected shooter also died at the scene.

People gather for a candlelight vigil held in Drake Park in Bend, Ore., Oct. 15, 2026, following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School earlier in the day. Sources have confirmed that three children and an adult died in the shooting. The suspected shooter also died at the scene. Eli Imadali/OPB hide caption

Eli Imadali/OPB

The suspected shooter was killed at the scene. Hundreds of people gathered to share songs and prayer at a vigil hours after Thursday's shooting.

World Series bound: Milwaukee Brewers sweep the Los Angeles Dodgers

WUWM 89.7 FM
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby (26) and catcher William Contreras celebrates after the final out of Game 4 of baseball's National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby (26) and catcher William Contreras celebrates after the final out of Game 4 of baseball's National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill/AP hide caption

Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill/AP
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby (26) and catcher William Contreras celebrates after the final out of Game 4 of baseball's National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby (26) and catcher William Contreras celebrates after the final out of Game 4 of baseball's National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill/AP hide caption

Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill/AP

The Milwaukee Brewers head to their first World Series since 1982.

Culture

Sally Rooney's books will no longer be sold in U.K. after Palestinian Action support

Sally Rooney's books are displayed for sale at a bookshop in London, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026.

Sally Rooney's books are displayed for sale at a bookshop in London, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. Kin Cheung/AP hide caption

Kin Cheung/AP
Sally Rooney's books are displayed for sale at a bookshop in London, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026.

Sally Rooney's books are displayed for sale at a bookshop in London, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. Kin Cheung/AP hide caption

Kin Cheung/AP

The Irish author said her books can no longer be sold in the UK after she pledged the royalties to a banned pro-Palestinian group.

Embedded Update
NPR
Embedded

Where is Austin Tice: The hardest thing

Embedded Update
NPR
EMBD_WIAT_Web Story Art (1).jpg
Russell Gossett
EMBD_WIAT_Web Story Art (1).jpg
Russell Gossett

Josh and Sara track down a witness who says he knows what happened to Austin Tice. He gives them names, places and a version of events that is terrifyingly detailed. He says people are trying to stop the truth from coming out.

Where is Austin Tice: The hardest thing

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Midterm elections 2026

Elections 2026

Texas Republican Alex Mealer leads Leticia Gutierrez as her campaign scrubs Trump from website

Houston Public Media News 88.7
Republican nominee Alex Mealer speaking to supporters at her March 2026 primary watch party. Mealer would go on to battle staet house representative Briscoe Cain in a run off before clinching the nomination in May.

Republican nominee Alex Mealer speaking to supporters at her March 2026 primary watch party. Mealer would go on to battle staet house representative Briscoe Cain in a run off before clinching the nomination in May. Bianca Seward/Houston Public Media hide caption

Bianca Seward/Houston Public Media
Republican nominee Alex Mealer speaking to supporters at her March 2026 primary watch party. Mealer would go on to battle staet house representative Briscoe Cain in a run off before clinching the nomination in May.

Republican nominee Alex Mealer speaking to supporters at her March 2026 primary watch party. Mealer would go on to battle staet house representative Briscoe Cain in a run off before clinching the nomination in May. Bianca Seward/Houston Public Media hide caption

Bianca Seward/Houston Public Media

The race has become more competitive — and mentions of President Donald Trump have disappeared from Mealer's website.

Elections 2026

Kansas governor election: What to know about the candidates running in November

KCUR
Voters in Kansas City, Kansas, showing up at the Wyandotte County Election office for the last minutes of early voting on Nov. 7, 2022.

Voters in Kansas City, Kansas, showing up at the Wyandotte County Election office for the last minutes of early voting on Nov. 7, 2022. Carlos Moreno/KCUR 89.3 hide caption

Carlos Moreno/KCUR 89.3
Voters in Kansas City, Kansas, showing up at the Wyandotte County Election office for the last minutes of early voting on Nov. 7, 2022.

Voters in Kansas City, Kansas, showing up at the Wyandotte County Election office for the last minutes of early voting on Nov. 7, 2022. Carlos Moreno/KCUR 89.3 hide caption

Carlos Moreno/KCUR 89.3

Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, is running against state Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat, in the race to replace the term-limited Democratic Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly.

Elections

Civil rights advocates plan to send thousands of observers to midterm polling places

A voting center is seen in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Oct. 7, the first day of early voting.

A voting center is seen in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Oct. 7, the first day of early voting. Olivier Touron/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Olivier Touron/AFP via Getty Images
A voting center is seen in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Oct. 7, the first day of early voting.

A voting center is seen in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Oct. 7, the first day of early voting. Olivier Touron/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Olivier Touron/AFP via Getty Images

For many election cycles, civil rights groups and political parties have fanned out to monitor polling places, but the charged midterm environment has many organizations stepping up efforts this year.

Civil rights advocates plan to send thousands of observers to midterm polling places

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Elections 2026

Key takeaways from the final, fiery debate between Susan Collins and Troy Jackson

Maine Public News
Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic candidate Troy Jackson at Maine Public's Your Vote 2026 debate at the Gracie Theater in Bangor on Oct. 15, 2026.

Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic candidate Troy Jackson at Maine Public's Your Vote 2026 debate at the Gracie Theater in Bangor on Oct. 15, 2026. Rebecca Conley/Maine Public hide caption

Rebecca Conley/Maine Public
Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic candidate Troy Jackson at Maine Public's Your Vote 2026 debate at the Gracie Theater in Bangor on Oct. 15, 2026.

Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic candidate Troy Jackson at Maine Public's Your Vote 2026 debate at the Gracie Theater in Bangor on Oct. 15, 2026. Rebecca Conley/Maine Public hide caption

Rebecca Conley/Maine Public

The debate featured lots of talk about Donald Trump, disparate views on the state of American democracy and a moment when Jackson told Collins to "shut up."

Elections

After losing ground with Latino voters, Democrats are turning to influencers for help

Democrats are trying to rebuild trust among Latino voters, and turning to content creators for help. Above, Spanish language voting stickers which read "He Votado Hoy" ("I Voted Today") at a Philadelphia polling place in 2019.

Democrats are trying to rebuild trust among Latino voters, and turning to content creators for help. Above, Spanish language voting stickers which read "He Votado Hoy" ("I Voted Today") at a Philadelphia polling place in 2019. Matt Rourke/AP hide caption

Matt Rourke/AP
Democrats are trying to rebuild trust among Latino voters, and turning to content creators for help. Above, Spanish language voting stickers which read "He Votado Hoy" ("I Voted Today") at a Philadelphia polling place in 2019.

Democrats are trying to rebuild trust among Latino voters, and turning to content creators for help. Above, Spanish language voting stickers which read "He Votado Hoy" ("I Voted Today") at a Philadelphia polling place in 2019. Matt Rourke/AP hide caption

Matt Rourke/AP

Democrats are hoping to win back Latino voters who have soured on both parties. They hope Latino content creators will bridge the gap.

Democrats vie for Latino 'Double Haters'

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Elections

Win or lose, independent candidates want to meet voters in the middle

Alaska U.S. House candidate Bill Hill, an independent, poses in a park in downtown Juneau, Alaska, on June 4, 2026.

Alaska U.S. House candidate Bill Hill, an independent, poses in a park in downtown Juneau, Alaska, on June 4, 2026. Becky Bohrer/AP hide caption

Becky Bohrer/AP
Alaska U.S. House candidate Bill Hill, an independent, poses in a park in downtown Juneau, Alaska, on June 4, 2026.

Alaska U.S. House candidate Bill Hill, an independent, poses in a park in downtown Juneau, Alaska, on June 4, 2026. Becky Bohrer/AP hide caption

Becky Bohrer/AP

Nearly 200 independent candidates in more than 100 congressional races are trying to prove there's an alternative to the two party system — even though the chance of winning is very low.

Win or lose, independent candidates want to meet voters in the middle

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Elections 2026

Alaska Senate candidates Sullivan and Peltola trade verbal blows during debate

Alaska Public Media
Democrat Mary Peltola (left) and Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan participated in Debate for the State at Alaska Public Media's studio on Oct. 15, 2026.

Democrat Mary Peltola (left) and Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan participated in Debate for the State at Alaska Public Media's studio on Oct. 15, 2026. Matt Faubion/Alaska Public Media hide caption

Matt Faubion/Alaska Public Media
Democrat Mary Peltola (left) and Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan participated in Debate for the State at Alaska Public Media's studio on Oct. 15, 2026.

Democrat Mary Peltola (left) and Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan participated in Debate for the State at Alaska Public Media's studio on Oct. 15, 2026. Matt Faubion/Alaska Public Media hide caption

Matt Faubion/Alaska Public Media

The night was tense before the debate even started, with dozens of both candidates' supporters waving signs and chanting outside the Alaska Public Media studio.

Elections

In Kansas, a newly competitive Senate race tests limit of Trump's unpopular policies

Signs reading "Midterm Elections Matter, Vote Conservative" and a photo of President Trump with the word Vote across the bottom seen on a Kansas GOP bus tour across the state to bolster Republican candidates in an unusually competitive year.

A sign seen on a Kansas GOP bus tour across the state to bolster Republican candidates in an unusually competitive year. Kansas has a Democratic governor and Republican U.S. Senators but recent polls show voters could elect a Republican governor and Democratic U.S. Senator this year. Stephen Fowler/NPR hide caption

Stephen Fowler/NPR
Signs reading "Midterm Elections Matter, Vote Conservative" and a photo of President Trump with the word Vote across the bottom seen on a Kansas GOP bus tour across the state to bolster Republican candidates in an unusually competitive year.

A sign seen on a Kansas GOP bus tour across the state to bolster Republican candidates in an unusually competitive year. Kansas has a Democratic governor and Republican U.S. Senators but recent polls show voters could elect a Republican governor and Democratic U.S. Senator this year. Stephen Fowler/NPR hide caption

Stephen Fowler/NPR

Kansas voters could send a Democrat to the Senate for the first time in nearly a century — and flip the governor's office back to Republican control, even in what could be a tough year for the GOP.

In Kansas, a newly competitive Senate race tests limit of Trump’s unpopular policies

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Elections 2026

Peggy Flanagan, Michele Tafoya square off in testy Minnesota Senate debate

MPR News
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michele Tafoya speaks during a debate with Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan at Minnesota Public Radio headquarters on Friday.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michele Tafoya speaks during a debate with Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan at Minnesota Public Radio headquarters on Friday. Kerem Yücel/MPR News hide caption

Kerem Yücel/MPR News
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michele Tafoya speaks during a debate with Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan at Minnesota Public Radio headquarters on Friday.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michele Tafoya speaks during a debate with Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan at Minnesota Public Radio headquarters on Friday. Kerem Yücel/MPR News hide caption

Kerem Yücel/MPR News

The major party candidates for Minnesota's U.S. Senate seat faced off in an hourlong debate Friday on MPR News with fraud, affordability and fallout from the Trump administration's policies as key points of friction.

Elections

As midterms loom, three generations of Alabama voters grapple with a new reality

Alabama voters Evan Milligan (left), Sheyann Christburg-Webb and and Tyler Adams meet at the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Ala.

Alabama voters Evan Milligan (left), Sheyann Christburg-Webb and and Tyler Adams meet at the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Ala. Charity Rachelle for NPR hide caption

Charity Rachelle for NPR
Alabama voters Evan Milligan (left), Sheyann Christburg-Webb and and Tyler Adams meet at the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Ala.

Alabama voters Evan Milligan (left), Sheyann Christburg-Webb and and Tyler Adams meet at the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Ala. Charity Rachelle for NPR hide caption

Charity Rachelle for NPR

In Alabama, the push that led to Voting Rights Act of 1965 intersects with the recent weakening of the statute and redistricting. Three generations of activists reflect on what it means for midterms.

Three generations of Alabama voters reflect on how redistricting will affect midterms

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Asia

Crowds throng New Delhi and wave Indian flags amid escalating protests

Prominent student leader Neha Bora, center, shouts slogans as she is detained by the police during a youth demonstration demanding the resignation of the country's election chief Gyanesh Kumar, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026.

Prominent student leader Neha Bora, center, shouts slogans as she is detained by the police during a youth demonstration demanding the resignation of the country's election chief Gyanesh Kumar, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. Vipin/AP hide caption

Vipin/AP
Prominent student leader Neha Bora, center, shouts slogans as she is detained by the police during a youth demonstration demanding the resignation of the country's election chief Gyanesh Kumar, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026.

Prominent student leader Neha Bora, center, shouts slogans as she is detained by the police during a youth demonstration demanding the resignation of the country's election chief Gyanesh Kumar, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. Vipin/AP hide caption

Vipin/AP

Protests have intensified over a review of voter lists that critics say is politically motivated and threatens to disenfranchise voters. The Election Commission and Modi's administration deny these allegations.

Trump Administration Sues California After Demands to Prove Voters' Citizenship

KQED

California Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks during a press conference, Oct. 8, 2024, in San Francisco. Minh Connors/AP Photo hide caption

Minh Connors/AP Photo

California Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks during a press conference, Oct. 8, 2024, in San Francisco. Minh Connors/AP Photo hide caption

Minh Connors/AP Photo

Just weeks before Election Day, the U.S. Department of Justice is asking a federal court to order California to withhold ballots from 20,000 voters it flagged as potentially ineligible.

National

U.S. historic preservation law faces the most serious threat in its 60-year history

Historic preservation advocates say the Grand Canyon (left) and Arlington Memorial Bridge (right), where President Trump wants to build a 250-foot arch, are examples of historic sites that would lose protection under the proposed changes.

Historic preservation advocates say the Grand Canyon (left) and Arlington Memorial Bridge (right), where President Trump wants to build a 250-foot arch, are examples of historic sites that would lose protection under the proposed changes. Ian Maule/AFP via Getty Images, Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

Ian Maule/AFP via Getty Images, Alex Brandon/AP
Historic preservation advocates say the Grand Canyon (left) and Arlington Memorial Bridge (right), where President Trump wants to build a 250-foot arch, are examples of historic sites that would lose protection under the proposed changes.

Historic preservation advocates say the Grand Canyon (left) and Arlington Memorial Bridge (right), where President Trump wants to build a 250-foot arch, are examples of historic sites that would lose protection under the proposed changes. Ian Maule/AFP via Getty Images, Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

Ian Maule/AFP via Getty Images, Alex Brandon/AP

Congress and a federal agency are threatening to weaken the country's historic preservation law, fueling a backlash that critics say is as fiery as the one that led to the law's creation 60 years ago.

Review Book Reviews

'New Yorker' cartoonists admit to having 'The Two Saddest Kitchens'

Fresh Air
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Bloombury Publishing
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Bloombury Publishing

The Two Saddest Kitchens is a comic conversation between Roz Chast and Jason Adam Katzenstein. Book critic Maureen Corrigan says it made her laugh and feel better about her own (lack of) cooking.

'New Yorker' cartoonists offer a lighthearted take on the city's 'Saddest Kitchens

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Music

How Stones Throw Records created a galaxy of taste

In its 30-year history, the Los Angeles record label Stones Throw has released generational classics by J Dilla, MF DOOM and Madlib, and launched newer stars including Sudan Archives, Knxwledge and Anderson .Paak.

In its 30-year history, the Los Angeles record label Stones Throw has released generational classics by J Dilla, MF DOOM and Madlib, and launched newer stars including Sudan Archives, Knxwledge and Anderson .Paak. Photos by B+, Eric Coleman, Yanran Xiong, Jeremy Weiss and Israel Ramos / Illustration by Jackie Lay/NPR / Courtesy of Stones Throw hide caption

Photos by B+, Eric Coleman, Yanran Xiong, Jeremy Weiss and Israel Ramos / Illustration by Jackie Lay/NPR / Courtesy of Stones Throw
In its 30-year history, the Los Angeles record label Stones Throw has released generational classics by J Dilla, MF DOOM and Madlib, and launched newer stars including Sudan Archives, Knxwledge and Anderson .Paak.

In its 30-year history, the Los Angeles record label Stones Throw has released generational classics by J Dilla, MF DOOM and Madlib, and launched newer stars including Sudan Archives, Knxwledge and Anderson .Paak. Photos by B+, Eric Coleman, Yanran Xiong, Jeremy Weiss and Israel Ramos / Illustration by Jackie Lay/NPR / Courtesy of Stones Throw hide caption

Photos by B+, Eric Coleman, Yanran Xiong, Jeremy Weiss and Israel Ramos / Illustration by Jackie Lay/NPR / Courtesy of Stones Throw

From generational classics like J Dilla's Donuts to the star turns of Sudan Archives and Anderson .Paak, one small LA label has made history for 30 years — without losing its roots.

Home Page Top Stories
NPR's Newsmakers

Hasan Piker isn't worried about being a political boogeyman this midterms season

Home Page Top Stories

Hasan Piker speaks to Leila Fadel for NPR's Newsmakers. hide caption

Hasan Piker speaks to Leila Fadel for NPR's Newsmakers. hide caption

President Donald Trump recently called Hasan Piker a "terrible liability" and a "communist." The California-based streamer — who describes himself as a socialist — has become the GOP's political bogeyman ahead of the midterm elections.

Hasan Piker isn't worried about being a political boogeyman this midterms season

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Congress

Suspicious mailings to election officials, congressional offices under investigation

Federal authorities are investigating suspicious mailings sent to election officials and congressional offices in multiple states. Above, a USPS mail collection box in Pasadena, Calif.

Federal authorities are investigating suspicious mailings sent to election officials and congressional offices in multiple states. Above, a USPS mail collection box in Pasadena, Calif. Mario Tama/Getty Images hide caption

Mario Tama/Getty Images
Federal authorities are investigating suspicious mailings sent to election officials and congressional offices in multiple states. Above, a USPS mail collection box in Pasadena, Calif.

Federal authorities are investigating suspicious mailings sent to election officials and congressional offices in multiple states. Above, a USPS mail collection box in Pasadena, Calif. Mario Tama/Getty Images hide caption

Mario Tama/Getty Images

The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are looking into the mailings, some of which included an unidentified powdery white substance.

Suspicious mailings to election officials, congressional offices under investigation

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Understanding AI

These workers help train robots who could one day steal their jobs

AI robots final .jpeg
Faven Mulugeta for NPR
AI robots final .jpeg
Faven Mulugeta for NPR

Factory workers in India are being asked to wear GoPro cameras to record the way they do their jobs. The ultimate goal is to train robots to take over. Will it work?

Textile factory workers in India are teaching AI how to do their jobs

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Religion

Pope Leo's cancer prognosis is 'very good,' according to outside medical experts

Pope Leo XIV arrives at the Gemelli University Hospital for an operation to remove a lump from his lung, in Rome on October 13, 2026

Pope Leo XIV arrives at the Gemelli University Hospital for an operation to remove a lump from his lung, in Rome.
Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images
Pope Leo XIV arrives at the Gemelli University Hospital for an operation to remove a lump from his lung, in Rome on October 13, 2026

Pope Leo XIV arrives at the Gemelli University Hospital for an operation to remove a lump from his lung, in Rome.
Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images

Pope Leo XIV had surgery on Tuesday to remove a cancerous growth in his lung, the Vatican announced.

Pope Leo has lung cancer, the Vatican says

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The Picture Show

Inside a Chicago home, a photographer documents the life her family built

Jennifer Teresa Villanueva’s aunts, cousins, grandmother and uncle gather around the dining table for an afternoon brunch at home in Chicago in 2018.

Jennifer Teresa Villanueva's aunts, cousins, grandmother and uncle gather around the dining table for an afternoon brunch at home in Chicago in 2018. Jennifer Teresa Villanueva hide caption

Jennifer Teresa Villanueva
Jennifer Teresa Villanueva’s aunts, cousins, grandmother and uncle gather around the dining table for an afternoon brunch at home in Chicago in 2018.

Jennifer Teresa Villanueva's aunts, cousins, grandmother and uncle gather around the dining table for an afternoon brunch at home in Chicago in 2018. Jennifer Teresa Villanueva hide caption

Jennifer Teresa Villanueva

For eight years, photographer Jennifer Teresa Villanueva has documented her Mexican American family's everyday life in Chicago, capturing intimate moments of love, labor and sacrifice.

Your Health

Hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia: OB-GYNS set new rules for menopause treatment

For the first time since 2014, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has updated its guidelines for the treatment of symptoms commonly associated with menopause.

For the first time since 2014, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has updated its guidelines for the treatment of symptoms commonly associated with menopause. BSIP/Universal Images Group/Getty Images hide caption

BSIP/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
For the first time since 2014, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has updated its guidelines for the treatment of symptoms commonly associated with menopause.

For the first time since 2014, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has updated its guidelines for the treatment of symptoms commonly associated with menopause. BSIP/Universal Images Group/Getty Images hide caption

BSIP/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

For the first time since 2014, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has updated its guidelines for the treatment of symptoms commonly associated with menopause.

Economy

Inflation sizzled in September — and Social Security benefits will get a boost

A man pumps gas at a gas station.

Rising gasoline and diesel prices pushed inflation higher in September. The cost of living index was up 3.7%, according to a report Wednesday from the Labor Department. Isabelle Souriment/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Isabelle Souriment/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images
A man pumps gas at a gas station.

Rising gasoline and diesel prices pushed inflation higher in September. The cost of living index was up 3.7%, according to a report Wednesday from the Labor Department. Isabelle Souriment/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Isabelle Souriment/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images

Consumer prices in September jumped 3.7% from a year ago. The Social Security Administration said benefits will increase next year to help keep pace with the rising cost of living.

Inflation sizzled in September — and Social Security benefits will get a boost

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Europe

Ukraine resumes attacks on Russian oil refineries, officials say, after brief truce

Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham says goodbye to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after their meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026.

Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham says goodbye to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after their meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. Alberto Pezzali/AP hide caption

Alberto Pezzali/AP
Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham says goodbye to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after their meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026.

Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham says goodbye to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after their meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. Alberto Pezzali/AP hide caption

Alberto Pezzali/AP

Ukrainian drones attacked a refinery in Russia's Ryazan region early Thursday, hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that a brief truce spurned by Moscow was over.

911 calls show ambulance was delayed after failed execution in Tennessee

WPLN News
Emergency vehicles arrive at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution after the execution of Christa Pike was halted Sept. 30 in Nashville, Tenn.

Emergency vehicles arrive at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution after the execution of Christa Pike was halted Sept. 30 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV/AP hide caption

George Walker IV/AP
Emergency vehicles arrive at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution after the execution of Christa Pike was halted Sept. 30 in Nashville, Tenn.

Emergency vehicles arrive at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution after the execution of Christa Pike was halted Sept. 30 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV/AP hide caption

George Walker IV/AP

Confusion over 911 calls from the prison where Christa Pike survived two rounds of lethal injection led to late arrival of an ambulance, recordings show.

WATCH

Los Tigres del Norte: Tiny Desk Concert

There is no stage too small for Los Tigres del Norte, yet none can contain its impact. For over 60 years, the Mexican norteño band has collected the stories of Latino people and spun them into song.

Life Kit: Tools to help you get it together

Life Kit

The right mentor can change your career. Here's how to find one

The right mentoring relationship can be a powerful tool for professional growth. It can lead to a new job, a promotion or even better work-life balance.
Amy Matsushita-Beal for NPR
The right mentoring relationship can be a powerful tool for professional growth. It can lead to a new job, a promotion or even better work-life balance.
Amy Matsushita-Beal for NPR

A strong mentoring relationship can change your career and help you outside of work.

The right mentor can change your career. Here's how to find one

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Perspective Life Kit

How to stop stewing about something you've taken (a little too) personally

LK
NPR
A close-up, studio photograph of a cactus against a pink backdrop. The long spikes from the cactus threaten to burst a baby blue balloon that floats down toward the cactus from above.
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Richard Drury/Getty Images
A close-up, studio photograph of a cactus against a pink backdrop. The long spikes from the cactus threaten to burst a baby blue balloon that floats down toward the cactus from above.
Richard Drury/Getty Images
A close-up, studio photograph of a cactus against a pink backdrop. The long spikes from the cactus threaten to burst a baby blue balloon that floats down toward the cactus from above.
Enlarge this image
Richard Drury/Getty Images
A close-up, studio photograph of a cactus against a pink backdrop. The long spikes from the cactus threaten to burst a baby blue balloon that floats down toward the cactus from above.
Richard Drury/Getty Images

Being offended by something that someone did or said can be upsetting — but it doesn't have to eat away at us. Mental health experts share how to slow down and gain clarity when things get personal.

How to stop stewing about something you've taken (a little too) personally

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Short Wave podcast: Revealing the science behind everyday mysteries

SW
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Short Wave

What's at stake if we can't regrow our forests

SW
NPR
A close up of a seedling with two small leaves and a curved stem rising from soil, lit against a blurred green background.

In 2022, a skydiver dropped 100 million seeds over the Amazon to fight deforestation. Pedro Brancalion explains the science of regrowth. Sarayut Thaneerat/Getty Images hide caption

Sarayut Thaneerat/Getty Images
A close up of a seedling with two small leaves and a curved stem rising from soil, lit against a blurred green background.

In 2022, a skydiver dropped 100 million seeds over the Amazon to fight deforestation. Pedro Brancalion explains the science of regrowth. Sarayut Thaneerat/Getty Images hide caption

Sarayut Thaneerat/Getty Images

In 2022, parachutist Luigi Cani dropped 100 million seeds over the Amazon rainforest while skydiving. He did it to raise awareness about deforestation and help regrow the forest. But there has been little scientific follow up to see whether it worked. So, today, we talk to restoration ecologist Pedro Brancalion about the surprising complexity involved in regrowing a forest, and when dropping seeds from the sky – by people or by drones – could work.If you liked this episode, check out our others on building microforests in cities and scientists' creative idea to save a keystone tree species that grows very slowly.Interested in more tree science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show's perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.

What's at stake if we can't regrow our forests

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Short Wave

Should we reengineer the world's deadliest animal?

SW
NPR
A black-and-white mosquito lands on a person.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the mosquito kills more people than any other animal. It spreads several diseases, including dengue, West Nile and malaria. Ridatiningsih/Getty Images hide caption

Ridatiningsih/Getty Images
A black-and-white mosquito lands on a person.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the mosquito kills more people than any other animal. It spreads several diseases, including dengue, West Nile and malaria. Ridatiningsih/Getty Images hide caption

Ridatiningsih/Getty Images

The most ferocious predator for us humans is actually quite small: the mosquito. They are hungry for blood, spreading diseases like malaria, yellow fever and dengue – and picking up new ones all the time. But what if we could wipe out the mosquito? Gene-editing technology could do it, potentially saving millions of lives. But it comes with serious potential for risk. Which begs the question: Should we get to decide when humanity rewrites nature? Here to discuss that is Ben Bradford, the host of a new podcast distributed by the NPR Network: Are We Doomed?Interested in more science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.

A radical new plan to reengineer the world's deadliest animal

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Short Wave

Could architecture in space make a greener Earth?

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Three connected, futuristic, modular spacecrafts made of hexagonal panels float above Earth. The front one is partially opened to reveal a glowing blue-green interior grid. Smaller hexagonal modules drift nearby in space, with the Moon visible in the background against a star-filled black sky.

Magnetic hexagons could one day self-assemble in space to provide off-world manufacturing and agriculture as well as human habitats. Aurelia Institute hide caption

Aurelia Institute
Three connected, futuristic, modular spacecrafts made of hexagonal panels float above Earth. The front one is partially opened to reveal a glowing blue-green interior grid. Smaller hexagonal modules drift nearby in space, with the Moon visible in the background against a star-filled black sky.

Magnetic hexagons could one day self-assemble in space to provide off-world manufacturing and agriculture as well as human habitats. Aurelia Institute hide caption

Aurelia Institute

Humankind has the technology to go to space. Space architect Ariel Ekblaw says the bottleneck now is real estate: getting larger volumes of space stations in orbit. Her company is working on the equivalent of giant, magnetic space Legos—hexagons that could self-assemble in space into livable, workable structures. This episode, host Regina G. Barber talks to her about this space architecture and why she says that the goal isn't to abandon Earth–but to off-world industries like agriculture and manufacturing in order to build a better Earth.If you liked this episode, check out our Space Camp series.Interested in more space tech episodes? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.

Could Architecture In Space Make A Greener Earth?

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Gaming

Hands-on with the Ocarina of Time remake, the most ornate Zelda game ever made

The titular Princess Zelda, reworked for the Nintendo Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

The titular Princess Zelda, reworked for the Nintendo Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Nintendo hide caption

Nintendo
The titular Princess Zelda, reworked for the Nintendo Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

The titular Princess Zelda, reworked for the Nintendo Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Nintendo hide caption

Nintendo

We got to play The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time early. Here are our impressions of the remake and its elaborate new style.

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