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A resident holds a placard as he shouts slogans during a protest over water cuts in Johannesburg.

A resident holds a placard as he shouts slogans during a protest over water cuts in Johannesburg. EMMANUEL CROSET/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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EMMANUEL CROSET/AFP via Getty Images
A resident holds a placard as he shouts slogans during a protest over water cuts in Johannesburg.

A resident holds a placard as he shouts slogans during a protest over water cuts in Johannesburg. EMMANUEL CROSET/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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EMMANUEL CROSET/AFP via Getty Images

Africa

'Let them shower in hotels': Johannesburg's premier faces backlash amid a water crisis

In South Africa, as taps run dry in Johannesburg, Africa's richest city, a tone deaf remark by a senior politician there unleashes fury.
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, ITALY - FEBRUARY 18: Mikaela Shiffrin of Team United States competes during the Women's Slalom Run on day twelve of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre on February 18, 2026 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Christophe Pallot/Agence Zoom/Getty Images)

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, ITALY - FEBRUARY 18: Mikaela Shiffrin of Team United States competes during the Women's Slalom Run on day twelve of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre on February 18, 2026 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Christophe Pallot/Agence Zoom/Getty Images hide caption

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Christophe Pallot/Agence Zoom/Getty Images
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, ITALY - FEBRUARY 18: Mikaela Shiffrin of Team United States competes during the Women's Slalom Run on day twelve of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre on February 18, 2026 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Christophe Pallot/Agence Zoom/Getty Images)

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, ITALY - FEBRUARY 18: Mikaela Shiffrin of Team United States competes during the Women's Slalom Run on day twelve of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre on February 18, 2026 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Christophe Pallot/Agence Zoom/Getty Images hide caption

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Christophe Pallot/Agence Zoom/Getty Images

2026 Milan Cortina Olympics

Sweet redemption for Mikaela Shiffrin, who finally wins Olympic gold

The U.S. skier seized her last shot, shattering an Olympic losing streak that had stretched over eight straight events, including two here and six at the Beijing Games in 2022.

SHIFFRIN WINS GOLD

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Amber Glenn reacts to her score in the women's short program event on Tuesday. She got docked for landing a double loop instead of a triple loop, despite an otherwise strong performance.

Amber Glenn reacts to her score in the women's short program event on Tuesday. She got docked for landing a double loop instead of a triple loop, despite an otherwise strong performance. Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images

2026 Milan Cortina Olympics

The U.S. falters again in figure skating, but the women still have time to make it up

Alysa Liu finished the night in third place, Isabeau Levito finished in eighth and Amber Glenn is in 13th place after a popped jump. That puts extra pressure on all of them for Thursday's medal event.
Brady Tkachuk #7 of Team United States celebrates after scoring a goal with Matthew Tkachuk #19 in the first period during the Men's Preliminary Group C match between Latvia and United States on day six of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 12, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

Brady Tkachuk #7 of Team United States celebrates after scoring a goal with Matthew Tkachuk #19 in the first period during the Men's Preliminary Group C match between Latvia and United States on day six of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 12, 2026 in Milan, Italy. Andreas Rentz/Getty Images hide caption

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Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
Brady Tkachuk #7 of Team United States celebrates after scoring a goal with Matthew Tkachuk #19 in the first period during the Men's Preliminary Group C match between Latvia and United States on day six of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 12, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

Brady Tkachuk #7 of Team United States celebrates after scoring a goal with Matthew Tkachuk #19 in the first period during the Men's Preliminary Group C match between Latvia and United States on day six of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 12, 2026 in Milan, Italy. Andreas Rentz/Getty Images hide caption

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Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

2026 Milan Cortina Olympics

They have their haters back home. But at the Olympics, the Tkachuk brothers are stars

The NHL stars Matthew and Brady Tkachuk are elite at getting under their opponents' skin. But at the Olympics, where they are crucial to Team USA's hockey hopes, fans are pressing pause on the hate.

Brothers Matthew and Brady Tkachuk become face of the Olympic men's hockey team

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FILE - Demonstrators gather to protest removal of explanatory panels that were part of an exhibit on slavery at the President's House Site in Philadelphia, Feb. 10, 2026.

FILE - Demonstrators gather to protest removal of explanatory panels that were part of an exhibit on slavery at the President's House Site in Philadelphia, Feb. 10, 2026. Matt Rourke/AP hide caption

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Matt Rourke/AP
FILE - Demonstrators gather to protest removal of explanatory panels that were part of an exhibit on slavery at the President's House Site in Philadelphia, Feb. 10, 2026.

FILE - Demonstrators gather to protest removal of explanatory panels that were part of an exhibit on slavery at the President's House Site in Philadelphia, Feb. 10, 2026. Matt Rourke/AP hide caption

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Matt Rourke/AP

National

The Trump administration is erasing history and science at national parks, a lawsuit argues

Conservation and historical organizations sued the Trump administration on Tuesday over National Park Service policies that the groups say erase history and science from America's national parks.
Emergency responders deploy to rescue six skiers and find 10 others caught in an avalanche in the Castle Peak area near Truckee Feb. 17, 2026.

Emergency responders deploy to rescue six skiers and find 10 others caught in an avalanche in the Castle Peak area near Truckee Feb. 17, 2026. Nevada County Sheriff's Office hide caption

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Nevada County Sheriff's Office
Emergency responders deploy to rescue six skiers and find 10 others caught in an avalanche in the Castle Peak area near Truckee Feb. 17, 2026.

Emergency responders deploy to rescue six skiers and find 10 others caught in an avalanche in the Castle Peak area near Truckee Feb. 17, 2026. Nevada County Sheriff's Office hide caption

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Nevada County Sheriff's Office

6 skiers are rescued after a California avalanche; a search continues for 9 others

 CapRadio News

The avalanche was reported Tuesday morning in the Castle Peak area near Truckee. An outdoor activities company says four of its guides and 12 clients were caught in the slide.

WATCH

Ganavya: Tiny Desk Concert

How do we find beauty in a broken world? This is the question that Ganavya's music asks, but lets you answer. At the Tiny Desk, she sings the poems of today in the language of today.
Charli xcx's original soundtrack serves as a kind of secondary narrator for Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights. The film arrives in a landscape where the fan cultures of pop music and romance literature have already been intertwining in striking ways.

Charli xcx's original soundtrack serves as a kind of secondary narrator for Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights. The film arrives in a landscape where the fan cultures of pop music and romance literature have already been intertwining in striking ways. Paul Kooiker hide caption

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Paul Kooiker
Charli xcx's original soundtrack serves as a kind of secondary narrator for Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights. The film arrives in a landscape where the fan cultures of pop music and romance literature have already been intertwining in striking ways.

Charli xcx's original soundtrack serves as a kind of secondary narrator for Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights. The film arrives in a landscape where the fan cultures of pop music and romance literature have already been intertwining in striking ways. Paul Kooiker hide caption

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Paul Kooiker

Music Features

Gothic romance reaches new 'Heights' as fan communities collide

Of course now was the moment for a Charli xcx-assisted Wuthering Heights: Pop fandoms and literary ones have rarely had more in common, especially when it comes to epic romance.
Family members of suspected Islamic State militants who are Australian nationals board a van heading to the airport in Damascus during the first repatriation operation of the year, at Roj Camp in eastern Syria, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. Thirty-four Australian citizens from 11 families departed the camp.

Family members of suspected Islamic State militants who are Australian nationals board a van heading to the airport in Damascus during the first repatriation operation of the year, at Roj Camp in eastern Syria, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. Thirty-four Australian citizens from 11 families departed the camp. Baderkhan Ahmad/AP/AP hide caption

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Baderkhan Ahmad/AP/AP
Family members of suspected Islamic State militants who are Australian nationals board a van heading to the airport in Damascus during the first repatriation operation of the year, at Roj Camp in eastern Syria, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. Thirty-four Australian citizens from 11 families departed the camp.

Family members of suspected Islamic State militants who are Australian nationals board a van heading to the airport in Damascus during the first repatriation operation of the year, at Roj Camp in eastern Syria, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. Thirty-four Australian citizens from 11 families departed the camp. Baderkhan Ahmad/AP/AP hide caption

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Baderkhan Ahmad/AP/AP

Asia

Australia bans a citizen with alleged Islamic State links from returning from Syria

The Australian is among a group of 34 women and children who had planned to fly from Damascus to Australia on Monday but were turned back by Syrian authorities to the Roj detention camp due to procedural problems.
The Nevada State Capitol is seen on January 17, 2021, in Carson City, Nevada during a nationwide protest called by anti-government and far-right groups supporting US President Donald Trump and his claim of electoral fraud in the November 3 presidential election. - The FBI warned authorities in all 50 states to prepare for armed protests at state capitals in the days leading up to the January 20 presidential inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. (Photo by Ronda Churchill / AFP) (Photo by RONDA CHURCHILL/AFP via Getty Images)

The Nevada State Capitol is seen on January 17, 2021, in Carson City, Nevada during a nationwide protest called by anti-government and far-right groups supporting US President Donald Trump and his claim of electoral fraud in the November 3 presidential election. - The FBI warned authorities in all 50 states to prepare for armed protests at state capitals in the days leading up to the January 20 presidential inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. (Photo by Ronda Churchill / AFP) (Photo by RONDA CHURCHILL/AFP via Getty Images) RONDA CHURCHILL/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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RONDA CHURCHILL/AFP/Getty Images
The Nevada State Capitol is seen on January 17, 2021, in Carson City, Nevada during a nationwide protest called by anti-government and far-right groups supporting US President Donald Trump and his claim of electoral fraud in the November 3 presidential election. - The FBI warned authorities in all 50 states to prepare for armed protests at state capitals in the days leading up to the January 20 presidential inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. (Photo by Ronda Churchill / AFP) (Photo by RONDA CHURCHILL/AFP via Getty Images)

The Nevada State Capitol is seen on January 17, 2021, in Carson City, Nevada during a nationwide protest called by anti-government and far-right groups supporting US President Donald Trump and his claim of electoral fraud in the November 3 presidential election. - The FBI warned authorities in all 50 states to prepare for armed protests at state capitals in the days leading up to the January 20 presidential inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. (Photo by Ronda Churchill / AFP) (Photo by RONDA CHURCHILL/AFP via Getty Images) RONDA CHURCHILL/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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RONDA CHURCHILL/AFP/Getty Images

Health

State public-option health plans expand but can't fill gaps left by federal changes

 KFF Health News

Nevada recently became the third state to offer one of the plans on the ACA marketplaces. They're intended to be a cheaper insurance option but so far they make only a marginal difference in price.
State Rep. James Talarico, a candidate for U.S. Senate, shakes hands with a supporter during a campaign rally in Houston on Sept. 13, 2025.

State Rep. James Talarico, a candidate for U.S. Senate, shakes hands with a supporter during a campaign rally in Houston on Sept. 13, 2025. Bianca Seward/Houston Public Media hide caption

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Bianca Seward/Houston Public Media
State Rep. James Talarico, a candidate for U.S. Senate, shakes hands with a supporter during a campaign rally in Houston on Sept. 13, 2025.

State Rep. James Talarico, a candidate for U.S. Senate, shakes hands with a supporter during a campaign rally in Houston on Sept. 13, 2025. Bianca Seward/Houston Public Media hide caption

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Bianca Seward/Houston Public Media

CBS blocked the broadcast of a 'Late Show' interview with a Senate candidate, Colbert says

 Houston Public Media News 88.7

Talarico, a Democratic candidate for one of Texas' U.S. Senate seats, was set to appear on "The Late Show" on Monday. Host Stephen Colbert lambasted the decision not to air the interview, which was shared on YouTube.
Nuclear capable DF-31BJ ballistic missiles are seen as they are unveiled on transporters during a military parade in Beijing, China on September 3, 2025. China is undergoing a massive expansion of its nuclear arsenal.

Nuclear capable DF-31BJ ballistic missiles are seen as they are unveiled on transporters during a military parade in Beijing, China on September 3, 2025. China is undergoing a massive expansion of its nuclear arsenal. Kevin Frayer/Getty Images AsiaPac hide caption

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Kevin Frayer/Getty Images AsiaPac
Nuclear capable DF-31BJ ballistic missiles are seen as they are unveiled on transporters during a military parade in Beijing, China on September 3, 2025. China is undergoing a massive expansion of its nuclear arsenal.

Nuclear capable DF-31BJ ballistic missiles are seen as they are unveiled on transporters during a military parade in Beijing, China on September 3, 2025. China is undergoing a massive expansion of its nuclear arsenal. Kevin Frayer/Getty Images AsiaPac hide caption

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Kevin Frayer/Getty Images AsiaPac

National Security

The U.S. releases new details on an alleged secret Chinese nuclear test

At a event in Washington D.C., A U.S. official said a remote earthquake in 2020 was caused by a Chinese nuclear test.

U.S. releases new details on alleged secret Chinese nuclear test

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In this image made from video and released by the University of Western Australia, a sleeper shark swims into the spotlight of a video camera in Antarctica in January 2025.

In this image made from video and released by the University of Western Australia, a sleeper shark swims into the spotlight of a video camera in Antarctica in January 2025. University of Western Australia/AP hide caption

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University of Western Australia/AP
In this image made from video and released by the University of Western Australia, a sleeper shark swims into the spotlight of a video camera in Antarctica in January 2025.

In this image made from video and released by the University of Western Australia, a sleeper shark swims into the spotlight of a video camera in Antarctica in January 2025. University of Western Australia/AP hide caption

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University of Western Australia/AP

Environment

A surprise shark is caught on camera for first time in Antarctica's near-freezing deep

Many experts had thought sharks didn't exist in the frigid waters of Antarctica.
A Colombian Army soldier stands next to packages of seized cocaine during a press conference at a Military Base in Bahia Solano, department of Choco, Colombia, on March 14, 2015.

A Colombian Army soldier stands next to packages of seized cocaine during a press conference at a Military Base in Bahia Solano, department of Choco, Colombia, on March 14, 2015. LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images
A Colombian Army soldier stands next to packages of seized cocaine during a press conference at a Military Base in Bahia Solano, department of Choco, Colombia, on March 14, 2015.

A Colombian Army soldier stands next to packages of seized cocaine during a press conference at a Military Base in Bahia Solano, department of Choco, Colombia, on March 14, 2015. LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images

Planet Money Newsletter

The record-breaking cocaine boom — and its deadly fallout

Cocaine has made a roaring comeback, and it's having some big negative effects in the U.S. and around the world.
DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin speaks during a news conference at ICE Headquarters, in May 2025.

DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin speaks during a news conference at ICE Headquarters, in May 2025. Jose Luis Magana/AP hide caption

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Jose Luis Magana/AP
DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin speaks during a news conference at ICE Headquarters, in May 2025.

DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin speaks during a news conference at ICE Headquarters, in May 2025. Jose Luis Magana/AP hide caption

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Jose Luis Magana/AP

Immigration

A top Trump administration immigration spokesperson is leaving

Tricia McLaughlin has become the public face defending the Trump administration's mass deportation policy and immigration tactics over the past year.
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OsakaWayneStudios/Getty Images
GettyImages-1319707336.jpg
OsakaWayneStudios/Getty Images

Health

This behavior can be a turning point for families caring for a dementia patient

Wandering, and "elopement," are frightening and dangerous behaviors by people with dementia. For some families, it is the point when they begin to seek institutional care for their loved one.

When a loved one with dementia wanders away

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Chris Hemsworth stars as Davis in Crime 101.

Chris Hemsworth stars as Davis in Crime 101. Dean Rogers/Amazon MGM Studios hide caption

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Dean Rogers/Amazon MGM Studios
Chris Hemsworth stars as Davis in Crime 101.

Chris Hemsworth stars as Davis in Crime 101. Dean Rogers/Amazon MGM Studios hide caption

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Dean Rogers/Amazon MGM Studios

Review

Movie Reviews

'Crime 101' is an old-fashioned heist film that pays off

Chris Hemsworth stars as a virtuoso jewel thief, and Mark Ruffalo plays the detective tracking him down in Crime 101. This thriller is a deliberate throwback — and also a lot of fun.

FA: Film Review: Crime 101

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Kristi Reeves smiles for the camera on the day she met her unsung heroes in Provo, Utah.

Kristi Reeves smiles for the camera on the day she met her unsung heroes in Provo, Utah. Kristi Reeves hide caption

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Kristi Reeves
Kristi Reeves smiles for the camera on the day she met her unsung heroes in Provo, Utah.

Kristi Reeves smiles for the camera on the day she met her unsung heroes in Provo, Utah. Kristi Reeves hide caption

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Kristi Reeves

My Unsung Hero

A woman grieving her divorce found comfort from a couple on the trail

The news of Kristi Reeves' finalized divorce hit her hard, so she grabbed her shoes and headed for the mountains. On the trail, she encountered a couple.

A woman grieving her divorce found comfort from a couple on the trail

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"All emotions, even the quote-unquote bad ones, provide us with information that can be useful," says Ethan Kross, a neuroscientist and author of the book Shift: Managing Your Emotions so They Don't Manage You.

"All emotions, even the quote-unquote bad ones, provide us with information that can be useful," says Ethan Kross, a neuroscientist and author of the book Shift: Managing Your Emotions so They Don't Manage You. woocat/Getty Images/iStockphoto hide caption

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woocat/Getty Images/iStockphoto
"All emotions, even the quote-unquote bad ones, provide us with information that can be useful," says Ethan Kross, a neuroscientist and author of the book Shift: Managing Your Emotions so They Don't Manage You.

"All emotions, even the quote-unquote bad ones, provide us with information that can be useful," says Ethan Kross, a neuroscientist and author of the book Shift: Managing Your Emotions so They Don't Manage You. woocat/Getty Images/iStockphoto hide caption

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woocat/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Life Kit

No, you don't always have to confront your feelings right away

Psychologist and neuroscientist Ethan Kross busts common assumptions about how to manage feelings in his book Shift — and explains why it's OK sometimes to avoid them for a while.
A bridge along Interstate 26 is destroyed in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Oct. 4, 2024, in Erwin, Tenn.

A bridge along Interstate 26 is destroyed in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Oct. 4, 2024, in Erwin, Tenn. Jeff Roberson/AP hide caption

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Jeff Roberson/AP

Climate

3 big changes are proposed for FEMA. This is what experts really think of them

The Trump administration is proposing massive changes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. We asked disaster experts to weigh in.

3 big changes are proposed for FEMA. This is what experts really think of them

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