Announcing the NPR Student Podcast Challenge for 2026 — and a very special prize!
The annual contest for students in grades four through 12 is back for its eighth year — this time with a special prize for a podcast that marks the 250th anniversary of the United States.
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Voice of America director says Trump officials are illegally ousting him
A judge is demanding answers about the international broadcaster's future from Trump official Kari Lake. -
Texas GOP threatens to arrest Democratic leaders. And, why 2 NASA missions could end
Texas GOP is threatening to arrest Democratic lawmakers unless they return to vote on redrawing the congressional map. And, two NASA satellite missions that scientists and farmers rely on could end. -
Big Freedia takes bounce music to church on new album, 'Pressing Onward'
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Big Freedia about her new album, "Pressing Onward," and how her childhood singing in the church led her to this moment, fusing gospel with her signature bounce music. -
'Zombie' cells have scientists rethinking how we age — and what to do about it
It’s no secret that stress isn’t good for you. But just how bad is it? Well, in the last few decades, scientists have linked psychological stress to changes in our DNA that look a lot like what happens on the molecular level as we age. Today on the show, host Regina G. Barber talks to freelance science journalist Diana Kwon about the latest research on stress and aging, including a new hypothesis for how your brain handles aging — and what science could do about all of it. Interested in more aging science? Let us know 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. -
State Department may require some visa applicants to post bond of up to $15,000
The State Department said it would start a pilot program that will require cash deposits to tourist and business visas for people from countries with high overstay rates. -
Wildfire smoke is like smoking 'half a pack a day.' Here's how to protect yourself
As Canadian wildfires spread smoke across the U.S. the air pollution is dangerous to health. But there are ways to protect yourself. Here's what to know. -
How a public library's summer game took over a Michigan city
Summer in Ann Arbor, Mich., means thousands of people hunting for hidden codes around the city and reading books to earn points. It's part of a popular game organized by the public library. -
Why a NASA satellite that scientists and farmers rely on may be destroyed on purpose
The Trump administration has asked NASA staffers to draw up plans to end at least two satellite missions that measure carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, according to current and former NASA employees.
