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Meals on Wheels, which delivers food to homebound seniors, is among the programs for the elderly and disabled now at risk now because federal agencies have fired staff who administer them.

Meals on Wheels, which delivers food to homebound seniors, is among the programs for the elderly and disabled now at risk now because federal agencies have fired staff who administer them. Amy Sancetta/AP hide caption

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Amy Sancetta/AP

Shots - Health News

HHS layoffs hit Meals on Wheels and other services for seniors and disabled

Staff that administer programs to help the elderly, disabled people and poor families with basic needs lost their jobs amid the Trump administration's layoffs.

WATCH

Chocolate Droppa: Tiny Desk Concert

Kevin Hart, returning to his Chocolate Droppa moniker, came to the Tiny Desk with a clear mission: Freestyle an entire set "off the dome."
Aung San Suu Kyi (center left) holds hands with her son, Kim Aris (center right) in June 2011.

Aung San Suu Kyi (center left) holds hands with her son, Kim Aris (center right) in June 2011. Soe Than Win/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Soe Than Win/AFP via Getty Images

Interview highlights

Son of ousted Myanmar leader speaks to NPR about her imprisonment

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Kim Aris, son of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, about her imprisonment and why he's advocating for her release.

Son of ousted Myanmar leader speaks to NPR about her imprisonment

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A lab manager in the molecular diagnostic lab prepares milk samples for testing at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., on Dec. 10, 2024, amid increased concern over a strain of the H5N1 avian flu.

A lab manager in the molecular diagnostic lab prepares milk samples for testing at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., on Dec. 10, 2024, amid increased concern over a strain of the H5N1 avian flu. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images hide caption

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Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Science

Top scientists warn that Trump policies are causing a 'climate of fear' in research

Some 2,000 scientists, including dozens of Nobel Prize winners, have signed an open letter warning that the U.S. lead in science is being "decimated" by the Trump administration's cuts to research.
Alexander Walk at Yale University campus in New Haven, Connecticut, U.S., on April 7, 2024.

Alexander Walk at Yale University campus in New Haven, Connecticut, U.S., on April 7, 2024. Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption

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Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Education

Why this Yale professor is fleeing America

NPR's A Martinez asks Yale University philosophy professor Jason Stanley, an expert on fascism, about his decision to leave the U.S. and accept a position teaching American studies in Canada.

Yale professor describes why he is leaving the U.S. to teach in Canada

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Elon Musk.

Elon Musk. Marc Piasecki/Getty Images hide caption

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Marc Piasecki/Getty Images

Business

There are more billionaires than ever in Forbes' annual list. Here are the top 10

There are now more than 3,000 billionaires in the world, according to Forbes' annual ranking of the wealthiest people. They collectively hold about $16.1 trillion in wealth.

There are more billionaires than ever, according to Forbes’ latest list

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Terry Hill, Julie Moyer and Mike Pence Jr., in 1968.

Terry Hill, Julie Moyer and Mike Pence Jr., in 1968. Terry Hill hide caption

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Terry Hill

My Unsung Hero

As their car started rolling downhill, a stranger rushed in to help

When Terry Hill was 4, she and her young siblings were left in the car by themselves as their father ran into a store. Then the car started moving. A young man stopped the car before anyone got hurt.

As their car started rolling down hill, a stranger rushed in to help

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Gold prices have been hitting record highs. Pictured are gold bullion bars in Birmingham, England on Dec. 13, 2023.

Gold prices have been hitting record highs. Pictured are gold bullion bars in Birmingham, England on Dec. 13, 2023. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images/Getty Images Europe hide caption

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Christopher Furlong/Getty Images/Getty Images Europe

Business

Why gold prices are surging to record highs

Tariffs are roiling stock markets — but making gold hotter than ever.

Why gold prices are surging

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Skylar Core, right, a worker with the Mason County (Wash.) Public Utility District, installs a hanger onto fiber optic cable as it comes off of a spool, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, while working with a team to install broadband internet service to homes in a rural area surrounding Lake Christine near Belfair, Wash. High-speed broadband internet service is one of the key areas of President Joe Biden's $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package being considered by lawmakers in Washington, DC. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Skylar Core, right, a worker with the Mason County (Wash.) Public Utility District, installs a hanger onto fiber optic cable as it comes off of a spool, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, while working with a team to install broadband internet service to homes in a rural area surrounding Lake Christine near Belfair, Wash. High-speed broadband internet service is one of the key areas of President Joe Biden's $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package being considered by lawmakers in Washington, DC. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Ted S. Warren/AP hide caption

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Ted S. Warren/AP

Business

Trump's changes to a $42 billion broadband program could be a win for Musk's Starlink

After years of planning, the Trump administration is overhauling a federal universal broadband initiative to open the door to Musk's Starlink satellite service.

MUSK'S STARLINK POISED FOR A BOOST

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Referee Bill Vinovich (52) watches as the officiating crew takes a measurement during the second half of an NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans in 2023. Starting next season, the NFL will move to a camera system to determine if a first down has been reached.

Referee Bill Vinovich (52) watches as the officiating crew takes a measurement during the second half of an NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans in 2023. Starting next season, the NFL will move to a camera system to determine if a first down has been reached. Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP hide caption

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Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP

Sports

Say goodbye to chain crews: The NFL will use camera technology to measure 1st downs

Starting next season, a system of cameras will determine whether to award a first down rather than trot out a 10-yard chain. But humans will still decide where to spot the ball to begin with.
Amanda Cruz took care of her mother, who died of cancer late last year. The experience changed her sense of self. She is still sorting through what that means.

Amanda Cruz took care of her mother, who died of cancer late last year. The experience changed her sense of self. She is still sorting through what that means. Laura Bilson for NPR hide caption

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Laura Bilson for NPR

What It Takes

Caregiving can test you, body and soul. It can also unlock a new sense of self

Helping a sick family member over months or years can be an enormous strain. It can also disrupt your identity. Psychologists say embracing this change can open up new ways for caregivers to cope.
President Trump continued his push to unwind the U.S. Department of Education last week announcing that the management of the entire federal student loan portfolio would be moved to the Small Business administration.

President Trump continued his push to unwind the U.S. Department of Education last week announcing that the management of the entire federal student loan portfolio would be moved to the Small Business administration. Illustration by Annelise Capossela for NPR hide caption

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Illustration by Annelise Capossela for NPR

Education

6 things borrowers should know about federal student loans right now

NPR has spent the past few weeks catching up with student loan experts and asking the Trump administration for clarity on some of borrowers' biggest questions.
Cherry blossoms on a tree at the Portland Japanese Garden in Portland on March 27.

Cherry blossoms on a tree at the Portland Japanese Garden in Portland on March 27. Portland Japanese Garden hide caption

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Portland Japanese Garden

National

3 places to see cherry blossoms that aren't Washington D.C.

You don't need to visit Japan or Washington, D.C. to see cherry blossom trees. Here are three places around the U.S. where you can see the blooms — weather permitting.

Where to see cherry blossom trees in the U.S.

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A man's hand is shown throwing a pair of red dice.

Opportunities for legal gambling have exploded since a 2018 Supreme Court decision. But research on gambling addiction and treatment for the problem lags. PM Images/Digital Vision/Getty Images hide caption

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PM Images/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Living Better

Do you know the red flags for problem gambling?

Preoccupation with betting or casino games may be an early sign of developing an addiction to gambling.

How to spot when sports gambling is becoming a problem

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TOPSHOT - Rescue teams are seen at a construction site where a building collapsed in Bangkok on March 28, 2025, after an earthquake. A powerful earthquake rocked central Myanmar on March 28, buckling roads in capital Naypyidaw, damaging buildings and forcing people to flee into the streets in neighbouring Thailand. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images)

TOPSHOT - Rescue teams are seen at a construction site where a building collapsed in Bangkok on March 28, 2025, after an earthquake. A powerful earthquake rocked central Myanmar on March 28, buckling roads in capital Naypyidaw, damaging buildings and forcing people to flee into the streets in neighbouring Thailand. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images) Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP via Getty Images

Goats and Soda

What kind of support is the U.S. offering in the wake of the Myanmar quake?

The White House and former USAID staff have differing views on the nature of the U.S. response to the earthquake that struck Myanmar and neighboring countries.

China and other countries step up aid efforts following deadly Myanmar quake

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People walk though a building in Yiwu International Trade City, a giant wholesale market in Yiwu, China, where millions of Chinese-made items are sold.

People walk though a building in Yiwu International Trade City, a giant wholesale market in Yiwu, China, where millions of Chinese-made items are sold. Reena Advani/NPR hide caption

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Reena Advani/NPR

Asia

What U.S. tariffs look like from a Chinese trade city

NPR's Steve Inskeep visited the source of your stuff. And heard how China's manufacturers are handling U.S. tariffs.

We visit the Chinese city where your stuff comes from

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Hnoi Lathitham, 57, holds a bowl of Gang Liang in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, February 7, 2025. Hnoi, who has continuously adapted to a changing world, has been sharing the wonders of Thai food with people around the world in various professional capacities for over 30 years.

Hnoi Lathitham, 57, holds a bowl of Gang Liang in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, February 7, 2025. Hnoi, who has continuously adapted to a changing world, has been sharing the wonders of Thai food with people around the world in various professional capacities for over 30 years. Andre Malerba hide caption

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Andre Malerba

Goats and Soda

Thyme for some healing soup recipes from around the world

Every culture has its own special soup. The belief is that a bowl will make you feel better if you're feeling under the weather, hung over or just in need of a pick-me-up.
Ahmad Dwikat, a Palestinian worker, inspects bars of soap stacked to dry before packing them at a soap factory in the West Bank city of Nablus, on March 1.

Ahmad Dwikat, a Palestinian worker, inspects bars of soap stacked to dry before packing them at a soap factory in the West Bank city of Nablus, on March 1. Abed Omar Qusinis for NPR hide caption

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Abed Omar Qusinis for NPR

Middle East

Palestinian soap gets UNESCO recognition as Israel's military operation closes in

An age-old Palestinian tradition of making soap in the Israeli-occupied West Bank was recognized by UNESCO. A visit to one factory tells you why.

Nablus soap gets UNESCO recognition in Israeli-occupied West Bank

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U.S. Army military vehicles, including two M88 Recovery vehicles, were part of recovery efforts for a missing U.S. Army soldier at a training range in Pabradė, Lithuania, on Tuesday.

U.S. Army military vehicles, including two M88 Recovery vehicles, were part of recovery efforts for a missing U.S. Army soldier at a training range in Pabradė, Lithuania, on Tuesday. Petras Malukas/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Petras Malukas/AFP via Getty Images

World

Body of 4th and final missing U.S. Army soldier is recovered from swamp in Lithuania

A week after going missing, the final missing soldier was found, the Army said. The soldiers were operating an armored vehicle that became submerged in a swamp during a training mission.

Bodies of 3 out of 4 missing U.S. Army soldiers are recovered from swamp in Lithuania

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An activist protests against the Trump administration's plan to stop some federal grants and loans during a rally near the White House on January 28 in Washington, DC.

An activist protests against the Trump administration's plan to stop some federal grants and loans during a rally near the White House on January 28 in Washington, DC. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/Getty Images North America hide caption

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Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/Getty Images North America

Climate

Rural leaders push Congress to unfreeze climate and environmental funds

Leaders from rural communities in eight states travelled to Washington, D.C., last week to urge lawmakers to preserve federal funding that's threatened by the Trump administration.

Rural leaders push GOP lawmakers to unfreeze climate and environmental funding

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Left to right: Alana Arenas (Morgan), Kara Young (Aziza), Harry Lennix (Solomon), LaTanya Richardson Jackson (Claudine), Glenn Davis (Junior) and Jon Michael Hill (Naz) perform in a Broadway production of the play Purpose, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and directed by Phylicia Rashad.

Left to right: Alana Arenas (Morgan), Kara Young (Aziza), Harry Lennix (Solomon), LaTanya Richardson Jackson (Claudine), Glenn Davis (Junior) and Jon Michael Hill (Naz) perform in a Broadway production of the play Purpose, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and directed by Phylicia Rashad. Marc J. Franklin, 2025 hide caption

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Marc J. Franklin, 2025

Theater

A civil rights leader's family airs its dirty laundry on Broadway in 'Purpose'

"Purpose" by playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, now on Broadway under the direction of longtime actress Phylicia Rashad, explores the generational conflicts in the civil rights movement.

A civil rights leader's family airs its dirty laundry on Broadway in 'Purpose'

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Left: Playboi Carti's supersized blockbuster MUSIC holds at No. 1 on the album chart in its second week of release, but Morgan Wallen (right) breaks a record for songs.

Left: Playboi Carti's supersized blockbuster MUSIC holds at No. 1 on the album chart in its second week of release, but Morgan Wallen (right) breaks a record for songs. Scott Dudelson/Getty Images; John Shearer/Getty Images for Morgan Wallen's One Night At A Time 2024 hide caption

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Scott Dudelson/Getty Images; John Shearer/Getty Images for Morgan Wallen's One Night At A Time 2024

Music

Playboi Carti and Kendrick Lamar top the charts, but Morgan Wallen looms

Playboi Carti's supersized blockbuster MUSIC holds at No. 1 in its second week of release. Elsewhere, Kendrick Lamar's "Luther (feat. SZA)" holds at No. 1and Morgan Wallen charts a fifth top 10 hit from an album that isn't even out yet.
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