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Analysis

Thursday

It took two years for Joyce McMillan to be reunited with her children after they were removed from her care nearly 25 years ago. The experience propelled her advocacy for child welfare system reforms.

It took two years for Joyce McMillan to be reunited with her children after they were removed from her care nearly 25 years ago. The experience propelled her advocacy for child welfare system reforms. Catie Dull/NPR hide caption

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Catie Dull/NPR

Family

'Deluged' child welfare systems struggle to protect kids amid calls for reform

More than 3 million U.S. children were involved in an intervention for suspected abuse or neglect in a single year. Advocates say a disproportionate impact on families of color makes reform urgent.

'Deluged' child welfare systems struggle to protect kids amid calls for reform

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Monday

Rebuilding Life After Captivity

Nine-year-old Emily Hand, a released hostage, reunites with her father Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Israel. The Israeli Army/Associated Press hide caption

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The Israeli Army/Associated Press

Consider This from NPR

Rebuilding Life After Captivity

Dozens of hostages have been released by Hamas over the last four days. Now after 50 days in captivity, and joyous reunions, the long journey of healing and rebuilding begins.

Rebuilding Life After Captivity

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Monday

Sometimes overlooked by campaigns, Native voters could decide major elections in 2024

Pins are pictured at a display counter during a cultural meeting at the Comanche Nation fairgrounds in Lawton, Okla., on Sept. 30. Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images

Elections

Sometimes overlooked by campaigns, Native voters could decide major elections in 2024

A voting bloc that hasn't gotten as much national attention, Native voters are an influential constituency in several swing states, making them a group to watch in 2024.

Sometimes overlooked by campaigns, Native voters could decide major elections in 2024

Listen · 3:42
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Sunday

Israel's lack of a strategy is the strategy

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses media during a joint press conference with French President in Jerusalem on October 24, 2023. Christophe Ena/Pool / AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Christophe Ena/Pool / AFP via Getty Images

Middle East crisis — explained

Israel's lack of a strategy is the strategy

Netanyahu offers no long-term answer in Gaza — which fits the way some Israelis view the conflict with Palestinians.

Israel's lack of a strategy is the strategy

Listen · 11:17
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Saturday

RFK Jr.'s poll numbers remain high. What explains this — and can it last?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running as an independent presidential candidate, speaks during a campaign event in Miami Sunday. Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images hide caption

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Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images

Elections

RFK Jr.'s poll numbers remain high. What explains this — and can it last?

The anti-vaccine political scion is running as an independent for president, is threatening both parties and is polling higher than any independent in 40 years. But those high numbers tend to fade.

Friday

Why Trump's authoritarian language about 'vermin' matters

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a campaign event on November 11, 2023 in Claremont, New Hampshire. Scott Eisen/Getty Images hide caption

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Scott Eisen/Getty Images

Politics

Why Trump's authoritarian language about 'vermin' matters

The former president called his political opponents "vermin" and said immigration is "poisoning the blood" of the U.S., echoing language used by Adolf Hitler, raising questions about authoritarianism.

Why Trump's authoritarian language about 'vermin' matters

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Thursday

Did Biden and China's Xi hit a reset? Not quite, but they did agree on a few things

U.S. President Joe Biden greets China's President President Xi Jinping at the Filoli Estate in Woodside, Calif., Wednesday, Nov, 15, 2023, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative conference. Doug Mills/AP hide caption

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Doug Mills/AP

World

Did Biden and China's Xi hit a reset? Not quite, but they did agree on a few things

After hours of talks, the two leaders emerged with agreements to cooperate. Biden even said he and Xi agreed that they should be able to pick up the phone and talk with one another whenever they want.

Friday

Saturday

Lessons from brain science — and history's peacemakers — for resolving conflicts

Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to U.S. Congress was running for president in 1972 when she had a remarkable interaction with the pro-segregation George Wallace, then governor of Alabama. Her efforts to build bridges with him ultimately changed his point of view. She's pictured here giving a speech at Laney Community College during her presidential campaign. Howard Erker/Oakland Tribune-MediaNews Group via Getty Images hide caption

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Howard Erker/Oakland Tribune-MediaNews Group via Getty Images

Shots - Health News

Lessons from brain science — and history's peacemakers — for resolving conflicts

Humans instinctually forge loyalties to groups to survive. Being aware of these impulses can help us deescalate arguments and find common ground. Some notable leaders in history show us how it's done.

Lessons from brain science — and history's peacemakers — for resolving conflicts

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Friday

More medical gloves are coming from China, as U.S. makers of protective gear struggle

A worker inspects disposable gloves at a factory in Malaysia, a country that has been the top supplier of medical gloves to the U. S. and which is facing increasing competition from China. MOHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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MOHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images

Shots - Health News

More medical gloves are coming from China, as U.S. makers of protective gear struggle

The federal government has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to boost American production of medical gloves, but some companies say it's not enough when imported gloves have gotten cheaper.

More medical gloves are coming from China, as U.S. makers of protective gear struggle

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Friday

Should my Halloween costume include a fake scar? This activist says no

Phyllida Swift posing with her scar. Alice Webb/Phyllida Swift hide caption

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Alice Webb/Phyllida Swift

Perspective

Should my Halloween costume include a fake scar? This activist says no

For some, scars aren't just Halloween costumes. One activist asks us to think twice before using them.

Should my Halloween costume include a fake scar? This activist says no

Listen · 3:14
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Thursday