A look back at some of the biggest and weirdest auctions of 2023
An unopened first-generation iPhone. A rundown property with an unbeatable view. Pachyderms. Here's a recap of this year in auction highlights, as told by NPR.
Arts
Some turn to the Japanese tradition of Furoshiki as an eco-friendly way to wrap gifts
Furoshiki is the Japanese tradition of wrapping objects in cloth to cover or transport them. Some are turning to it as a more eco-friendly way to wrap presents without wasting paper.
Imelda Staunton on the joys and challenges of playing Queen Elizabeth II
NPR's Scott Detrow talks with actress Imelda Staunton, who plays Queen Elizabeth II on Netflix's sweeping historical drama The Crown, which is ending its six-season run with a final batch of episodes.
This Navajo woman is encouraging other Indigenous entrepreneurs
A Navajo woman who found success in Silicon Valley returned home to start a new business incubator on her reservation.
Jonathan Majors convicted in split verdict, dropped from Marvel
In New York Monday afternoon, a jury found the fast-rising actor guilty of assaulting and harassing his former girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. The jury found him not guilty of two other charges.
Taraji P. Henson says she's passing the 'Color Purple' baton to a new generation
Henson says the 1985 film adaptation of The Color Purple inspired her to become an actor. She stars as jazz singer Shug Avery in a new version, which she hopes will offer audiences hope and healing.
N.J. family reads messages they wrote to themselves years ago as holiday tradition
A family in New Jersey observes the holidays by reading messages they wrote to themselves years ago, reminding them of how they celebrated the holidays in years past.
Why declining social invites is OK
NPR's Scott Detrow talks to West Virginia University marketing professor Julian Givi about his research on the social ramifications of turning down invites.
Goodreads has a 'review bombing' problem — and wants its users to help solve it
Posting a torrent of fake negative book reviews — sometimes before a book is out or has even been written — is a known problem on the literary social media site.
Life Kit: Cultivating a chosen family
Many people rely on chosen families when facing rejection from families of origin. NPR's Life Kit talks with Daniel Blevins, the founder of the group Stand In Pride, about cultivating a chosen family.