National

National

How children who survived Kentucky's deadly tornadoes are coping with the aftermath

7:15am December 16, 2021

The tornadoes that raked across Kentucky killed dozens, injured hundreds and destroyed or damaged thousands of homes. The impacts are immeasurable and for kids, in particular, it's a difficult time.

Queue Listen Now

National

Grand jury report on Surfside condo collapse calls for immediate action

7:15am December 16, 2021

by Greg Allen

In Miami-Dade County, Fla., a grand jury issued a report on the collapse of a condo tower in Surfside that killed 98 people. Among its recommendations: inspect condo buildings every 10 years.

Queue Listen Now

National

Chauvin reverses decision, pleads guilty to violating George Floyd's civil rights

5:50am December 16, 2021

NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison about former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pleading guilty to violating George Floyd's civil rights.

News brief: Federal Reserve, omicron variant, how kids are coping post tornadoes

5:50am December 16, 2021

The Fed is moving toward raising interest rates next year. The latest coronavirus variant is proving to be highly transmissible. We examine the impact of Kentucky's tornadoes on children.

Queue Listen Now

The cleared lot where the collapsed 12-story Champlain Towers South condo building once stood in Surfside, Fla. A total of 98 people died when the building partially collapsed on June 24, 2021.

National

A Surfside condo collapse grand jury report calls for immediate reforms

8:08pm December 15, 2021

by Vanessa Romo

The report comes six months after the horrific collapse of the Champlain Towers South condo building that killed 98 people, and warns of future catastrophes if changes are not immediately instituted.

Taliban political office spokesman Muhammad Naeem Wardak spoke with NPR in Doha, Qatar, on Dec. 11.

What the Taliban really want from the world, in their own words

6:28pm December 15, 2021

"We want to prove to everyone forever that we respect humanity," Taliban spokesman Muhammad Naeem Wardak told NPR in Doha, Qatar. He also said women "must have the right to education and to work."

Queue Listen Now

A sign is displayed at a COVID-19 vaccine site in the Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco on Feb. 8, 2021. California is exempting San Francisco from a rule that takes effect requiring all people to wear masks indoors.

California allows San Francisco to maintain existing COVID-19 masking rules

6:01pm December 15, 2021

by Jonathan Franklin

Starting Wednesday, a statewide mask mandate was back in effect, but vaccinated San Francisco residents will be allowed to go without face coverings inside gyms and workplaces.

Author and cultural critic bell hooks poses for a portrait on Dec. 16, 1996, in New York City.

Trailblazing feminist author, critic and activist bell hooks has died at 69

5:32pm December 15, 2021

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

The prolific author, poet, cultural critic, feminist and professor, who wrote more than three dozen wide-ranging books, died Wednesday at her home in Berea, Ky.

People wear face coverings inside Grand Central Market on December 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. California residents, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, are required to wear face masks in all indoor public settings beginning today.

As omicron spreads, public health advocates urge states to reinstate mask mandates

5:30pm December 15, 2021

by Selena Simmons-Duffin

A new statewide mask mandate in California went into effect Wednesday, bringing the total number of states with mask mandates to 10. That has some public health advocates worried as omicron spreads.

Queue Listen Now

Activists participate in a candlelight vigil for abortion rights near the U.S. Supreme Court on Dec, 13, 2021 in Washington, D.C.

The FDA could permanently lift some restrictions on abortion pills

5:30pm December 15, 2021

by Sarah McCammon

The abortion pill mifepristone was approved in 2000 but still faces layers of restrictions. Advocates want the FDA to permanently allow patients to receive the pill by mail instead of in person.

Queue Listen Now