News

On the shores of Vancouver, Canada, and across the Pacific Northwest, there is an unusual but not uncommon occurrence: feet washing up.

Human Feet Still Washing Up In Pacific Northwest, But Don't Panic

5:27pm December 12, 2017

by Camila Domonoske

For years, human feet have been bobbing ashore in Washington State and British Columbia. Last week another was found on Vancouver Island. No foul play has ever been uncovered.

An artist's illustration of 'Oumuamua, a cigar-shaped interstellar object discovered in October. Now, astronomers want to know if this interloper might harbor life.

Science

Astronomers Want To Know: Does This Interstellar Visitor Have A Message For Us?

5:08pm December 12, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

'Oumuamua is the first of its kind: an object from outside our solar system, observed by astronomers. Now, a group of researchers is trying to find out if it is transmitting any signs of life.

Forage fish like these at a Chilean processing plant are often used for fish meal used in aquaculture. But critics consider this inefficient and wasteful and worry it could deplete fish populations. Now several companies are developing protein substitutes

Waste Not, Want Not: Drink Beer To Feed Fish And Help Save The Planet

4:59pm December 12, 2017

by Alastair Bland

Industry trailblazers are trying to reduce the energy and resource costs of aquaculture. Possible solutions include using brewery waste, algae, insects or even carbon dioxide to feed the fish we eat.

New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (center) leaves after a Tuesday news conference on Capitol Hill.

Politics & Government

White House Insists Trump Tweet Wasn't Sexist. Female Senators Disagree

4:41pm December 12, 2017

by Tamara Keith

In a statement on Twitter, Trump said Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand "would do anything" for campaign contributions. This was apparently a response to Gillibrand's call for Trump to resign.

World News

Iraqi Prime Minister Celebrates Defeat Of ISIS, But Still Faces Pressure

4:34pm December 12, 2017

by Jane Arraf

Iraq is celebrating the defeat of ISIS as Prime Minister Haider al Abadi declared Dec. 10 the country's newest national holiday. The prime minister has also won a face-off with Kurds, but still faces pressures from inside and outside his country.

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Science

How Scientists Are Growing Mini Brains In Petri Dishes For Experiments

4:34pm December 12, 2017

by Jon Hamilton

All week, All Things Considered is offering Highly Specific Superlatives in honor of the year that was. On Tuesday, we look at the weirdest leap forward in brain science. Researchers can now grow mini brains in a petri dish and then experiment on them.

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All Eyes Are On Alabama's Special U.S. Senate Election

4:34pm December 12, 2017

by Debbie Elliott

In Alabama, the U.S. Senate special election has been a contentious race between Democrat Doug Jones and Republican Roy Moore. A look back at what both candidates' visions are and what the race has been about.

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Voters In Alabama Split As They Go To Polls To Decide State's Next U.S. Senator

4:34pm December 12, 2017

Voters in the Alabama are split between Republican candidate Roy Moore and Democrat Doug Jones in the state's special U.S. Senate election. During this election cycle, Moore has been accused of sexual assault against teenage girls years ago, while Jones is up against a historically red state.

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Writer Will Leitch Defends His Position That The NFL Is Ending

4:34pm December 12, 2017

NPR's Kelly McEvers speaks with writer Will Leitch about his piece in New York Magazine: "Is this the End of the NFL?" In his piece, Leitch notes that football used to bring people together across political lines, but that's not the case anymore.

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What's At Stake With Alabama's Special Election?

4:34pm December 12, 2017

by Mara Liasson

The closely watched U.S. Senate race in Alabama could have national implications for both the Republican and Democratic parties in Washington. Republican Roy Moore, the former chief justice of the state supreme court, is vying for Attorney General Jeff Sessions' old Senate seat against Democrat and former prosecutor Doug Jones.

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