National

Congressman Charles Rangel, Harlem's Face In Washington, Retires

8:34am December 24, 2016

Harlem was known as the cultural capital of black America. With Charles Rangel retiring, the neighborhood will be without African-American Congressional representation for the first time in 70 years.

Big Leaps In Gene Editing Raise Ethical Questions About Human Application

8:34am December 24, 2016

A new technique that enables scientists to edit DNA much more easily stirred big hopes this year for medical breakthroughs. But it also stirred fears.

The Economy Trump Will Inherit

8:34am December 24, 2016

Donald Trump calls the impact of trade deals on the US a "disaster." But what kind of economy is he really inheriting and how might he affect it? Economics blogger Megan McArdle weighs in.

The content of monthly book boxes varies, but most come with a book or sometimes even a few, plus book-specific or reading related extras.

You've Got Mail: Book Boxes Offer Novels And Novelty Items

7:00am December 24, 2016

by Wynne Davis

It's OK if you haven't heard of book box subscriptions. These relatively new services, available in all kinds of genres, deliver curated selections of books and extras to subscribers every month.

Santa tell me? Ariana Grande performs at the Jingle Ball concert at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 9.

How That Holiday Song Becomes An Inescapable Earworm

5:00am December 24, 2016

by Angus Chen

There's a reason why certain songs get stuck in our brains, scientists say. They interrupt the musical patterns we expect with surprises that we can't help but notice.

Jeneyah McDonald looks over homework her oldest son Justice, 6, brought home from school while her youngest son Josiah, 2, drinks Kool-Aid from a bottle at their home in Flint, Mich., in February.

Despite Tough Year, Flint Mother Stays Strong For Her Children

5:50pm December 23, 2016

by NPR Staff

NPR's Ari Shapiro checks back in with Flint, Mich., resident Jeneyah McDonald, who says not much has improved in the year since the city declared a state of emergency over lead-tainted water.

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Trump Essay Signals Shift In Approach For 'Teen Vogue'

5:50pm December 23, 2016

by David Folkenflik

An essay posted earlier this month about the concept gas-lighting and how it applied to the 2016 elections highlighted a surprising seriousness of purpose from a magazine traditionally devoted to fashion and pop culture. NPR profiles the two 20-something editors of Teen Vogue.

President-Elect Trump Suggests Expanding U.S. Nuclear Arsenal

5:50pm December 23, 2016

President-elect Donald Trump suggested in a tweet Thursday that the U.S. should begin building up its nuclear arsenal. According to MSNBC, Trump said of nuclear weapons, "let it be an arms race." NPR's Robert Siegel talks to Washington Post reporter Dan Zak.

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National

CIA Director John Brennan Weighs In On Russian Hacking, Syrian Conflict

5:50pm December 23, 2016

by Mary Louise Kelly

In an interview with NPR, CIA Director John Brennan talked about Russian hacking, the ongoing conflict in Syria and his plans for life as a civilian after he leaves his post in January.

'Wall Street Journal' Raises Possible Conflicts Of Interest For Rep. Tom Price

5:50pm December 23, 2016

A report in the Wall Street Journal is raising questions about possible conflicts of interest for Rep. Tom Price, Donald Trump's choice to be Secretary of Health and Human Services. According to the newspaper, Price traded medical stocks while also working on health legislation in Congress. NPR's Robert Siegel talks to Michelle Hackman of the Wall Street Journal.