National

Claire Harbage/NPR

To 'graduate' from poverty, they can borrow to build a business. So why aren't they?

Fatma Tanis

It's called the "graduation" approach — both financial and moral support to help people move from extreme poverty to self-sufficiency. But in this innovative Uganda project, something isn't clicking.
Rob Schmitz

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NPR

It's Christmastime —– and if you live in the Alps, watch out! Krampus is coming

Rob Schmitz

In Salzburg, Austria, Christmas involves both St. Nick and Krampus, a mythological punisher with roots stretching back to late antiquity and many fans in the present-day Central Alps.

National

Fewer characters on TV had abortions this year — and more stories reinforced shame

Neda Ulaby

Researchers at the University of California San Francisco track how abortion comes up on television. They say the trends from 2025 are concerning.
National

Is The Washington Post's new AI podcast a hallmark of the future?

Bill Chappell

The Post calls the podcast an "AI-powered tool" that turns its articles into an audio news digest.
National

Should you use buy now, pay later? Experts share 4 tips to know

Vito Emanuel

The payment option is booming among online holiday shoppers this year. But like any form of credit, it comes with drawbacks. Here's how to use BNPL responsibly — and protect yourself from risk.
National

'She's awesome': How U.S. veterans helped Venezuela's Machado escape

Carrie Kahn

In a daring nighttime martime operation, U.S. veterans whisked Venezuela's María Corina Machado out of the country to claim her Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo

Omar Albam

National

A momentous week as Syria celebrates lifting U.S. sanctions and a year without Assad

Jane Arraf

As they mark the first anniversary of toppling Bashar al-Assad's regime, Syrians also celebrate another coming milestone: the lifting of sanctions, which could help give the country a new start.

Jason Connolly

AFP via Getty Images

National

The Justice Department has now sued 18 states in an effort to access voter data

NPR Washington Desk

Megan Farmer

KUOW

National

In photos: Flooding in Western Washington state forces thousands to evacuate

NPR Staff

National

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 sweeps The Game Awards — analysis and full winners list

James Perkins Mastromarino

Independent video game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 swept the Game Awards last night. The L.A. ceremony draws millions of views for its industry honors and exclusive previews of upcoming games.
National

There's a 'Dead Man' in church in this snarky 'Knives Out' mystery

Justin Chang

A firebrand fundamentalist is stabbed to death at church in Rian Johnson's new film, Wake Up Dead Man. This over-the-top whodunit uses mystery conventions to open up a spiritual inquiry.
National

Sean Shibe: Tiny Desk Concert

Tom Huizenga

Guitarist Sean Shibe pushes his instrument to the limit in new music written for him by Thomas Adès, and softens the vibe with intimate pieces by Bach, Mompou and the eccentric street musician Moondog.
National

If the holidays are stressing you out, remember: everything is optional

Marielle Segarra

Managing a full December calendar can quickly take you from festive to frazzled. Psychotherapist Niro Feliciano shares advice on reducing stress and increasing joy this season.
National

Trial starts for a Wisconsin judge accused of obstructing ICE

Maayan Silver

Was Judge Hannah Dugan trying to obstruct a proceeding or trying to run her courtroom when ICE agents came to arrest an undocumented immigrant? A federal jury will decide