Scientists are raising the alarm about Trump's deep sea mining executive order
President Trump signed an executive order aimed at making it easier for companies to mine the ocean floor. Scientists and environmentalists worry it could harm an ecosystem we don't know much about.
Profiting From Rhinos, Far From Their Habitat
According to Bloomberg Businessweek, Rhinoceros horns now sell for more on the black market than cocaine or heroin. Demand from Southeast Asian consumers is primarily to blame. In order to cash in, thieves have begun targeting a different kind of rhino habitat: museums. NPR's Arun Rath speaks with journalist Adam Higginbotham about the so-called "Rathkeale Rovers," a gang suspected of several thefts.
Iran To Take First Step Toward Long-Term Deal
On Monday, the nuclear deal between six world powers and Iran officially kicks in. But this agreement is just a first step in a long negotiation process. NPR's Arun Rath talks to Karim Sadjadpour, senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, about what to expect from additional disarmament talks.
Long-Term Unemployed Wearily Watching Capitol Hill
The U.S. Senate this week failed to end debate on a measure that would reinstate the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. Some 1.3 million unemployed Americans lost these benefits at the end of 2013, after Congress failed to extend the program. Now, lawmakers can't agree on how to pay for the program in 2014, which means more waiting for the long-term unemployed struggling to get by.
Church Struggles With Protecting Emancipation Proclamation Draft
Important papers that document our nation's history, like the Constitution or the Bill of Rights, can be found at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. But another important historical document, handwritten and signed by President Abraham Lincoln, is on public display seven days a week at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in the nation's capital.
Net Neutrality Court Ruling Could Cost Consumers, Limit Choices
A federal court ruling could spell the end to what's known as "net neutrality." The Federal Communications Commission had tried to prevent Internet service providers from favoring one type of web traffic over another. But the court ruled against the FCC. Consumer advocates say this week's decision could ultimately mean higher prices for your Internet service. Host Arun Rath talks with NPR's Laura Sydell.
To Attract Foreign Tourists, Brand USA Turns To ... Rosanne Cash
The U.S. has been stepping up efforts to encourage international tourism, which represents about 3 percent of the country's gross domestic product. The country's reputation abroad has suffered due to revelations about spying by the National Security Agency. But Brand USA, which is running a new ad campaign, hopes to encourage international tourists to visit the U.S. Host Arun Rath speaks with Michael Scaturro, who wrote about the new campaign for The Atlantic.
5 Takeaways From The President's NSA Speech
The president's speech Friday offered a revealing look into the nation's phone data collection program and the direction of the surveillance policy debate. But some of biggest controversies have been put off or pushed to Congress.
A Newsprint Shortage Hobbles Venezuelan Media
Venezuela is running out of newsprint and newspapers are shutting down. Media outlets say that it's another form of harassment by a government that often doesn't like what independent media reports.
In The Long Wait For Aid From Washington, Job Hunters Despair
After failing to agree upon an extension for federal jobless benefits to the long-term unemployed, Congress is vowing to keep trying. The help can't come soon enough for many of the 1.4 million unemployed who saw their checks suddenly cut off last month.
Snubs And Surprises Abound In Oscar Nominations
Oscar nominations were announced on Thursday morning, and some notable names went missing. But, as NPR film critic Bob Mondello observes, in such a strong year for movies and performances, there were bound to be a few deserving ones that got snubbed.