How a measles outbreak overwhelmed a small West Texas town
The kindergarten vaccination rate against the measles in Gaines County is 82%, far below the 95% needed to achieve herd immunity.
New California Law Will Help Public Get To Exclusive Beach, But Battles Remain
The law aims to settle a long-running battle between Hollister Ranch landowners and advocates for public beach access. The owners worry it could flood the pristine shoreline with trash and pollution.
Ballot Initiatives Thrive On Green: Grassroots, And In Some States, Cash
About half of states allow citizen initiatives. Deadlines are looming in Massachusetts, but it's among the states that allow paid signature gatherers, who can get initiatives over the finish line.
Canadians, Increasingly Diverse, Wonder If Hockey Can Shift To Match
The suspension of a NHL coach for a past use of a racist slur is raising questions in Canada about the sport's ability to reflect the nation's increasingly multicultural makeup.
Dozens Of Protesters Shot And Killed By Iraqi Security Forces
Thursday was among the bloodiest days since protests resumed last month. More than 300 have been killed in that span. NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks to New York Times Baghdad bureau chief Alissa Rubin.
When Militants Took Mecca: A Short Siege With An Immense Legacy
Forty years ago, militants held one of Islam's holiest sites — Saudi Arabia's Grand Mosque — and thousands of pilgrims hostage for two weeks. Though they failed, they shaped the future of the region.
After Deadly Attacks On Ebola Responders, WHO Watches Congo Outbreak From Outside
NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Dr. Margaret Harris, a World Health Organization spokesperson in the Democratic Republic of Congo, about attacks in the country against health workers combating Ebola.
Study: For HIV-Infected Babies, Treatment Should Start At Birth
Every day, as many as 500 babies in sub-Saharan Africa are born with HIV. A study out of Botswana finds that if newborns are given treatment right away, the virus becomes almost undetectable.
U.S. Backs Hong Kong Protesters After Pro-Democracy Candidates Win Election
President Trump has signed into law a bill that supports pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. How's this being viewed in mainland China? NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to David Rennie of The Economist.
How Vaping Could Be Damaging The Environment
With more than three dozen deaths attributed to vaping, attention is focused on the health and addiction impacts of e-cigarettes. But e-cigs and disposable vape pods can also harm the environment.
Huge Explosion Rips Through Texas Chemical Plant
NPR's Rachel Martin talks to Matt Dempsey of the Houston Chronicle about regulatory failures of the chemical industry after there was an explosion Wednesday at a chemical plant in Texas.
On Thanksgiving: Classical Composers Are Not Always Thankful
Music commentator Miles Hoffman talks about the things some famous classical composers were not thankful for. Composers have also felt as though the world should be thankful for them.