Animals

Computers assess whether an asteroid or volcanic eruption killed off the dinosaurs

1:46pm October 02, 2023

Analysis from Dartmouth College removed human bias — finding volcanic activity in what's now India produced enough toxic gas to end the reign of the dinosaurs long before a meteor struck Earth.

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National

Scientists and volunteers work together to monitor annual butterfly migration

6:25pm October 01, 2023

by Sheila Brummer

The annual butterfly migration is underway. For decades scientists have relied on volunteers to tag butterflies to provide details about their journey.

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U.S. President Joe Biden's dog, Commander, is walked on the south side of the White House before a signing ceremony for the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 on August 9, 2022 in Washington, DC.

National

Opinion: Who's a bite-y boy?

1:39pm September 30, 2023

by Scott Simon

The Biden's German shepherd, Commander, is a bit bite-y.

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Science

Scientists and volunteers work together to monitor annual butterfly migration

5:56pm September 29, 2023

by Sheila Brummer

The annual butterfly migration is underway. For decades scientists have relied on volunteers to tag butterflies to provide details about their journey.

Joie Henney and his emotional support alligator, Wally, were denied entry to a Phillies' game at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday — but hope to be invited back soon.

Health & Safety

Wally the emotional support alligator went to see the Phillies. Then he went viral

11:01am September 29, 2023

by Rachel Treisman

Wally doesn't bite, loves hugs and has a sizeable social media following. He made headlines (again) for being denied entry to a baseball stadium — but his owner tells NPR that's not the full story.

A Philadelphia Phillies fan was refused entry into the ballpark. Why?

8:10am September 29, 2023

The fan's support animal was not a service dog, and the Phillies have a rule about that. The fan's support animal happened to be 5' long alligator named Wally.

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Politics & Government

Pandas and the government shutdown

4:41pm September 28, 2023

by Emma Bowman

The National Zoo is holding a series of panda-themed events to commemorate the departure of its only three pandas. But the looming government shutdown is threatening to spoil the party.

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Environment

Quagga Mussels Invade Idaho

4:41pm September 28, 2023

by Rachel Cohen

Tiny, highly invasive mussels have been found in the Snake River in Idaho, prompting an urgent response from officials. The mussels can devastate ecosystems, hydroelectric dams and more.

A collage of our audience members' beloved pets and their memorials to their animal companions. Clockwise from top left: Mena Bingham's sunflower garden for her cat Sara; a statue to honor Beth Fadely's dog, Bella; Linda Smith's cat Holly; Sheryl Bauerschmidt's dog Birdie; a glass cat figurine in the bay window where Marie Hernandez's cat, Fina, used to sit.

Arts

8 loving ways to honor a pet's memory: Write an obit, grow a garden, dedicate a day

2:48pm September 27, 2023

by Malaka Gharib

How do you deal with the heartbreak of losing a beloved pet? Our audience shares creative and inspiring ways to process grief — and celebrate the lives of our animal companions.

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A reptile named 'Tank' has escaped from a vet's office in Pennsylvania

6:42am September 27, 2023

Don't worry, he's not a threat to residents. Tank is a tortoise, and it's his third time on the loose. Tank made a break for it after finding a hole in his wired fenced pen.

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