Family

A woman holding her daughter looks at a view of Seoul in 2019. The fertility rate in South Korea, which has the world's lowest rate, hit 0.78 in February.

World News

South Korea has the world's lowest fertility rate, a struggle with lessons for us all

7:00am March 19, 2023

by Ashley Ahn

South Korea's government has moved aggressively to encourage more childbirth, but its ongoing struggles point to the complexity of a challenge that is only becoming more salient around the world.

A woman wary of thieves in India finds a legion of helpers instead

4:11pm March 17, 2023

Before going to India, Sri Pisharody warned her daughter to watch out for people trying to steal from them. But when they got there, the opposite happened.

'Poverty, By America' shows how the rest of us benefit by keeping others poor

9:51am March 17, 2023

by Jennifer Ludden

Pulitzer winner for Evicted Matthew Desmond examines why the U.S. has more poverty than other rich nations. He finds it spends big on social programs, but gives the most to those who need it least.

Balloons are seen wrapped around a tree in caution tape at Robb Elementary School on May 31, 2022 in Uvalde, Texas, a week after the school shooting.

With gun control far from sight, schools redesign for student safety

9:14am March 17, 2023

by Mallika Seshadri

In the wake of ongoing school shootings, architects are designing schools to minimize risk and increase student connection.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs a law to include the rights of LGBTQ people in Michigan's Civil Rights law on Thursday, March 16, 2023, in Lansing, Mich.

Michigan Democrats are getting their way for the first time in nearly 40 years

8:08am March 17, 2023

by Colin Jackson (Michigan Public Radio Network)

For the first time in decades, Democrats run the show in Michigan, passing legislative priorities they've been after for years: repealing a 1931 abortion law, repealing right-to-work and more.

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National

After decades, high school sweethearts finally get married

7:58am March 17, 2023

In this week's StoryCorps, we hear about a couple who met in high school and got married later in life.

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National

Child care demand outpaces supply. In rural U.S., there may be no supply

4:49pm March 16, 2023

by Xcaret Nuñez

For many families, its extremely difficult to find child care — especially in rural areas where the need far outweighs any available options.

Former state lawmaker Kay Bounkeua takes a break from her work as her daughter Ryla Bounkeua plays with Kay's stepdad Jeffrey Strong in Rio Rancho, N.M, March 13.

Only New Mexico lawmakers don't get paid for their time. That might change this year

1:57pm March 15, 2023

by Alice Fordham

Most states pay or offer some financial compensation to state lawmakers for their work. Not New Mexico. That can be a barrier for many people trying to enter politics. A new bill could change that.

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Law enforcement organizations are promoting a new film about children being exploited into sharing sexual images and videos. But many of the film's key claims lack context.

How law enforcement is promoting a troubling documentary about 'sextortion'

5:00am March 12, 2023

by Lisa Hagen

Law enforcement organizations are promoting a new film about children being exploited into sharing sexual images and videos. But many of the film's key claims lack context.

Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally speak ahead of Gov. Bill Lee's State of the State Address. Monday, Feb. 06, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn.

Tenn. Lt. Gov. McNally apologizes after repeatedly commenting on racy Instagram posts

4:10pm March 10, 2023

by Blaise Gainey

While supporting some of the state's most restrictive LGBTQ laws, Tenn. Lt. Gov. Randy McNally admitted to regularly commenting on nearly naked online photos of a gay man with heart and fire emojis.