Opinion

In a speech at the Golden Globes, Oprah Winfrey told the story of Recy Taylor's violent rape by six white men in 1944. Taylor, pictured above, died last month at age 97. Her attackers were never prosecuted.

'Recy Taylor's Rape Still Haunts Us'

5:43pm January 14, 2018

by Michel Martin

At the Golden Globes, Oprah Winfrey told the story of Recy Taylor's rape in 1944. Taylor died last month at 97. NPR's Michel Martin reflects on their 2011 interview and why her story still haunts us.

President Trump speaks during a news conference with Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway at the White House on Wednesday. The two leaders participated in a meeting before taking questions from the media.

'Rapists,' 'Huts': Trump's Racist Dog Whistles Aren't New

6:30am January 13, 2018

by Karen Grigsby Bates

On Thursday, President Trump described Haiti and most of Africa with a vulgar term. Here's why that shouldn't surprise you.

President Trump talks during a news conference with Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway at the White House Wednesday.

Politics & Government

President Trump's Slur Is An Insult To America, Too

5:46am January 13, 2018

by Scott Simon

This week President Trump spoke in vulgar terms about immigrants and their countries of origin. NPR's Scott Simon reflects on the president's choice of words.

John Locke lounges at home. Owners often say they don't care if their pet is "fat" — there's just more to love!

Health & Safety

Showing Love Through Food May Be Making Our Pets Obese And Unhappy

4:30pm January 12, 2018

by Deborah Linder

Over half of the dogs and cats around the globe battle the bulge. A pet obesity specialist says a deep human-animal bond may inadvertently be causing unhealthy emotional and physical consequences.

Adam Frank considers the idea that to be able to defend what we do know, we need to begin with what we do not know.

Science

Science Says That To Fight Ignorance, We Must Start By Admitting Our Own

3:17pm January 12, 2018

by Adam Frank

The best way to defend everything we really do know, according to science, is to begin by admitting our own ignorance — to ask "What don't you know?" says astrophysicist Adam Frank.

Pasika and her infant have been traveling alone for more than seven months.

Science

Is This Gorilla Mother Consciously Protecting Her Baby?

12:33pm January 11, 2018

by Barbara J. King

In response to a report of "heroic" behavior by a female mountain gorilla aiming to protect her baby, anthropologist Barbara J. King explores questions of conscious awareness of infanticide in apes.

Two hundred years ago, Mary Shelley warned us about entering into realms of science we were not sure we could control, says Marcelo Gleiser.

Man As God: 'Frankenstein' Turns 200

12:50pm January 10, 2018

by Marcelo Gleiser

Mary Shelley cautioned us of the dangers of extending science into realms where we have little control of the outcomes; may we all read her tale — and take in its lessons, says Marcelo Gleiser.

Sports

How Instant Replay Sucks The Fun From Football

4:58am January 10, 2018

by Mike Pesca

Commentator Mike Pesca says watching football is no longer just glorious enjoyment of fantastic plays. With the NFL's frequent use of instant replay, it's become an exercise in scrutiny and doubt.

AI's virtual assistants have a dramatic history, says Jimena Canales.

Science

Siri, Cortana, And Alexa Carry The Marks Of Their Human Makers

1:01pm January 09, 2018

by Jimena Canales

Before you dismiss them as inhuman or inhumane, consider their dramatic personal histories — and their ancestor grande damme Eliza, says guest blogger Jimena Canales.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has his eyes on larger goals than just the Olympics.

World News

In the Korea Talks, Why Kim Jong Un Can't Lose

7:37am January 09, 2018

by Ben Forney

North Korea's leader entered the talks with a strong hand. Researcher Ben Forney takes a look at Kim's endgame.