Education Dec 30 What to know about Iowa’s ban on school books, LGBTQ+ topics halted by a judge A federal judge in Iowa has temporarily blocked key parts of a state law that would ban books from school libraries if they depicted a “sex act.” The law also bars teachers from discussing gender identity and sexuality before seventh…
Arts Dec 30 Critics look back at 2023’s epic year in music 2023 had it all when it came to music: record-breaking tours, unique songwriting and new artists on the rise. The Root’s senior writer Candace McDuffie and freelance music writer and critic Maura Johnston join Stephanie Sy to discuss the music…
Education Dec 17 Why changes are coming to FAFSA and how it will affect financial aid for college The road to college financial aid usually begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. After years of delays, a new version of the form will be released at the end of December. While it promises increased…
Health Dec 16 The risks and rewards of prescribing ketamine for pain and mental health A coroner’s finding that actor Matthew Perry died from “acute effects” of ketamine is drawing new attention to the drug, a powerful anesthetic intended for use during surgery that has also become a popular treatment for chronic pain and mental…
Economy Dec 03 Why production of Apple iPhones has been moving from China to India Apple’s new iPhone 15 is already looking like one of the hottest, in-demand items this holiday season. But several factors like shifting supply chains, labor disputes and geopolitics are combining to keep the smartphone hard to find. Nilesh Christopher, the…
Science Dec 02 What to know about the COP28 deal and new U.S. rules to cut methane emissions At COP28 on Saturday, 50 oil and gas companies — including industry giants ExxonMobil, Shell and BP — pledged to reduce methane emissions to “near zero” by 2030. At the same time, the Biden administration announced new rules to enforce…
Education Nov 26 11-year-old author Linda Pistun on changing the world by teaching girls science Five years ago, Linda Pistun set out to achieve two goals: end world hunger and improve science education in public schools. In August, at the age of 11, she became a published author. John Yang speaks with Pistun about how…
Health Nov 25 Researcher explains connection between ultra-processed foods and depression The food we eat affects us in many ways. A recent study from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School found a link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and an increase in the risk of depression. Ali Rogin speaks…
Nation Nov 25 The science behind why doing good makes us feel good From lending someone a hand with their car to giving a simple “thank you” to a cashier, acts of kindness — whether big or small — can have a huge effect on both recipients and givers. Ali Rogin reports on…
Health Nov 18 Why the threat of mosquito-borne diseases is on the rise worldwide For many people in the United States, mosquitoes are merely a summertime nuisance. But around the world, mosquitoes and the diseases they carry are a growing public health concern. Ali Rogin speaks with Stephanie Nolen, a global health reporter for…