Health Jan 06 COVID is surging again. Here’s what to know and why experts encourage caution The U.S. is experiencing another uptick in COVID infections after the holidays, with hospitalizations rising for the eighth week in a row. A new dominant variant, JN.1, has quickly spread to account for more than 60 percent of cases. John…
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…
Nation Dec 24 How a ‘perfect storm’ of issues is causing a sharp rise in homelessness The number of Americans experiencing homelessness is now at its highest since records started being kept in 2007, according to estimates in a new report from the federal government. 2023 saw a 12 percent increase in homelessness over the previous…
Nation Dec 23 As communities test basic income programs, here’s how one California city fared Guaranteed basic income, the concept of no-strings-attached payments to provide people with a financial floor, is being tested in dozens of pilot programs across the country. Stockton, California was one of the first cities to launch a pilot program in…
Health Dec 10 Your questions answered about staying safe from COVID, RSV and flu this winter As we head into the winter holidays, John Yang speaks with epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina about the current state of affairs with COVID, RSV and flu infections, lagging vaccination rates and how to stay healthy this season.
World Dec 02 Israeli offensive turns to southern Gaza as hopes of reviving truce dwindle Hopes for a renewed cease-fire in Gaza any time soon have dimmed considerably, as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered his negotiators home from Qatar, saying talks had hit a dead end. Since the fighting resumed on Friday, the focus of…
World Nov 26 Relief, joy as more hostages are released on 3rd day of Israel-Hamas truce Two Americans, including a 4-year-old girl, were among the 17 hostages Hamas released in the third exchange for 39 Palestinians released from Israeli prisons. The four-day cease-fire deal is also allowing aid trucks to cross into Gaza and deliver crucial…
Nation Nov 19 How Osage dancer Maria Tallchief became America’s 1st major prima ballerina For Native American Heritage Month, as part of our “Hidden Histories” series, we look back on the life of Maria Tallchief, an Osage Nation dancer who left an indelible mark on the world of ballet.
Health Nov 11 How gun policies affect the role of firearms in domestic violence The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday over whether the government may bar people subject to domestic violence protective orders from owning a gun. According to research, women are five times more likely to die when a domestic abuser has access…
World Nov 05 Gaza residents flee south as Israel’s military encircles Gaza City Israel says it has divided Gaza in two and its troops have surrounded Gaza City. The human toll is rising as civilians seek safety amid continuing airstrikes, including an Israeli strike on the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza. The…