Health Jan 23 Measles cases surged in 2025 as vaccination rates dropped Measles, one of the world’s most contagious diseases, was declared eliminated in the U.S. more than 25 years ago. However, measles cases have skyrocketed in the U.S. as vaccination rates continue to decline, a trend that accelerated during the pandemic.
Health Jan 15 Black midwife's death highlights racial gap in maternal mortality The death of a Black midwife following complications from giving birth has renewed difficult questions surrounding inequities in Black maternal health care. Black women are still three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. Stephanie…
World Jan 09 Iranian government threatens further crackdown as protests grow Protests across Iran continued to grow despite a nationwide blackout implemented overnight. What started as street marches against crippling inflation in the autocratic state have quickly grown to become one of Iran’s largest protest movements in years. Stephanie Sy reports…
Nation Jan 07 A year after the devastating LA wildfires, communities struggle with rebuilding It has been one year since a series of wildfires set parts of Los Angeles ablaze, killing 31 people. In two of the hardest hit areas, Altadena and the Pacific Palisades, residents are still grappling with how to rebuild their…
World Jan 01 National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek on his trek around the globe on foot In the last two years, National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek traversed the Chinese countryside, marched along the Korean Demilitarized Zone and fended off grizzly bears in Alaska. Now, his expedition from Africa to the tip of South America crosses into…
Arts Dec 29 Art programs give hope to veterans facing PTSD Post-traumatic stress disorder is common among veterans, with 10% of men and nearly 20% of women reporting having symptoms at some point in their lives. But could exposure to more arts programming be the needed prescription for those who have…
Arts Dec 28 A look back at 2025's chart-toppers, best songs and standout artists Music in 2025 has had it all, from breakout new artists and big stars continuing to top the charts, to AI-generated artists igniting fierce debate online. To help us sift through the year in music, Stephanie Sy speaks with freelance…
Arts Dec 25 How the character and traditions of Santa Claus evolved over centuries This Christmas, many children welcomed a familiar visitor – a jolly man in a red suit and a sleigh full of gifts. But the bearded figure Americans recognize today as Santa Claus is a relatively modern creation, shaped over centuries…
Arts Dec 24 Why Christmas carols endure as popular music changes From “Silent Night” to “Jingle Bells,” Christmas carols are some of the most familiar songs of the season, and some of the oldest. Stephanie Sy explores why most popular music changes with time, but many of these old tunes have…
Arts Dec 23 Kennedy Center renaming highlights Trump's reshaping of Washington in his image Since reentering the White House earlier this year, President Trump has made quick work of reshaping Washington in his image, in some cases literally. That is on display at the recently renamed Trump-Kennedy Center. The performing arts center has roots…