NPR journalists unwind after busy days in the newsroom by diving into novels, exploring stories that transport them away from reality. Reports from colleagues highlight the fiction they’ve enjoyed reading this year. You can also discover their nonfiction favorites and sign up for the Books newsletter for weekly suggestions. A Bad, Bad Place by Frances...
President Donald Trump will travel to North Dakota next week to attend the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. This visit is part of the events marking the U.S.’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The library, located in Medora, will open to the public on July 4. The organizers of Freedom 250, a group coordinating national...
Every summer, beyond the trend of large-scale art fairs, a distinctive art show unfolds in a small town, focusing on the creativity of local artists. The Artists on the Bluff Summer Arts Festival took center stage on the Village Green in downtown Lake Bluff, continuing an unbroken tradition for 26 years. Children of local families,...
In April, Liliana Robertson, manager of the iconic Mexican American restaurant Cielito Lindo, received an anonymous tip. This led to a startling discovery: employees were reportedly skimming cash from the nearly century-old establishment. Records showed as much as $600 per shift being taken, resulting in several terminations of staff. Faced with staffing issues and electrical...
In Ghana, especially among the Ga people of Accra, the practice of using fantasy coffins, known as Abebu, is growing. These coffins, often shaped as animals or objects, convey the essence of the deceased’s life. The term ‘Abegubt’ translates to ‘proverb,’ reflecting these creations’ role as a final message. Each coffin is crafted with care....
The New York Times recently published a Father’s Day guest essay that has sparked controversy. The essay, “To My Daughter, My Gender Was Never Complicated,” written by Zach Ellams, a transgender parent, was shared in comic-strip form. As a biological woman identifying as male, Ellams discussed raising a daughter while addressing gender questions. The illustrations...
The anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn brings with it deep reflections for relatives of the key figures involved: Custer and Sitting Bull. This historical encounter remains a poignant memory for their descendants, impacting their views on U.S. history. Ernie LaPointe, the great-grandson of Sitting Bull, grew up in South Dakota under strict...
Theodore Roosevelt’s Legacy Honored Theodore Roosevelt consistently ranks among the nation’s most popular presidents. Though he passed away 107 years ago, this July 4 marks the opening of his presidential library in an unexpected location: the North Dakota Badlands. This 96,000-square-foot tribute mirrors Roosevelt’s grandeur, akin to his likeness on Mt. Rushmore, but designed to...
A Florida thrifter named Liam McNamara made a surprising and disturbing discovery in a Sarasota County antique store. Known for reselling vintage items on Etsy, McNamara frequently visits multiple thrift stores daily. Unexpected Find in Sarasota County McNamara visited the store after a friend mentioned seeing a white conical hood there. This item is historically...
The media’s shift toward a more liberal stance is evident in their treatment of Presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama. Trump’s presidency faced significant media opposition, rooted in their favorable disposition toward Obama since his 2007 campaign launch. Obama’s recent Presidential Center opening in Chicago rekindled media enthusiasm. Networks sidestepped controversies over the center’s construction...