NPR Top Stories

Part of a key firearms law lapsed following a federal court decision. What happens now?
Part of a key firearms law lapsed following a federal court decision. What happens now?
A federal judge's decision in Texas has major implications for the National Firearms Act. What does this mean for certain guns and other weapons?
Jaclyn Diaz | Aug 17, 2026, 10:37 PM UTC
Former federal prosecutor is suing DOJ for 'unlawful and retaliatory' firing
Former federal prosecutor is suing DOJ for 'unlawful and retaliatory' firing
A federal prosecutor who was fired earlier this year is suing the DOJ, alleging she was unlawfully dismissed for political reasons tied to her work prosecuting a case against anti-abortion activists.
Ryan Lucas | Aug 17, 2026, 9:01 PM UTC
Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez being investigated over sexual misconduct allegations
Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez being investigated over sexual misconduct allegations
The California Democrat has admitted to "personal mistakes" outside his marriage but also says his actions were consensual in nature and did not violate House ethics rules.
Eric McDaniel | Aug 17, 2026, 7:53 PM UTC
In 'Etna,' a canine narrator delivers a poignant anti-war message
In 'Etna,' a canine narrator delivers a poignant anti-war message
Paul Yoon's new novel follows a dog conscripted into an unnamed war in an unnamed country. From the very first page, Etna's voice is somber and poetic in its simplicity.

Maureen Corrigan | Aug 17, 2026, 7:13 PM UTC
DHS defends investigating agency critics and giving them warning notices
DHS defends investigating agency critics and giving them warning notices
Federal officials acknowledged that ICE special agents tracked a New York man to his house, the airport and a hotel to question him about a critical email he sent to the former head of ICE in January.
Jude Joffe-Block | Aug 17, 2026, 1:31 PM UTC
Sen. Mark Kelly says USS Lincoln sailors 'can't get basic needs met'
Sen. Mark Kelly says USS Lincoln sailors 'can't get basic needs met'
NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer talks with Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona about conditions aboard the USS Lincoln and his calls for an investigation into sailors' treatment.
Sacha Pfeiffer | Aug 17, 2026, 10:49 AM UTC
Hayden Panettiere, who starred in 'Heroes' and 'Nashville,' dies at 36
Hayden Panettiere, who starred in 'Heroes' and 'Nashville,' dies at 36
A child actor since she was cast in various commercials as an 11-month-old, Panettiere was best known for her role as the country music star Juliette Barnes in the series Nashville.
NPR Staff | Aug 17, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC
Missed shifts were costly to this McDonald's. An app has fixed the problem
Missed shifts were costly to this McDonald's. An app has fixed the problem
Unexpected absences can cost employers tens of thousands of dollars a month. An app that helps workers with last-minute transportation, food and childcare is making a difference.
Andrea Hsu | Aug 17, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC
Cialis is an erectile dysfunction drug. Could it also help you live longer?
Cialis is an erectile dysfunction drug. Could it also help you live longer?
In some wellness circles, tadalafil is promoted as a longevity drug. There is evidence showing a link between it and a lower risk of death in men, but there are no well-controlled trials in humans.
Will Stone | Aug 17, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC
As wildfires get worse, some states are struggling to pass fire protection rules
As wildfires get worse, some states are struggling to pass fire protection rules
There's a lot homeowners can do to prepare for wildfires, such as managing flammable plants and using fire-resistant building materials. But some states struggle to pass rules requiring those steps.
Lauren Sommer | Aug 17, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC