NPR Top Stories

A nearly year-long deployment at sea takes a toll on military families
A nearly year-long deployment at sea takes a toll on military families
Families in Norfolk, Va., await the return of roughly 15,000 sailors and Marines as the USS Ford continues a deployment that started more than 10 months ago.
Steve Walsh | May 5, 2026, 6:02 PM UTC
Did FBI Director Kash Patel use AI to rip off the Beastie Boys?
Did FBI Director Kash Patel use AI to rip off the Beastie Boys?
An analysis by NPR suggests that frames from an iconic music video were used to generate content for a tweet by the FBI director.
Geoff Brumfiel | May 5, 2026, 5:15 PM UTC
ICE is giving local police big money to help with immigration enforcement
ICE is giving local police big money to help with immigration enforcement
The federal government is offering local law enforcement incentives to join a program that gives their officers authority to make immigration arrests. Police leaders say the funds, which include money for salaries, equipment and vehicles, are enticing.
Meg Anderson | May 5, 2026, 4:42 PM UTC
Here's a look at the 36 races for governor this year
Here's a look at the 36 races for governor this year
The political environment doesn't look good for Republicans right now, but the party could make gains in the many races for governor across the country this November.
See who's nominated for the 2026 Tony Awards
See who's nominated for the 2026 Tony Awards
Two musicals are tied with 12 nominations each: a special-effects-crammed The Lost Boys, and the candy-colored satire Schmigadoon! The Pulitzer-winning Liberation was nominated for Best Play.
Jennifer Vanasco, Beth Novey | May 5, 2026, 1:10 PM UTC
If you are struggling to make ends meet, NPR wants to hear from you
If you are struggling to make ends meet, NPR wants to hear from you
With gas prices and other necessities at record highs, families are struggling with costs. NPR wants to know how you're coping.
NPR Staff | May 5, 2026, 12:42 PM UTC
It's blockbuster book season: Here are 12 new titles coming in May
It's blockbuster book season: Here are 12 new titles coming in May
Summer blockbuster season has begun — on the big screen and in bookstores. This month brings new titles from Douglas Stuart, Kathryn Stockett, Ali Smith, David Sedaris and many more.
Colin Dwyer | May 5, 2026, 12:41 PM UTC
Trump says he's paused U.S. effort to guide stranded vessels out of Strait of Hormuz
Trump says he's paused U.S. effort to guide stranded vessels out of Strait of Hormuz
President Trump says that he is pausing the U.S. effort to guide stranded vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz to finalize an Iran deal, but that the American forces' blockade of the Iranian ports would remain in place.
The Associated Press | May 5, 2026, 10:39 AM UTC
This flashy group of Portland mall walkers puts neon pep into their step
This flashy group of Portland mall walkers puts neon pep into their step
Krista Catwood wanted a fun way to exercise, so she started a mall-walking group whose unofficial costume was 1980s garb. The festive, all-ages event has exploded in popularity over the past year.
Deena Prichep | May 5, 2026, 9:30 AM UTC
Minneapolis grapples with the impact of Trump's largest immigration crackdown yet
Minneapolis grapples with the impact of Trump's largest immigration crackdown yet
Operation Metro Surge's impact in the Twin Cities can still be felt three months after it ended. Many immigrants are at risk of losing homes and businesses, and some are dealing with mental health challenges.
Sergio Martínez-Beltrán | May 5, 2026, 9:12 AM UTC