NPR Top Stories

Want to lighten your mental load? First, let go of these gender myths
"Men can't see the mess." "Women are better at chores." These myths position women to take on more emotional thinking, says researcher Leah Ruppanner. She shares what works to reclaim your headspace.
Andee Tagle, Mika Ellison | Apr 21, 2026, 2:24 PM UTC

Trump extends U.S. ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan's request
The extension was announced just hours before it was set to expire. The president did not provide details on how long the new ceasefire extension will last.
NPR Staff | Apr 21, 2026, 12:24 PM UTC

A young mom turns to OnlyFans to make ends meet in 'Margo's Got Money Troubles'
This TV adaptation of Rufi Thorpe's 2024 novel is a wild ride from start to finish. Its all-star cast includes Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nick Offerman and Nicole Kidman.
David Bianculli | Apr 21, 2026, 11:30 AM UTC

The hidden power keeping wages low
For decades, economists gave short shrift to the idea of monopsony — a power employers can have to suppress wages. Now a wave of research suggests it's everywhere, and a new book argues it's key to understanding today's inequality.
Greg Rosalsky | Apr 21, 2026, 10:30 AM UTC

Here are 3 takeaways as Trump's pick to lead the Fed faces a confirmation fight
President Trump's pick to lead the Federal Reserve went before a Senate committee today — but Kevin Warsh's confirmation could be held up by forces that are outside his control.
Scott Horsley | Apr 21, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC

She raised concerns about her company's contracts with ICE. Then she lost her job
Billie Little had worked for Thomson Reuters for about two decades. She was fired after questioning whether federal immigration agents unlawfully used their products.
Jude Joffe-Block | Apr 21, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC

The surprising origin of 4 features that superglue kids — and adults — to screens
Taken together, these four features can create a trancelike state that can keep us stuck on social media apps or video games for hours. Children are particularly vulnerable.
Michaeleen Doucleff | Apr 21, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC

Trump administration's rollback of regulations frustrates some in MAHA movement
A major concern for the Make America Healthy Again movement is the harmful effects of chemicals and toxins, but the coalition is growing increasingly frustrated by the Trump administration's actions.
Will Stone | Apr 21, 2026, 8:44 AM UTC

Gunman at Mexican pyramids carried materials related to Columbine massacre
The gunman who killed a Canadian tourist and left at least 13 people injured at Mexico's iconic Teotihuacan pyramids carried materials that were apparently related to the deadly 1999 high school shooting, authorities said Tuesday.
The Associated Press | Apr 21, 2026, 5:18 AM UTC

Cuba confirms meeting with US officials on island, wants energy blockade lifted
Cuba's government confirmed that it had recently met with U.S. officials on the island as tensions between the two sides remain high over the U.S. energy blockade of the Caribbean country.
The Associated Press | Apr 21, 2026, 5:10 AM UTC



