News

In the Trump era, everybody's talking about 'soft power.' But ... what is it exactly?
The U.S. government long saw giving international aid as a way to build goodwill throughout the world. Did it work? And what does the reducing of foreign aid mean for that effort now?
Fatma Tanis | Apr 9, 2026, 3:21 PM UTC

Black Perspectives IE: Aiyana Davison
Host Maya Gwynn speaks with Aiyana Davison, Certified Nurse Midwife, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner and Founder of The Village House.
Maya Gwynn | Apr 9, 2026, 12:30 PM UTC

Hilariously caustic 'Big Mistakes' drags Dan Levy into organized crime
The new Netflix comedy created by Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott stars Levy as an uptight pastor and Taylor Ortega as his sister.
Glen Weldon | Apr 9, 2026, 11:00 AM UTC

Israel vows to continue fighting Hezbollah but agrees to talks with Lebanon
Israel's prime minister said his government would begin talks with Lebanon but vowed to continue attacks against the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, despite a fragile Iran ceasefire.
NPR Staff | Apr 9, 2026, 9:20 AM UTC

Why high oil prices are good for oil companies — until they aren't
Yes, higher crude oil prices mean a multibillion-dollar cash infusion to the oil industry. But volatility is bad for business, and sustained high prices come with very serious drawbacks.
Camila Domonoske | Apr 9, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC

How to make a high-deductible health plan and HSA work for you
If you chose a cheaper health plan, you may be stuck with some hefty medical bills until you meet your deductible. Here's how to get the most out of your plan and health savings account.
Jackie Fortiér | Apr 9, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC

Iran expert discusses whether the war has made the Iranian regime stronger
Iran expert Vali Nasr of Johns Hopkins University discusses whether the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran has made the Iranian regime stronger.
Steve Inskeep, Brittney Melton | Apr 9, 2026, 8:46 AM UTC

Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest, dies at 97
The celebrated mountaineer, who also served as the first full-time employee of the outdoor retailer REI and later as its president and CEO, died Tuesday at his home in Port Townsend, Washington, his family said.
The Associated Press | Apr 9, 2026, 5:22 AM UTC

North Korea says its latest weapons tests included missiles with cluster-bomb warheads
North Korea said its testing spree this week involved various new weapons systems, including ballistic missiles armed with cluster-bomb warheads, as it pushes to expand nuclear-capable forces.
The Associated Press | Apr 9, 2026, 5:19 AM UTC

Guatemalan man pleads guilty in federal court in crash that killed over 50 in Mexico
A man pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court and acknowledged his involvement in an attempt to illegally smuggle migrants to the U.S. when a truck crashed in Mexico in 2021, killing more than 50.
The Associated Press | Apr 9, 2026, 5:04 AM UTC



