For young adults, caregiving isn't just hard. It can shape you for life Caregiving responsibilities can cut young people off from peers and interrupt their emerging life story. And there's been little research or support directed at this group. That's starting to change. Kat McGowan
'May love rest gently in your broken heart': What to say to a grieving friend When a good friend's loved one passes away, it can be hard to find the right thing to say. NPR readers share words of comfort they've shared with others — or wish they'd heard themselves. Malaka Gharib
How prior insurance authorization affects physicians and the care they give patients NPR's Michel Martin speaks with American Medical Association President Bruce Scott about how physicians and patients are burdened by insurance companies' systems of prior authorization. Michel Martin
I discovered one way to fight loneliness: The Germans call it a Stammtisch Modern life can be lonely. Some are looking to an old German tradition – of drinking and conversation – to deepen connection through regular meetups. Laurel Wamsley
FDA approves weight loss drug Zepbound to treat obstructive sleep apnea The FDA said studies have shown that by aiding weight loss, Zepbound improves sleep apnea symptoms in some patients. Juliana Kim
The FDA restricts a psychoactive mushroom used in some edibles The Food and Drug Administration has told food manufacturers the psychoactive mushroom Amanita muscaria isn't authorized for food, including edibles, because it doesn't meet safety standards. Will Stone
Bird flu is declared a State of Emergency in California On Wednesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency to streamline the state's response to avian flu. More than half of the human cases in the U.S. so far have been in California. Kerry Klein
Great global photos from 2024: These images delighted us, touched us, dazzled us People love looking at photos. (Just ask Instagram.) This year, we published a number of photo-driven posts that resonated deeply with our audience. Here are some of our favorites. Marc Silver
Saturday is the winter solstice. Make the most of the shortest day of the year Saturday marks the shortest day of the year and the official start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. NPR has compiled plenty of expert tips for celebrating the solstice and weathering winter. Rachel Treisman
Louisiana forbids public health workers from promoting COVID, flu and mpox shots An NPR investigation found Louisiana health officials told staff to stop promoting vaccines for COVID, flu and mpox, holding flu shot events or otherwise encouraging the public to get those vaccines. Rosemary Westwood