Crime in the U.S. fell in 2025. Will the trend continue? Crime rates dropped across much of the U.S. in 2025. That was true for both property and violent crime. And it declined nearly everywhere: In big cities and small towns, and in red and blue states. Meg Anderson
ICE officer accused of excessive force, then sent back to work despite active probe DHS's handling of the incident raises questions about the department's oversight mechanisms to investigate employee misconduct. Ximena Bustillo
35 years after ADA, people with disabilities still find hotels unaccommodating AN NPR survey finds that people with disability still find hotels unaccommodating, even 35 years after passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Joseph Shapiro
At this museum, the tide brings in odd treasures that become a lasting lesson At the Plum Island Museum of Lost Toys and Curiosities, one-time treasures bring back memories and are a reminder of the eternal life of plastic waste. Tovia Smith
How cozy Yuletide traditions got their start with raging parties and animal sacrifice Today, people consider "Yule" synonymous with "Christmas." But centuries ago, Yule meant something different — a pagan mid-winter festival, dating back to pre-Christian Germanic people. Natalie Escobar
The strangers who guided her home — and returned with Christmas dinner Mary Klein had just moved to a new city when she got lost. A couple stopped to help and guided her home. They returned the next day with Christmas dinner. Laura Kwerel
Most people say cash for Christmas is a good gift, poll finds Still looking for a last-minute Christmas gift? A new poll finds that most people find cash or gift cards an acceptable holiday gift. Hosts
After the flames, a New York church returns to Christmas -- and to itself NPR's Michel Martin checks in with Middle Collegiate Church in Manhattan as it celebrates its first Christmas service since a devastating fire in 2020. Mansee Khurana
U.S. bars Europeans it says pressured tech firms to censor American viewpoints online The State Department announced Tuesday it was barring five Europeans it accused of leading efforts to pressure U.S. tech firms to censor or suppress American viewpoints. The Associated Press
19 states sue HHS over a move that could curtail youth gender-affirming care A coalition of 19 states and the District of Columbia on Tuesday sued the Department of Health and Human Services over a declaration that could complicate access to gender-affirming care for young people. The Associated Press
