After Helene's floods, North Carolina tries to tame trauma's lasting damage Mental health professionals warn that the quality and level of mental health care people in western North Carolina receive in the coming months will be critical. Katia Riddle
Survival of the luckiest? New study hints at the potential role of luck in evolution A new study on mice shows that luck in early life can determine success as an adult, especially when competition is high. Jonathan Lambert
As winter storms strike, airlines scramble to de-ice planes and keep them flying A pair of powerful major winter storms is disrupting the U.S. air travel system this week. That leaves airlines no choice but to de-ice their planes before takeoff to keep them in the air. Joel Rose
Winter illnesses return with a vengeance The annual winter respiratory virus season is in full force. The number of people catching the flu is skyrocketing, while COVID-19, RSV and other respiratory viral illnesses are also rising. Rob Stein
Bezos' Blue Origin is nearing liftoff on the 1st flight of its newest, biggest rocket New Glenn, developed by the private space firm founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, is on the pad at Cape Canaveral, Fla., and could launch on its maiden flight as early as Friday. Scott Neuman
A looming 'demographic cliff': Fewer college students and ultimately fewer graduates The long-predicted downturn in the number of 18-year-olds is almost here. And it isn't just a problem for higher education. It's a looming crisis for the economy. Jon Marcus
What the new medical debt-credit report rule could mean for patients, health industry The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's move could lead to providers seeking high payments before treatment, an economist warns. A health scholar says it could protect patients' financial futures. Obed Manuel
2 deaths are reported as uncontrolled wildfires ravage Southern California Two people have died in the Eaton fire, one of three major wildfires burning in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Tens of thousands of people have evacuated; more than 1,000 structures have burned. Ayana Archie
Photos: Thousands in Los Angeles evacuate as wind-fueled wildfires quickly worsen More than 30,000 people in Los Angeles County have been ordered to evacuate as the Palisades Fire blazed through the Pacific Palisades community, fueled by intense Santa Ana winds. NPR Staff
