Here are some of the NPR stories that had a big impact in 2024 From learning a new skill to prompting federal legislation, here are some of the ways people's lives were affected by the NPR Network's journalism this year. NPR Staff
Israeli strike kills 5 Palestinian journalists in Gaza, officials say An Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital in the Gaza Strip overnight, according to the Health Ministry. The Israeli military said it had targeted a group of militants. The Associated Press
100-plus cities in the U.S. banned homeless camping this year. But will it work? The burst of new laws follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling, and reflects public frustration with record-high homelessness. But advocates say fines and jail time will only make the problem worse. Jennifer Ludden
Popeye, Tintin and more will enter the public domain in the new year The copyrights of thousands of 20th-century films, books, compositions and sound recordings expire on Jan. 1, making them free for anyone to share and adapt. Here are some of the highlights. Rachel Treisman
Snowboarder's death in Swiss Alps avalanche is a reminder that even pros face risk The death of an Olympic snowboarding athlete is a reminder that even the most skilled and experienced athletes are not immune to the threat of avalanches, and that knowledge is key to staying safe. Michael Levitt
Inside a secret Ukrainian attack drone command center NPR's Brian Mann reports from inside a secret attack drone command center near the front lines outside Pokrovsk as Ukrainians use remote-controlled vehicles to hunt Russian soldiers on the battlefield.
Pope urges 'all people of all nations' to silence arms in Christmas address Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas message urged "all people of all nations" to find courage "to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions" plaguing the world, from the Middle East to Ukraine, Africa to Asia. The Associated Press
Far from the front lines, Ukrainians fight a war to preserve their culture In the Transcarpathia region, some locals embrace a traditional lifestyle and cultural identity. After surviving Soviet threats, now they fear President Vladimir Putin seeks to erase their culture. Claire Harbage
Russia targets Ukrainian energy infrastructure on Christmas Day Russia's massive missile and drone barrage struck a thermal power plant and prompted Ukrainians to shelter in metro stations on Christmas morning. The Associated Press
Want government money for a heat pump? Time might be running out The Biden administration introduced new consumer tax credits for climate-friendly heat pumps. What does a Trump administration and GOP-led congress mean for that money? Julia Simon