Researchers work to make pitch-perfect turf for the 2026 World Cup Researchers work to grow grass that will offer the same level playing field for athletes at the various soccer venues that will be used during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Sophia Saliby
Nobel Prize in chemistry awarded to scientists for work on proteins The Nobel Prize in chemistry was awarded Wednesday to David Baker, Demis Hassabis and John Jumper for their work with proteins. The awards continue with the literature prize on Thursday. The Associated Press
Only 2% of charitable giving goes to women. Can Melinda French Gates change that? The philanthropist is spending $1 billion — and leveraging her ever-growing celebrity — to call more attention to the systemic problems facing women and girls. Now she's focusing even more on women's health. Maria Aspan
They came to Asheville looking for a 'climate haven.' Then came Hurricane Helene When Mary Ann Roser and her husband moved to Asheville four months ago they introduced themselves to neighbors as “climate refugees from Austin.” After Helene, she has thoughts on “climate havens." Julia Simon
Many people in jail have the right to vote. So do many felons People who are in jail and haven't been convicted of a crime — and even many who have been convicted — retain their right to vote. But it's often challenging for them to exercise it. Jaclyn Diaz
True crime drama at Supreme Court pits Oklahoma against its top criminal court Richard Glossip has had nine execution dates set over the years. He's eaten his last meal three times. He was tried twice and has had multiple appeals, including one at the Supreme Court. Nina Totenberg
In battleground states, it's not just about winning — but also losing by less In a state where every vote matters, both Democratic and Republican campaigns are not only trying to win in counties where they’re strongest, they’re also trying to lose by less. Ari Shapiro
In a rematch, mama bear Grazer defeats rival that killed her cub to win Fat Bear Week The annual Fat Bear Week honors bears that have sufficiently bulked up in the months before entering hibernation. Ayana Archie
Justice Department calls for sanctions against Google in landmark antitrust case After a federal judge ruled in August that Google is illegally monopolizing the search engine market, the Department of Justice is now saying the company must be reined in. Dara Kerr
Climate change made Helene more dangerous. It also makes similar storms more likely Researchers found that Hurricane Helene was stronger, rainier, and significantly more likely because of climate change. The U.S. can expect more such storms in the future as warming continues. Rachel Waldholz
