Current Events

The Tech Fairy Grants Wishes

Basic technology can be difficult to afford for many, limiting their opportunities for work and learning. Enter the Tech Fairy. He’s a retired store manager who collects, fixes, and gives away computers to people in need. He says the work is immensely satisfying both for him and Listen to hear how he finds people who need his services and why he finds the work so satisfying.

Roman Roads Helped Empire Expand

The Roman Empire is known for its impressive achievements, especially its vast network of roads connecting cities across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. In this audio story, a group of researchers uncover how these ancient roads shaped trade, migration, and the spread of ideas and diseases. Listen to learn how new discoveries about Roman roads help historians better understand the past and its impact on our world today.

Debate: Is Shrinking Population a Problem?

For the past several decades, the world’s birth rate has been in decline. As families in many countries are choosing to have fewer children, some economists are worried. They predict the falling birth rate will lead to worldwide economic decline, with too few people to both make and consume goods. But others say societies will eventually learn to adapt to smaller populations. They argue that having fewer children gives women, in particular, more flexibility and freedom. Listen to learn how population changes might shape the world's future and then debate: Is shrinking population a problem?

Cold Weather Swimming

Can swimming in icy water actually make you feel warm? Some adventurous people living in the northeastern U.S. say yes. Their unusual winter tradition is swimming together in freezing cold rivers. Even though the water is cold, they feel a sense of warmth and belonging among their swimming community. Listen to hear cold weather swimmers describe the joys of dipping in frigid water and the jolt of energy they experience when they get out.

Looking Back at Selma's Bloody Sunday

Recently, thousands gathered in Selma, Alabama, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday,” a historic voting rights march that ended in violence and bloodshed. The march was a turning point in the struggle for civil rights in the U.S. Through music, speeches, and a symbolic bridge crossing, the participants in the anniversary march honored history and considered current challenges to protecting civil rights. Listen to an activist describe his experiences on Bloody Sunday, and hear some of the reasons participants decided to join the anniversary march.

Weird News: Time Zone for the Moon

Listen to hear why keeping time on the moon could be tricky.

Vocabulary: lunar, gravity, calculations

Many Meanings of "Nice"

Words can change their meaning over time, and the word “nice” is a great example. The meaning of the word has shifted over centuries, from its origins in Latin to its many uses in modern English. The story of “nice” illustrates the connections between words, history, and identity. Listen to hear how “nice” became one of the most flexible and commonly used words in the English language.

Neanderthals' Squirmy Diet

Neanderthal remains show unusually high levels of a chemical often linked to eating lots of meat. This has puzzled scientists because these ancient human ancestors are known to have been omnivores, or creatures that consume both plants and animals. Now a team of researchers is trying to unravel the mystery by examining another potential source of Neanderthal protein – maggots found in rotting meat. Listen to learn how research into ancient food choices might change what we know about our ancestors’ lives.

Debate: Should Artificial Colors Be Added to Foods?

Food companies in the U.S. are rethinking using artificial dyes in popular foods. What ends up on grocery shelves is influenced not only by science, but also by marketing and consumer habits. Listen to learn how color, science, and culture all play a role in what we eat, and then debate: Should artificial colors be added to foods?

Kid News: What Makes a Planet?

For many years, scientists have debated whether our solar system consists of eight or nine planets. Pluto, once considered the 9th planet, lost its status in 2006, but scientists continue to search for new planets. They are hoping that studying the patterns in the movement of objects in space will lead to a breakthrough. Listen to hear how scientists define what makes a planet and how they are searching for new planets beyond what we are aware of today.

Teens Respond to School Cell Phone Bans

Schools across the U.S. are debating whether students should be allowed to use cellphones during the school day. Cellphone policies can have a huge impact on how students spend their time in school, and oftentimes, teachers and students disagree on which rules will most benefit students’ learning, social life, and safety. Listen to hear the perspectives of middle and high school students and teachers as they consider the pros and cons of banning cell phones in school.

Weird News: New Dinosaur Discovered

Listen to hear about a newly discovered dinosaur species.

Vocabulary: identified, remains, honor

World's Fastest Puncher

Setting world records requires more than just physical strength – it takes mental focus, perseverance, and creative problem-solving. Joshua Iyalla is a martial artist and content creator from England who recently broke three punching world records – using both traditional training and new technology like artificial intelligence. Listen to learn how the record-breaker’s journey can inspire students to set and reach their own goals.

Lunar New Year Lion Dancing

Every year, nearly 2 billion people worldwide welcome the Lunar New Year with vibrant traditions, including the lively lion dance. A lion dance is typically performed by two dancers, one moving the head and the other moving the tail. Coordinating the movements and expressions takes skill and a sense of rhythm. Listen to a dancer explain what it takes to master the art of lion dancing and how performers connect with their audience during this festive tradition.

Debate: Should Schools Do Lockdown Drills?

Lockdown drills help prepare students for the possibility of a school shooting. The practice has become routine in recent years as school shootings have increased, but the drills also raise important questions about safety, mental health, and school culture. Preparing students for a potential emergency is crucial for saving lives. Still, some say the drills can cause anxiety and trauma in young children, and argue that the risks should be considered along with the potential benefits. Listen to learn how schools, educators, and students navigate these difficult choices and then debate: Should schools do lockdown drills?

Braces are Cool

New trends are changing how people view those wearing braces. According to some orthodontists, braces are becoming more popular and even "cool" among young people. Listen to hear how one student feels about her colorful metal braces, and learn how changing trends can affect self-confidence, community, and a sense of identity.

Female Gorillas Drawn to Friends

Scientists studying the social behavior of female mountain gorillas in the forests of Rwanda are finding surprising connections to human friendship and community. While male gorillas often venture out alone, female gorillas look for familiar faces before joining a new group, similar to how humans often behave. Listen to learn how the choices these gorillas make may help us understand the power of friendship—both in the animal kingdom and in human society.

Weird News: Rowing Solo Across the Pacific Ocean

Listen to hear about a solo rowing adventure across the Pacific Ocean.

Vocabulary: solo, survived

Sixth-Grade Podcaster on Legend of Bigfoot

Is Bigfoot real or just a myth? In this audio story, a sixth-grader and his brother explore the long-lasting legend of Bigfoot, a large, hairy creature who supposedly has been spotted in wooded areas throughout the world. The brothers examine the facts and evidence related to Bigfoot sightings to help listeners draw their own conclusions. Listen to learn more about the legend of Bigfoot from some imaginative and funny young podcasters.

Prelude to the Holocaust

A century after its publication, Mein Kampf remains one of history’s most infamous books. Written by Adolf Hitler in 1925, “Mein Kampf” is an autobiographical and political manifesto that sparked the rise of antisemitism and the Nazi party in Germany. A new documentary examines the book’s origins, Hitler's motivations, and its devastating impact on society. Professors discuss how the ideas in the book fueled hatred and the rise of mass movements in Germany, connecting these historical events to present-day issues. Listen to learn how a single book became a warning for years to come.

Debate: Are AI-Generated Videos a Problem?

Social media is filled with short videos made using artificial intelligence, and some of them earn millions of views per year. Some argue these fun, attention-getting videos are harmless and even beneficial because they allow creators to earn income. But critics say that this mass-produced content, often called “AI slop,” drowns out human artists and lowers the quality of what people see online. Platforms are adding rules and labels, but questions remain. Listen to learn how AI is reshaping online creativity and then debate: Are AI-generated videos a problem?

14-Year-Old Human Calculator

A teenager from India has an extraordinary talent - he can solve difficult math problems in his head in just seconds. Fourteen-year-old Aaryan Shukla recently broke six Guinness World Records in one day. He practices for hours each day and uses various techniques to train his mind. Listen to hear how this young “human calculator” discovered his gift, how he prepares for competitions, and what it feels like to do math faster than most people can blink.

Skateboarders Support Inclusive Community

Skateboarding has become a powerful community space for people of all ages, and now it’s being used to support mental health. In New York City, a psychology student and a professor teamed up with local skaters to introduce “psychological first aid,” a simple training that teaches skaters how to notice when someone is struggling and offer basic support. Listen to learn how this new initiative is helping skateboarding communities become safer, more inclusive places where people look out for one another.

Weird News: Ramen Shop Limits Screen Use

Listen to hear about a ramen shop that wants people to put down their phones.

Vocabulary: deliberately, encourage, urging

Cat Shipped in Amazon Box

Recently, a shy indoor cat disappeared from a home in Utah, prompting a widespread search by her family. When hope seemed lost, a surprising discovery hundreds of miles away revealed how everyday routines and modern technology can connect people—and pets—across distances. Listen to learn how one cat’s playful nature led to a remarkable journey and an emotional reunion.

Students Debunk Myth About George Washington's Travels

For years, people in the town of Roslyn, New York, believed that George Washington once spent the night there during his 1790 tour of Long Island. But when two high school students decided to investigate the popular rumor, they discovered a very different story. With help from a local librarian and digital curator, the students dug into historical records and traced how a single misleading article helped the myth spread for decades. Listen to learn how these young researchers used primary sources to uncover the real history behind Washington’s visit—and why the truth matters just as much as the legend.

Weird News: Paying for Pests

Listen to hear why people are willing to let cockroaches loose in their homes.

Vocabulary: solution, methods

January's Wolf Moon

The “wolf moon” appears in the night sky in January and is the first full moon of the year. Its name was inspired by both ancient traditions and the winter habits of wolves. This audio story explores why wolves are often associated with the full moon, drawing on insights from a scientist at a wolf sanctuary and a professor of astronomy. Listen to learn what really inspires wolves to howl—and what the wolf moon can teach us about our connection to nature.

Science of Kindness

Many people perform acts of kindness because helping others makes them feel good. Now, a growing body of research shows that acts of kindness can contribute to physical health too. In this audio story, a health correspondent talks with researchers who study how helping others, from volunteering to supporting a neighbor, can boost both brain and heart health. Listen to hear about studies of both older adults and high school students, and learn why scientists believe that kindness can make you healthier.

Debate: Should We Pay Kids to Stay in School?

School attendance is linked to long-term success. In recent years, though, many schools have seen a drop in regular attendance, and the need for students to earn money is cited as a key cause. Now a study in New Orleans and Indianapolis is testing whether making $50 weekly payments to high school students who struggle financially could bring them back to the classroom. Supporters of the strategy say the payments help students meet basic needs so they can focus on academics. Critics question whether paying students is appropriate or the best use of resources. Listen to learn about an unusual approach to boosting attendance and then debate: Should we pay kids to stay in school?

Learning to Love Long Cold Winters

Cold weather and short days can make winter challenging, but some cultures have found constructive ways of coping with long, dark seasons. In this audio story, a journalist explains the findings of a psychologist who studies happiness in Nordic countries and shares tips from her book, How To Winter. Listen to learn about the strategies people use to improve their mental health and change their mindset during winter.

How Busy Reindeer Catch Up on Sleep

Reindeer living in the Arctic need to eat constantly during the warm months to prepare for the long winter, leading scientists to wonder how they manage their sleep. In a recent study, researchers used a new technology to try to find an answer. They monitored reindeers’ brainwaves and found that these animals excelled at multitasking. Listen to learn what researchers discovered about reindeer resting strategies and why this matters for both science and traditional cultures.

Weird News: Coins from the Roman Empire Discovered

Listen to hear how a treasure hunter found ancient Roman coins.

Vocabulary: stumbled upon, stash, worth

Spelling Bee Life Lessons

Each year, students across the country compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, testing their knowledge of challenging words and their determination to succeed. In this audio story, past champions reflect on how the spelling bee shaped their academic and personal lives. Listen to learn how a single competition can influence future careers, friendships, and even special life events.

Searching for Planet 9

Astronomers are on the hunt for a possible ninth planet in our solar system, known as Planet 9, which might be influencing the orbits of distant dwarf planets. A new telescope, the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile, is poised to scan the southern sky, potentially uncovering this mysterious planet. The observatory's advanced technology could provide key evidence to confirm Planet 9's existence. Listen to learn more about Planet 9 and how its discovery could reshape human understanding of the solar system.

Kids Find Mysterious Skeleton While Hiking

When a 10-year-old kid and his family find a mysterious bone in the North Dakota badlands, they are struck by its size. Could it be a dinosaur bone? Their quest to find out leads them through an exciting scientific investigation with a museum paleontologist. Listen to hear which animal the bone belongs to, and learn why scientists may disagree on the answer.

TikTok Ripoffs

On social media platforms like TikTok, AI technology is being used to mimic real people’s voices and steal from their accounts. This is making it harder than ever for users to distinguish between authentic and fake content. In this story, a reporter explores the possible reasons for the deception and the potential impact on public trust. Listen to learn how AI is shaping online content and why social media users should not believe everything they see.

Weird News: High School for Sale

Listen to hear why a Maryland high school was listed for sale on Zillow.

Vocabulary: scroll, listing, prank

Poems for Wandering Minds

Short poems are a powerful way for readers to explore big ideas in just a few words. In The Boy Who Lived In A Shell: Snippets For Wandering Minds, a boy named Ivo shares his adventures from the comfort of a snail shell on the sea, meeting unusual characters and experiencing a mix of emotions. In this interview, the author and illustrator explains where his ideas originate and the benefits of short poems. Listen to hear how Ivo’s tiny tales reveal the wonders of imagination and self-discovery.

Teamwork in Ants and Humans

In both nature and human society, teamwork is often seen as the key to achieving big goals. Recently a scientist investigated the behavior of weaver ants—insects known for building complex nests by linking their bodies—by comparing their teamwork to that of humans engaged in group activities. The findings challenge assumptions about how much effort individuals make when they work as a team. Listen to learn what ants can teach us about effective teamwork—and how these lessons might improve the way we work together.