Current Events

Author Reunites with Teacher who Taught Him English

Jamil Jan Kochai is the author of The Haunting of Hajji Hotak and Other Stories, a finalist for the 2022 National Book Award for fiction. Many experiences shaped his development as a writer, but he credits the influence of his second grade teacher, Susannah Lung, who first taught him to read and write. In his 20s, Kochai began a search for her in order to thank her and recently, they were reunited. Listen to hear about a powerful connection between student and teacher and how one teacher’s patience and support helped a young boy grow into a great writer.

Debate: Is Learning History and Civics Important?

A recent national report found that students are less knowledgeable about history and civics than in the past. History is the study of past events, and civics covers topics such as the rights of citizens and how they can participate in government. According to some, these are crucial topics because they help prepare students to tackle present and future problems in the world. But schools have many priorities, including helping students make critical gains in literacy and math, which has often meant less time spent on social studies. Listen to hear an education professor discuss the report and then debate: Is learning history and civics important?

How to Make Friends

Feeling lonely is no fun. Making new friends is a great cure for loneliness, and it can be easier to do than some people think. Listen to hear kids and an author who wrote a book about friendship share the best ways that they know to make friends.

History of Blue Jeans

Blue jeans have been around for over 150 years. They originated when tailor Jacob Davis partnered with Levi Strauss to create durable work pants out of denim. Although today jeans come in different styles and appeal to a wide range of consumers, originally they were worn by people who did hard labor, including enslaved Africans and Chinese laborers. Listen to learn about the evolution of blue jeans over time and how they came to symbolize both toughness and adaptability.

The Effect of Heat on Aggressive Behavior

Record breaking heat waves as a result of climate change have prompted scientists to investigate how high temperatures can impact people’s aggressive behavior. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, placed participants in heated rooms and had them play a game called “The Joy of Destruction.” The results reveal fascinating links between extreme heat and aggression. Listen to hear details about these findings and how they might help us understand the potential for increased violence in a warming world.

Debate: Should Caffeinated Drinks Be Regulated?

Caffeine, classified as a drug that stimulates activity in the brain and nervous system, is found in beverages like tea, coffee, soft drinks and energy drinks. Some energy drinks marketed to teens contain more caffeine than consumers might realize. This has prompted consumer advocates to call for stricter regulations on caffeinated beverages in order to protect young people from adverse side effects. Drink companies, though, have argued that labeling drinks as caffeinated and not intended for children should be enough. Listen to hear comparisons of the amount of caffeine in popular drinks and then debate: Should caffeinated drinks be regulated?

Origins of July 4th

Why do Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4th? John Adams himself thought that July 2nd would be the day Americans celebrated independence but he was wrong. What happened on July 4th to mark such an occasion? This story explores the origins of Independence Day and examines the issues of slavery and immigration in the early days of the United States.

Debate: Is Graffiti Art?

A group of unfinished skyscrapers in Los Angeles has become a giant canvas for graffiti, sparking conversations on whether graffiti is vibrant art or vandalism. Some say that the graffiti has added beauty to the buildings and created awareness around LA's housing crisis. City officials, however, are spending millions to remove it as that has been the solution to manage graffiti in the past. Listen to hear about the complex questions people are raising regarding graffiti and then debate: Is graffiti art?

Weird News: 20-Year-Old Message in a Bottle Found

Listen to hear about the important message in a bottle that was written by a 6-year-old.

Vocabulary: stroll, pollute, advice

Weird News: Summer Heat Bursts Watermelons

Listen to hear why watermelons are exploding in the summer.

Vocabulary: circulating, bouts, convert

Claude the Albino Alligator

The natural world occasionally produces rare genetic variations that captivate the human imagination. Claude, a famous resident of San Francisco’s Steinert Aquarium, was a completely white alligator whose lack of melanin made him a global star. His unique appearance served as a powerful tool for teaching millions about biodiversity and genetic mutations. Listen to hear how an alligator with pink eyes became a beloved mascot who celebrated his 30th birthday in style.

Middle Schoolers on Nonconformity

Middle school students often struggle to balance the desire to fit in with the urge to stand out. In this NPR podcast entry, two Colorado students explore "strategic nonconformity," a humorous approach to being unique by following social rules in confusing ways. They suggest re-imagining everyday habits to flip the script on what it means to be "normal." Listen to hear two friends explain how to become the most anti-conformist person in the room.

Debate: Should Students Use AI Study Guides?

As generative AI becomes common in classrooms, educators and students are debating its role in learning. Proponents argue that AI can act as a personalized tutor, using the Socratic method to guide students toward answers. However, others worry these tools encourage shortcuts that lead to plagiarism and a decline in critical thinking. Companies are now racing to integrate AI into their platforms while attempting to maintain academic integrity. Listen to learn how one professor is returning to handwritten assignments to combat cheating and then debate: Should students use AI study guides?

Who's Got It Better, Kids or Adults?

A team of fourth-graders from New Jersey captured the top prize in a podcasting contest by investigating the ultimate showdown: Is it actually better to be a kid or an adult? Through clever interviews, these student reporters weighed the struggle of math homework and parental rules against the legendary "grown-up" freedoms of traveling the world and eating dessert for dinner. Listen to hear how these creative fourth-graders used their podcasting skills to compare the magic of childhood with the responsibilities of growing up.

Measuring Magma at Yellowstone National Park

Deep beneath the famous geysers and hiking trails of Yellowstone National Park, a giant heat source is hiding. While millions of tourists visit every year to see Old Faithful blast water into the air, scientists have always struggled to figure out exactly where the "stove" powering those eruptions is located. To solve this mystery, researchers sent vibrations deep into the ground using a technique called reflection seismology. Listen to hear how scientists created "mini-earthquakes" to discover the exact hiding spot of Yellowstone’s massive magma reservoir.

Weird News: Trash World Cup Champions

Listen to hear how Britain gained glory by picking up trash.

Vocabulary: inaugural, awarded

Challenges of Changing Your Accent

Everyone has an accent, though we often only notice it when they sound different from our own. An accent is simply the way a group of people pronounces words, and it is deeply tied to a person’s culture and identity. Some people embrace their accent as a way to sound unique and special, while others say they face unfair stereotypes or have difficulty being understood. Listen to hear how a speech specialist explains the "myth" of a neutral accent and why it is so difficult to completely change the way you speak after age 12.

Earthworms' Sixth Sense

Many migrating animals, such as sea turtles and birds, use the Earth’s magnetic field to navigate their long journeys. However, researchers are still trying to learn exactly how animals detect these magnetic fields. Birds have been difficult to work with, but recently, a behavioral ecologist identified a more promising type of animal for research: the earthworm. Listen to learn how these humble creatures might finally help scientists understand the mysterious biological compass used by many species across the planet.

Debate: Should Americans Be Required to Vote?

Voting in the U.S. is a voluntary civic duty rather than a legal requirement, but some say voting should be mandatory. Supporters of mandatory voting argue that it ensures a more representative government and encourages all citizens to have a say in how their country is run. On the other hand, critics believe that the right to vote should also include the right not to vote, and they worry that forcing participation could infringe on personal freedom. Listen to hear about an organization that made rules to pressure their members to vote and then debate: Should Americans be required to vote?

Appreciating Sharks

Endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh recently became the first person to swim nearly 60 miles around Martha’s Vineyard to raise awareness for shark conservation. While many people fear sharks, Pugh points out that humans actually kill millions of sharks every year. He argues that sharks are essential for a balanced ocean and deserve protection. Listen to learn how this world-record swimmer overcame his fears and tried to change the narrative about an animal that is often misunderstood.

Europeans Celebrate VE Day

May 8, 1945, marks the end of World War II in Europe, a day known as Victory in Europe (VE) Day. People in London and Paris celebrate with parades, but the event also highlights the somber reality that wars are still being fought today. Some historians worry that the peaceful era that followed World War II is beginning to crumble as international relationships change. Listen to learn how different European nations commemorate this historic day and why the 80th anniversary is filled with both celebration and fear.

Weird News: Mysterious Flat Tires

Listen to hear who was slashing the tires of villagers in Italy.

Vocabulary: slashings, culprit

Spiny Cactus in Mexican Cuisine

The nopal is a rounded, spiny cactus that serves as a versatile and healthy staple of Mexican cuisine. Beyond its culinary uses, it is a powerful symbol of Mexican identity and resilience, appearing prominently on the national flag. This importance dates back to pre-Hispanic history, when the plant was essential for the survival of nomadic groups. The cactus can be prepared in many ways, including being grilled, boiled, or even eaten raw. Listen to learn a food writer’s description of how to prepare nopales and why they remain a crucial part of Mexican culture.

Dangers of AI in Schools

A recent study warns that generative AI can undermine children's development by discouraging independent thinking and empathy. While some tools can help children with special needs, most students use free chatbots that simply do the work for them. Listen to learn why experts worry that relying on these tools prevents young people from learning how to handle different perspectives, solve conflicts, and build the brain wiring that comes from trying and failing.

Debate: Should Mind-Reading Technology Be Allowed?

Recently scientists have developed brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that can turn a paralyzed person's thoughts into spoken words. This technology creates a difficult debate between the life-changed benefit of restored communication and the frightening loss of mental privacy. Supporters say the revolutionary technology makes communication faster and more natural for those who cannot speak. But critics worry that private thoughts could "leak" out accidentally, giving companies or governments access to a person's inner mind. Listen to learn more about the pros and cons of BCIs and then debate: Should mind-reading technology be allowed?

Joys of Knitting

Many young people are joining "grannycore" meetups to practice traditional hobbies like knitting and needlework. These activities are more than just a way to make clothes; they help people relax and feel happier. Experts and crafters explain that taking the time to make something by hand provides a special sense of pride that you cannot get from a store. Listen to hear how working with colorful yarn and sharing stories with older generations can add excitement and a sense of well-being.

Early Humans Learned from Each Other

The history of human innovation began millions of years ago with the creation of the first stone tools. Recent archaeological findings in Kenya reveal that early humans used a specific "knife-like" technology consistently for over 300,000 years. This discovery suggests that our ancestors were not just inventing tools by chance, but were actually sharing and passing down knowledge over many generations. Listen to hear how these ancient, razor-sharp rocks shifted our understanding of how our ancestors shared ideas and interacted with their environment.

Weird News: Humble Candidate Loses Election

Listen to hear how a humble candidate lost an election.

Vocabulary: humble, narcissist, opponent

Clues to Life on Mars

NASA’s Curiosity Rover has discovered tiny building blocks of life hidden in the mud of a dried-up lake on Mars. These ancient molecules, called fatty acids, are like the "bricks" used to build living cells. Scientists are still investigating whether these samples came from space rocks, volcanoes, or actual alien biology. To solve the mystery, NASA is planning an epic multi-stage mission to launch these rocks off the surface of Mars and bring them all the way back to Earth. Listen to hear how a giant space relay race could finally prove that life once existed on the Red Planet.

Israeli and Palestinian "Brothers" Work for Peace

Amidst the deep trauma of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Maoz Inon and Aziz Abu Sarah have joined together as “brothers” to advocate for peace. Both men lost family members to violence, yet they chose activism over revenge, launching a grassroots movement to demand a peace agreement within five years. By sharing their stories, they hope to inspire a new generation of leaders to embrace coexistence. Listen to hear how an Israeli and a Palestinian transformed their shared grief into a powerful mission of hope and reconciliation.

Debate: Should Cell Phones Be Banned in School?

As schools nationwide enact cellphone bans, educators in Louisville, Kentucky, are navigating the challenges of a new "locked pouch" policy. While teachers report an increase in student participation and library book checkouts, many students find creative ways to bypass the rules, such as using spare phones. This tension highlights the difficulty of separating teens from devices they consider essential to their identities and social lives. Listen to learn more about this new policy and then debate: Should cell phones be banned in school?

Leaping Llamas

Every year in New York, the Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival hosts a fun competition called "Leaping Llamas" where animals and their handlers jump over high bars together. The event celebrates the connection between people and their animals while teaching visitors about different types of fiber-producing livestock. Listen to hear how trainers use special tools like clickers and lead ropes to encourage their animal friends to reach new heights.

Hidden Stories of Heroic American Women

American history is built on the contributions of diverse figures whose stories have often been overlooked in traditional textbooks. In this interview, journalist Norah O’Donnell discusses "hidden heroes" – women who played critical roles in the nation's birth and development. These women served as revolutionary printers, disguised soldiers, and influential political advisors. Despite these vital roles, statistics show that women represent less than 15% of the history currently taught in U.S. schools. Listen to hear how these remarkable women defied the social norms of their eras to help shape American democracy.

Weird News: Changing Connecticut's State Insect

Listen to hear why students in Connecticut want to change the official state insect.

Vocabulary: official, native, proposal

Genius Dogs Learn Words by Eavesdropping

Scientists have discovered that a rare group of "genius dogs" can learn the names of objects simply by eavesdropping on human conversations. While most dogs struggle to distinguish toy names, these gifted pets can pick up new vocabulary without direct training, much like a human toddler. Listen to learn how certain dogs have the rare ability to understand much more of our language than we previously realized.

Teens Answer the Call for Help

Teen Line is a free mental health service where teenagers volunteer to support other young people through calls, texts, and emails. Before taking a shift, these volunteers undergo extensive training to learn how to listen with empathy and help peers facing issues like school stress, bullying, or family conflict. Listen to learn how these teens work towards not solving every problem, but making sure every caller feels heard and understood.

Note: Please be advised that this story contains brief mentions of suicide.

Debate: Should the U.S. Develop Nuclear Power on the Moon?

Humanity is entering a new space race to establish a permanent base on the moon, but surviving the long lunar night requires a massive amount of energy. While some experts argue that nuclear power is the only way to sustain life in space, others worry about the immense financial cost. These experts disagree on whether the government should invest in expensive reactor technology or focus on other priorities here on Earth, such as climate observation. Listen to hear how a scientist and an engineer view these competing priorities and then debate: Should the U.S. develop nuclear power on the moon?

Big Tree Contest

Maryland is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its "Big Tree Program" by searching for the largest trees in its state forests. People can join the fun by becoming "tree hunters" and using simple tools to measure the thickness of giant tree trunks. While finding a champion tree is exciting, the program also focuses on respecting these living landmarks and appreciating the history they have witnessed. Listen to hear how you can use a piece of string to discover a hidden giant and why touching the bark of an old tree is the best reward of all.

Real Life Rosie the Riveters

During World War II, millions of American women stepped into factory and defense industry jobs, helping to support the war effort while men fought overseas. The iconic image of Rosie the Riveter became a symbol of their strength and determination, challenging traditional gender roles and opening new opportunities for women in the workforce. Listen to learn how these pioneering women contributed to discussions about identity, social change, and civic ideals.

Weird News: Banning Cheetos at School

Listen to hear why colorful snacks will soon be missing from California public schools.

Vocabulary: ban, artificial, dye, fiery