Current Events

Thanksgiving Menu at the National Museum of the American Indian

The cafe at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C. has Indigenous-inspired Thanksgiving meals on the menu. Chefs at the restaurant prepare the food according to tribal traditions from all over the Americas and include staple ingredients of Native American cooking. The popularity of these meals has grown as word of the cafe has spread. Listen to hear a chef at the cafe discuss traditional ingredients as he prepares delicious and unusual holiday foods.

Weird News: Canine Car Wreck

Listen to hear about a car accident caused by a dog behind the wheel.

Vocabulary: vehicle, identified, reckless, guilty

50 Year Anniversary of the First Video Game

Pong was the world’s first widely played video game. A young programmer working for a startup company designed the game in 1972, and he was pretty sure it would fail. In fact, Pong was a huge success. The overwhelming popularity of Pong sparked the rise of Atari as the first successful video game company. Listen to learn about the circumstances behind Pong’s creation and release and hear how its creator developed the game’s distinctive beeping sounds.

Decorative Marigolds on Day of the Dead

Many Latino communities celebrate Day of the Dead on November first and second. Orange and yellow marigold flowers play a special decorative role in how families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a reunion meal on the holiday. The marigold’s scent and color hold symbolic meaning and they are in abundant supply leading up to the celebration. Listen to learn more about marigolds on Day of the Dead and hear from people who plant, harvest, and decorate with them.

Debate: Who Should Decide What Books Kids Can Read?

There has been much discussion and disagreement over who are the best people to decide what books are appropriate for kids and teens to read. Some people think that parents should be the gatekeepers when it comes to their children’s access to books about sensitive topics like race or LGBTQ identities. Many in the literary community are proponents of librarians or teachers having the right to offer young people more freedom to select books that interest them. This debate was on the minds of authors who attended the National Book Awards ceremony as some shared their thoughts on the issue in their speeches. Listen to hear what they have to say and then debate: Who should decide what books kids can read?

Kid News: Israel and Hamas

Recently, a war between Israel and Hamas began when terrorists broke through a border fence and brutally attacked Israeli citizens and soldiers. The consequences of the surprise attack have impacted Israelis, Palestinians, and people all over the world, and many people have been suffering. Who is Hamas? Where is Gaza? Why have Hamas and Israel been fighting for many years? Listen to learn about the history and background of one of the world’s most difficult conflicts.

Interfaith Relationships in Times of Crisis

On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists attacked Israel from Gaza, a small strip of land occupied by Israel and home to two million Palestinians, killing a large number of civilians and taking hostages. Israel responded by declaring war on Hamas, launching a bombing campaign and tightening sanctions in Gaza, where a humanitarian crisis has intensified. For many years, people of diverse faiths have lived side by side in this small region of the world, but the recent conflict has made it difficult to navigate interfaith relationships for many. In this audio story, two leaders with experience facilitating Muslim and Jewish dialogue discuss the intense experiences and emotions that members of both communities are facing. Listen to learn about how they believe people can support each other, even in very difficult times.

Weird News: Americans Believe in Ghosts

Listen to hear about a recent poll that found that many Americans are spooked by ghosts.

Vocabulary: survey, encounters, paranormal, common

Saving Whales with High-Tech Buoys

Every year whales are killed when they collide with ships traveling in the same ocean highways. While it is hard to get exact numbers, it is believed that these collisions are threats to already endangered whale species. Now scientists have developed an alert system that they hope will help ships avoid nearby whales and reduce the frequency of these collisions. Listen to learn about a new high-tech buoy and how it works to protect whale populations.

Why Fear is Fun

Haunted houses, horror movies, and Halloween decorations may be scary, but they can also be fun. In this audio story, an expert on fear explains why many people enjoy being scared, and how fear can be beneficial to growth and development. Listen to hear how feeling afraid helps build resilience, and discover why childhood games like hide and seek and peekaboo are surprisingly scary.

Debate: Should Congress Have Term Limits?

The average age of people in the U.S. Congress is over sixty, and there is no limit to how long they can serve. Some say it’s time for a change. They believe that setting term limits on Congress would open opportunities for younger generations to assume these important roles. However, others worry that invaluable wisdom would be lost if older politicians were forced to step down. Even among those who agree on term limits, there is disagreement on what an appropriate length of time might be. Listen to learn more about the pros and cons of the issue and then debate: Should Congress have term limits?

Kid News: Stink Bug Invasion

Stink bug alert! The smelly critters first arrived in the United States decades ago, and now they are spreading fast due to climate change. Not only do stink bugs give off an unpleasant odor, but their presence negatively impacts the ecosystems that they take over. Listen to hear more about this invasive species and the problems it causes.

Student Podcasters Share the Dark Realities of Middle School

Life in middle school can be tricky for young teens to navigate. In a podcast that won NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge, two thirteen-year-old best friends documented their middle school reality. The pair explored the challenges of lockdown drills, TikTok culture, and fast changing fashion trends. Although many adults remember what middle school was like for them, the experiences of sixth to eighth graders today is unique. Listen to hear two friends share their perspective on life in middle school, and find out why their teacher stashes kitty litter in the classroom.

Weird News: Wheelchair Dance Competition

Listen to hear about the country’s first wheelchair dance competition.

Vocabulary: launching, foster, socialization, peers

Octopuses Use Their Throwing Arms

The ability to throw things is relatively rare among animal species other than humans. Recently, though, researchers were surprised to observe octopuses using their arms to throw. Deep down on the ocean floor, octopuses were seen throwing objects at each other, and sometimes at the cameras that were recording their actions. Listen to hear more about the dramatic scene scientists saw and why they found it so unusual.

Old English Words Give Clues to Medieval Life

An expert in medieval English literature has written a book about interesting Old English words. The book includes a variety of words, some that have stood the test of time, and others that are no longer in use but that mean something relevant in modern society. Listen to hear the meanings and pronunciations of Old English words and to consider what words could possibly make a comeback.

Debate: Who Should Get Credit for AI-Generated Music?

Advances in artificial intelligence have raised questions in the music industry about creative ownership. When an AI-generated song in the style of rappers Drake and The Weeknd became popular on streaming platforms, people wondered who – the artists who used AI or the famous rappers – should get credit for the song. Some people believe that using AI to create music in another artist’s style is a fair use of the new technology, which provides immense creative possibilities. Others argue that profiting from another artist’s style without their permission is profoundly unfair. Listen to hear more about the creative and ethical issues associated with artificial intelligence and then debate: Who should get credit for AI-generated music?

Kid News: Mushrooms “Talk”

Scientists have learned that fungi – organisms like mushrooms that release spores to reproduce – can communicate with one another. Fungi communicate through electrical signals, similar to how one part of the human body sends messages to other parts. Listen to hear how scientists were able to detect fungi “talking” – and find out what they might be saying.

Researcher Lived Underwater for 100 Days

A researcher lived on the ocean floor for 100 days and emerged from the water with lots of scientific data. The researcher, known as Dr. Deep Sea, collected information about how his body responded to living in a highly pressurized environment for an extended period of time. In this interview, he explains what made living underwater difficult and what it was like to return to the surface. Listen to learn more about Dr. Deep Sea’s record-breaking underwater stay.

Weird News: Monkey Calls 911

Listen to hear what happens when a monkey makes an emergency call.

Vocabulary: dispatchers, primate, concluded

The Art of Pigeon Whistling

Pigeons are cherished pets in China. For centuries, owners would attach lightweight whistles to the bodies of their birds that made music as they flew. Although the practice died out over time, today skilled Chinese craftsmen are reviving the ancient art of carving pigeon whistles. Listen to learn more about this unique aspect of Chinese culture from traditional pigeon whistle artisans, and hear the musical sounds made by a flock of pigeons as they fly.

Playing Video Games Has Hidden Benefits

There are many social and psychological benefits to playing video games that non gamers may be surprised to discover. When a journalist spoke to scientists about video games and spent time playing them with her sons, she reached new and positive conclusions. Listen to learn what the journalist learned about gaming culture and how video games differ from other forms of media.

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?

Kid News: Sea Turtle Surprise

Sea turtles are an endangered species. Conservation organizations work to protect sea turtle nests and help the newly hatched baby turtles survive. A group of conservation officials and volunteers in South Carolina recently came across an exciting surprise while patrolling the beach for turtles. Listen to find out what the sea turtle patrol found, and learn why baby sea turtles struggle to survive.

Extreme Weather On the Rise

Extreme weather is on the rise around the world. Long periods of high temperatures and torrential rain storms have made summer months difficult from Asia and Europe to parts of the United States. A climate expert explains that these occurrences are consistent with the predicted impacts of climate change, and he outlines what must be done to work toward a solution. Listen to hear why, despite difficulties, the climate expert is hopeful about the ability of humans to address the causes of climate change.

Weird News: World's Youngest Pilot

Listen to hear how a teenage pilot set a world record.

Vocabulary: aviator, inspired

The Joy of Para Surfing

Para surfing, or adaptive surfing, is a sport that allows people with disabilities to ride the waves. Its popularity has grown in recent years. In this audio story, the organizer of the International Para Surfing Championships in California describes how he first learned to surf 20 years ago after losing part of his left leg in a car accident. Listen to hear how an avid para surfer was able to discover his life’s passion and how he is helping others with disabilities appreciate the joy and exhilaration of surfing.

Preserving Hawaiian History and Culture

Fast moving wildfires on Hawaii's Maui island devastated the historic city of Lahaina. Since Lahaina was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the fires have destroyed irreplaceable ancient artifacts along with the community’s infrastructure and natural environment. The director of the Na 'Aikane o Maui Cultural and Research Center, which burned in the fire, discusses the significant cultural losses that the people in Lahaina are mourning. Listen to hear how the director is working to help Lahaina in the midst of this tragedy and preserve its indigenous history.

Debate: Does Generating ChatGPT Stories Count as Authorship?

AI technology such as ChatGPT is being used to generate all kinds of writing, including articles, blogs, and even creative fiction. Some say that by skillfully entering the right queries, humans can use AI to produce writing that informs and entertains, just like writing by humans. But others worry that people are using ChatGPT to deceive, and they question whether someone who generates a story with AI should get credit as an author. Listen to hear what happened when a science fiction journal received hundreds of AI-generated story submissions and then debate: Does generating ChatGPT stories count as authorship?

Kid News: What Earth's Magnetic Field Sounds Like

The European Space Agency has made it possible for people to hear sounds from space that have never been heard before – the sound of Earth’s magnetic field! The unique and creepy soundtrack from space is a reminder of how Earth’s magnetic field helps keep the planet safe. Listen to learn about Earth’s magnetic field and hear it at work.

Making School Sports More Inclusive

After the age of 11, many kids lose interest in playing sports at school. When they drop out of teams, they lose the benefits that sports provide. Now a high school in Maryland has figured out how to keep more students interested and engaged. By increasing variety in the sports it offers, among other changes, the school has boosted student participation in and enthusiasm for school sports. Listen to hear the school’s athletic director and a high school senior share their perspectives on making school sports more fun and inclusive.

Weird News: Pet Unicorn

Listen to hear how a California girl is preparing for a pet unicorn.

Vocabulary: approval, granting, exposure

Jason Reynolds Wants Kids to Tell Their Stories

Author Jason Reynolds served as the Library of Congress’s National Ambassador for Young People's Literature for three years. During his time in this role he met with kids and teens in order to encourage them to read and write, and also to understand the importance of their unique story. Listen to hear Reynolds discuss how he relates to young people who think books are boring, and find out what he believes is more important than people’s concerns about problems in education.

Sounds Captured From Around the World

Audio archivist Jim Metzner has spent decades traveling the world and collecting a massive archive of sounds. The recordings capture unique sounds that, through the experience of audio, give listeners a chance to visualize places they may never get to visit. Recently, Metzner gave his entire archive to the Library of Congress. Listen to hear the sounds of Brazilian cattle ranchers and Japanese pottery makers, and learn how this amazing archive of sound can educate people about cultures all over the world.

Impact of Supreme Court Ruling Against Affirmative Action

The Supreme Court has ruled that colleges and universities may no longer consider race when admitting students. The decision means the end of affirmative action in college admissions, a practice that has helped boost diversity and alleviate under-representation of racial minority groups on campus. Now colleges and universities are seeking other ways to ensure a diverse student population, and many students are wondering what the decision means for their future. Listen to hear more about the Court's landmark decision and how it might impact students seeking college admission.

Debate: Will Lab-Grown Meat Replace Animal Agriculture?

Several companies are working to grow meat in laboratories in the hopes that it will someday replace traditional meat on restaurant menus. Lab-grown meat provides a climate-friendly alternative to animal agriculture, which pumps greenhouse gas into the air and contributes to deforestation. While there are benefits to lab-grown meats, some people may be reluctant to give up their beloved traditional burgers and steaks. Listen to hear more about the efforts towards producing lab-grown meat and then debate: Will lab-grown meat replace animal agriculture?

Kid News: Smart Moths

It turns out that moths are smarter than they seem. Scientists have discovered that the fluttering insects have a method for their migration that includes considering when and how to travel. Listen to hear more about moths’ surprising intelligence, and find out how scientists learned that moths are great navigators.

Poem for a New School Year

A new school year offers students and teachers a fresh start. To celebrate back-to-school season, poet Kwame Alexander asked students, teachers, and parents to share their hopes, goals, and promises for the year through poetry. He then used their submissions to create a touching, crowd-sourced poem about their many plans for the upcoming year. Listen to hear and be inspired by a poem for a new school year.

Weird News: Baby Born On Island Is First In Nearly A Century

Listen to hear about the birth of a special baby from Maine.

Vocabulary: pioneer, mainland, streak

Female Lion Grows a Mane

Adult male lions can be distinguished from their female counterparts by their full, thick mane. Female lions typically do not grow manes. However, in some rare cases, they can. At the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center in Kansas, a lioness named Zuri has grown just such a mane, and some visitors have mistaken her for a male. Listen to learn about this rare phenomenon in female lions, and hear a zookeeper share her thoughts about what it means.