NPR Top Stories

Comedian Mort Sahl cracks a joke at a press conference in London on July 10, 1961.

Mort Sahl, a political satirist and stand-up comedy pioneer, has died at 94

Elizabeth Blair

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Sahl started doing stand-up in the 1950s, a time when most comedians were men in suits, rattling off one-liners. Sahl wore a V-neck sweater, tucked a newspaper under his arm, and just ... talked.

A 17-year-old receives a first dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at a mobile vaccination clinic during a back to school event offering school supplies, Covid-19 vaccinations, face masks, and other resources for children and their families at the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA in Los Angeles, California on August 7, 2021.

FDA advisory panel recommends Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11

Joe Neel

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After some debate, a group of scientists advising the FDA concluded that the vaccine's benefits outweigh its risks for young children.

Spanx founder and CEO Sara Blakely (shown here in 2013)

Spanx CEO surprises employees with 2 first-class plane tickets and $10,000

Tien Le

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Sara Blakely, founder and CEO of the pioneering womenswear brand, made the announcement during a celebration of the company's recent sale to global investment firm Blackstone.

Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman on Tuesday was named to a top post overseeing election security within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

The Biden administration taps a top Republican official to lead election security

Vanessa Romo

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Kim Wyman vigorously pushed back against President Trump's unfounded claims of voter fraud and is widely seen as a mail-in ballot and security expert. She'll start her new role on Nov. 19.

Booster shots are now recommended for millions of Americans.

What you need to know about COVID boosters

Will Stone

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You've seen the headlines about COVID boosters. But what does it all mean for you? Here's how to sort through the science and figure out if and when you need a booster and which one to get.

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., arrives at the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 5. Her opposition to Democrats' proposed spending package is forcing changes, but her specific positions have been hard to pin down.

What does Kyrsten Sinema want out of spending negotiations? Here's what we know

Domenico Montanaro

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The Arizona Democratic senator has been hard to pin down, but her moderate stance is forcing progressives in her party to make concessions.

President Biden has nominated Gigi Sohn (left) as an FCC commissioner and Jessica Rosenworcel as chair of the commission.

Biden makes 2 key, boundary-breaking FCC nominations

Brian Naylor

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Jessica Rosenworcel has been the acting chair of the commission. Gigi Sohn, a former commission staffer, would be the first openly LGBTIQ+ member of the panel.

A textbook published by Hodder Education asks students whether treatment of Native Americans was "exaggerated." The textbook is no longer being sold, Hodder said.

Textbook that asked if treatment of Native Americans was 'exaggerated' is recalled

Deepa Shivaram

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Hodder Education, the publisher of the textbook, said it was removing the book from sale and would conduct a review of the content.

Katie Couric, shown here in 2016, reflects on the successes and setbacks she's experienced as a journalist in her new memoir, <em>Going There</em>.

After years of trying to be likable, Katie Couric is letting that go

Terry Gross

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The former Today co-host recently bought a T-shirt that says, "I'm not for everyone." Her new memoir, Going There, is a candid look at the successes and setbacks she's experienced as a journalist.

Rain falls as people cross the street during an autumn Nor'easter on Tuesday in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. New York and New Jersey declared states of emergency as the storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to the area.

New York and New Jersey declare emergencies as heavy rain soaks the region

Joe Hernandez

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The National Weather Service predicts as much as 6 inches of rain, with flash flooding possible in urban settings just weeks after Hurricane Ida pummeled the area.