National News

A 'for sale' sign is seen on a house in Monterey Park, California, on September 17, 2025.

Mortgage rates hit their highest level in a year, driven by war and inflation concerns

Stephan Bisaha

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reached 6.66% on average Thursday.

Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing in Washington, D.C. Experts worry that the pursuit of Fauci is helping to create a "chilling effect" on public health staffing and infrastructure in the U.S.

After Fauci Senate hearing, experts worry about 'chilling effect' on public health

Ari Daniel

The accusations against Dr. Anthony Fauci, once the nation's leading infectious disease expert, have some experts worrying that these events may further erode public health staffing in the U.S.

Spectators on the National Mall watch fireworks on July 4. The Trump administration has asked Congress for an additional $10 to pay for the fireworks show, the Great American State Fair and a prayer event on the mall.

The Trump administration wants $10 million more to cover its July Fourth celebrations

Rachel Treisman

Congress allocated $150 million for 250th birthday events. The Trump-backed group that planned the state fair and July 4th fireworks is asking for an additional $10 million in reimbursements.

Millions of Americans are navigating life independently. We want to hear about your experiences on solo living for our upcoming stories.

Are you choosing to stay single? We want to hear from you

NPR Staff

Solo living, solo travel, and solo dining are all being embraced as more adults are choosing to remain single. Many Americans aren't interested in dating, and being single is a symbol of autonomy.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino looks on prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter final match between Fluminense FC and Al Hilal at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fl., on July 4, 2025.

European soccer leaders to boycott the World Cup in an unprecedented step

Rafael Nam

In an unprecedented step, European soccer associations said they would boycott the World Cup unless FIFA reverses a controversial deal to sell minority stakes to the marquee soccer tournament.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appears at his confirmation hearing on July 15 in Washington, D.C.

Trump says he 'may' pull Blanche AG nomination temporarily

Danielle Kurtzleben , Ryan Lucas

The news comes as two key Republicans are withholding their support over concerns about the Justice Department's deal with President Trump.

Military expert says renewed Iran war will strain diminished missile inventory

Here & Now Newsroom

A military expert says resuming strikes on Iran could force the U.S. military to "take more risks" because its missile supply is depleted.

Border buoys compound Texas flood safety risks

Here & Now Newsroom

About 600 metal border buoys floated free in the water and recent flooding.

U.S. launches heavy airstrikes against Iran as war expands to other countries

Here & Now Newsroom

U.S. Central Command says it carried out a wave of heavy strikes against Iran on Thursday night, following Iran's surprise attack Wednesday on U.S. forces in Jordan.

Consumer spending continued to power the U.S. economy in April, May and June, as GDP expanded at an annual rate of 1.5%.

The economy slowed a bit -- but Americans continued to spend

Scott Horsley

The U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 1.5% in the spring, according to the Commerce Department. That's a modest slowdown from the previous quarter — but consumer spending picked up steam.