A sampling of the stories NPR staff believe made some of the deepest ripples this year — reminders of what rigorous, compassionate journalism can do, and why the work remains as urgent as ever.

The share of people with severe mental illness in state psychiatric hospitals accused of serious crimes has risen steeply. The shift has all but halted the possibility of care before a catastrophic ...

A daily preventive pill can be invaluable for people at risk for HIV. But some doctors don't know much about prescribing them. And billing headaches are common. Here's how to overcome those hurdles.

There's ample evidence this year of Trump actively favoring some U.S. companies and investors, while threatening others. In August, he publicly called for the resignation of Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan — ...

The Department of Government Efficiency effort was one of the most consequential and controversial – if not entirely successful – changes the Trump administration made in 2025.

President Trump recently embraced kei cars, tiny vehicles that are popular in Asia but hard to get in the U.S. Kei car enthusiasts are delighted — but doubt whether much will change.

More immigrants are not showing up for their mandatory immigration court hearings compared to prior years, an NPR analysis shows, allowing the government to order their immediate deportation.

A northern English town loses its best choral singers to fighting in World War I but finds new hope in a time of loss through music in Nicholas Hytner's new film "The Choral," featuring Ralph Fiennes.

NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Heather Conley, former deputy assistant secretary of State for European Affairs, about the peace talks in Florida that seek to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Division over the future of the Republican Party were on display this weekend as conservatives gathered for Turning Point USA's "AmericaFest" conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

A northern English town loses its best choral singers to fighting in World War I but finds new hope in a time of loss through music in Nicholas Hytner's {HIGH-tnur} new film "The Choral," featuring ...

Jeffrey Epstein accuser Annie Farmer tells NPR's Leila Fadel how survivors of his abuse are reacting to the Justice Department's file dump, which included her sister's 1996 FBI complaint.