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How the Trump administration uses the Bible to justify military invasions and immigration raids

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner prays during a Cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington on Feb. 26, 2025, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also bows his head.

President Trump isn't much of a Bible-quoter, but some members of his administration are, and they have used Scripture to frame controversial policies as justified by the Good Book.

(Image credit: Pool photo)

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Prospects fade for imminent end to Iran war as attacks restart

Lebanese civil defence workers search through the rubble of a building following an Israeli strike at dawn in the southern Lebanese area of al-Hosh, near the coastal city of Tyre on May 26, 2026.

Israel says it will intensify attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon and U.S. military struck Iranian boats and missile launch sites as envoys continued negotiations for a deal that would end the three-month war.

(Image credit: AFP via Getty Images)

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U.S. strikes Iran. And, immigration courts use new tactic to speed up deportations

An immigration court sign is seen as federal agents patrol the halls of immigration court at the Ted Weiss Federal Building on May 12, 2026, in New York City.

The U.S. military has launched new attacks on Iran while talks to end the conflict are ongoing. And, the Department of Justice is using a new tactic in immigration courts to accelerate deportations.

(Image credit: Michael M. Santiago)

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Therapists are using AI to take notes. Is it a useful tool or a breach of trust?

A growing number of mental health therapists are using AI tools to record sessions, take notes and do administrative tasks.

New companies are selling artificial intelligence assistance to mental health therapists. The AI tools can help with administration and recordkeeping, but some patients worry about their privacy.

(Image credit: Fiordaliso)

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Texas GOP voters vote in race that could shape future of the party -- and the Senate

The hat of Diane Benjamin, Dallas #2021 precinct chair, is visible at a campaign event for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on May 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Controversial Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is challenging U.S. Sen. John Cornyn's reelection. The $100 million fight could have far-reaching implications for the GOP, and party control of the Senate.

(Image credit: Julio Cortez)

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Inside ATL: how Delta juggles 100,000 bags a day at the world's busiest airport

Delta Air Lines ramp agent Mike Davis prepares to load passenger luggage on his cart while working at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, on May 13, 2026.

On a busy day, Delta Air Lines handles more than 100,000 bags at its Atlanta hub. NPR got a rare look behind the scenes at how the airline is using AI to improve baggage-handling operations.

(Image credit: Alyssa Pointer for NPR)

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Immigration courts are using a new tactic to speed up deportations

A federal officer stands in a hallway at New York Federal Plaza Immigration Court inside the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building in New York in October 2025.

The Justice Department is moving up the court hearings for hundreds of immigrants and scheduling them for mass hearings. If they don't show up, they could be ordered deported.

(Image credit: Charly Triballeau)

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In West Texas, an unlikely alliance stands against extending the border wall

Across the Big Bend, anti-wall signs, flyers and messages have popped up in homes and businesses, like this liquor store in Marfa, Texas.

An unusual coalition of people across the political spectrum have banded together to rally against a border wall in the Big Bend.

(Image credit: Carlos Morales)

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Morning news brief

U.S. military says it struck Iran Monday in "self-defense," Russia threatens more strikes against Ukraine, Texas GOP voters head to polls for primary that could shape future of the party.

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Attacks from residents complicate the fight against a rare type of Ebola

Vanny Birungi, a Red Cross volunteer, speaks to people during a public sensitisation campaign amid the Ebola outbreak in Bunia, Congo, Monday, May 25, 2026.

Three times in the past week, healthcare facilities have been attacked. On Sunday, angry young men stormed a hospital treating Ebola patients, forcing medical staff to evacuate them as gunfire rang out.

(Image credit: Moses Sawasawa)

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New York back in NBA Finals for first time since 1999 after beating Cleveland

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, center, and teammates celebrate after winning Game 4 in the Eastern Conference finals NBA basketball playoffs series against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland, Monday, May 25, 2026

New York will play the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs in the finals. The Western Conference finals is tied at two games apiece with Game 5 to be played on Tuesday.

(Image credit: Sue Ogrocki)

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Ahead of the World Cup, pressure to win and grow American soccer is on Tim Ream's mind

Playing for Charlotte FC, the Major League Soccer team in Charlotte, Tim Ream is hoping to make his second World Cup roster for the U.S. Men

Hoping to make the roster for the U.S. Men's National team going to the World Cup, Tim Ream knows there's a lot riding on the tournament, from playing well to growing a new generation of fans at home.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Charlotte FC)

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After Stephen Colbert's viral talk show parody, CBS backs down from copyright action

Stephen Colbert attended The Hollywood Reporter

CBS and Paramount backed away from copyright challenges to limit distribution of Stephen Colbert's appearance on a Michigan cable access show. He ended his run as host of "The Late Show" on Friday.

(Image credit: Evan Agostini/Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

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Trump to get 'routine annual' medical exam 7 months after last visit to Walter Reed

President Donald Trump departs after speaking during the 158th National Memorial Day Observance coinciding with the nation

White House boasts Trump's "excellent health" as questions loom over the medical reality of the oldest inaugurated president.

(Image credit: Alex Brandon)

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Trump says U.S. and Iran nearing a peace deal. And, Pope Leo weighs in on AI's rise

President Trump holds an umbrella as he steps off of Air Force One upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 22, 2026. Trump is returning to the White House after delivering remarks in New York.

President Trump says that a deal with Iran to end the war is largely negotiated. And, Pope Leo XIV weighed in today on the rise of AI during his first encyclical.

(Image credit: Brendan Smialowski)

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U.S.-Iran peace deal emerging, while war threats still loom

Vessels are anchored off the coast of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates on May 21, 2026.

President Trump and other administration officials are tempering expectations raised of an imminent agreement to end the war in Iran while Iranian officials have signaled there are still disagreements on key issues.

(Image credit: AFP via Getty Images)

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In Beirut, refugee girls and women learn more than self-defense in martial arts class

Palestinian girls train in jiu jitsu in the refugee camp of Bourj el Barajneh in South Beirut.

In the male-dominated world of Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, a martial arts teacher offers women a way to empowerment.

(Image credit: Aline Deschamps for NPR)

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Pope Leo takes aim at big tech in sweeping encyclical on AI

Pope Leo XIV attends the presentation of his first encyclical, "Magnifica humanitas," at the the Vatican on May 25, 2026.

"Magnifica Humanitas" tackles the social, economic and political challenges associated with artificial intelligence.

(Image credit: Alessandra Tarantino)

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COMIC: To raise a confident little talker, learn to speak 'parentese'

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So you've got a baby in your life. How do you talk to them, exactly? In this comic, experts explain why conversing with your baby is important — and share ways to help them develop their language skills.

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'My body carried me,' Elizabeth Smart says. Now she's celebrating it

Elizabeth Smart says she has gained confidence as a competitive bodybuilder. She continues to be an advocate for women and victims of sexual violence after she was kidnapped when she was 14.

Her abduction at age 14 drew international attention. After her rescue, Smart says she struggled with feeling shame around her body. Bodybuilding has helped her see herself differently.

(Image credit: Kim Raff for NPR)

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Diners are staying home, so this restaurant lets patrons pay what they want

A bartender pours a drink at L

Americans are increasingly passing up on dining out. So one restaurant is allowing diners to pay what they like for their food.

(Image credit: Sergio Flores for NPR)

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Spin to win: How this life insurance company turns healthy habits into a game

One life insurance company is banking on incentives to gamify the healthy habits of its customers, which in turn helps its bottom line.

You've heard of lower car insurance rates for good drivers. Now, one life insurance company wants to incentivize longevity with lower rates and extra bonuses for people who adopt healthy habits.

(Image credit: manusapon kasosod/Moment RF)

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This big university system is embracing AI. Students and faculty aren't all on board

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The California State University system offers an early look at what happens when an administration commits to a technology that its own community isn't convinced will improve education.

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Morning news brief

Trump touts breakthrough in negotiations to end Iran war, Middle Eastern countries react to news of a potential deal to end war, Africa races to contain a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak.

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Muslims begin the annual Hajj against a backdrop of war concerns

A Muslim pilgrim reacts as a volunteer sprays water to cool them outside the Grand Mosque during the annual hajj pilgrimage at the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, May 24, 2026.

More than 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, against the backdrop of a tenuous ceasefire in the Iran war and related regional tensions.

(Image credit: Altaf Qadri)

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China launches Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with 1 of 3 astronauts set for yearlong stay

The Shenzhou-23 manned mission launches from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwestern China on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

China launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with 3 astronauts heading to its space station. One astronaut is set to stay in space for a year to explore human adaptability in long-duration spaceflights.

(Image credit: Ng Han Guan)

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California chemical tank has cracked causing state of emergency, thousands to evacuate

An aerial view of water being sprayed onto an overheated 34,000-gallon tank at GKN Aerospace on May 23, 2026 in Garden Grove, California. A malfunctioning tank at an aerospace plant has the potential of a chemical leak or explosion.

One California town is in a state of emergency and 50,000 people are under an evacuation order as a malfunctioning chemical tank at an aerospace plant is overheating and could leak or explode.

(Image credit: Apu Gomes)

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DR Congo Ebola cases rise amid distrust, armed conflict zone

Red Cross workers bury an Ebola victim at the Rwampara Cemetery, in Rwampara, Congo, May 23, 2026.

Africa races to contain a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak threatening 10 countries as infections spill from eastern Congo into Uganda.

(Image credit: Moses Sawasawa)

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More than 500 children have died in an outbreak that the world is virtually ignoring

Thirteen-month-old Jannat cries as her mother Sohana, a garment worker, tries to feed her. The child is hospitalized for measles at DNCC Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The number of cases — and deaths — in Bangladesh is staggering. As of Sunday, 528 have died, mostly children. How did this measles outbreak begin? And how is the country responding?

(Image credit: Anike Rahman for NPR)

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Mind-bending photos by anonymous cousins show the pain and dreams of Afghan women

This photo, from a series of pictures by two anonymous cousins, is entitled "The Music of Poverty and Violence." The subject is playing an automatic weapon as if it were a string instrument.

The young women make photos that look at life — how it is, how they wish it could be — under Taliban rule. The images are on display at the Photoville Festival in Brooklyn, New York.

(Image credit: Mahnaz Ebrahimi|January 2026)

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