Rep. Adam Smith, the Democratic leader of the Armed Services Committee, says Trump's oil blockade is about driving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro out of power more than anything.
(Image credit: J. Scott Applewhite)
A palliative care doctor in Austin says listening to vinyl music can lift heavy moments for families and patients receiving end-of-life care.
(Image credit: Lorianne Willett)
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 crisis.
(Image credit: Meg Vogel for The Marshall Project and KFF Health News)
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.