Nick Harkaway grew up hearing his dad read drafts of his George Smiley novels. He picked up le Carré's beloved spymaster character in the novel Karla's Choice. Originally broadcast Oct. 23, 2024.

Flu cases are soaring in New York and picking up in other parts of the country. Experts worry it will be another bad season. COVID and RSV have been less of a problem, but they're also on the rise.

Cuba is watching nervously as the U.S. ramps up pressure on Venezuela, threatening a lifeline and deepening the island's isolation.

Americans have deep nostalgia, and love, for America's chain restaurants. Why? We asked and more than 150 readers answered.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, who leads Medicaid and Medicare, announced measures Thursday that will essentially ban gender-affirming care for transgender young people.

If you're tempted to bail on potentially fun events becuase you feel awkward, read this. Level up your small talk game and practice social courage with six tips from psychologists.

Palestinians in Gaza are slowly bringing back Christmas celebrations after more than two years of war. The Holy Family Church in Gaza City gathered this week to decorate the church.

NPR's Leila Fadel tags along for lunch with Elazar Sontag, the Washington Post's new food critic. Leila Fadel is a national correspondent for NPR based in Los Angeles, covering issues of culture, ...

The college football playoff gets underway on Friday with Alabama and Oklahoma taking the field. The other first-round teams play on Saturday.

NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with security expert Juliette Kayyem about what we've learned about the suspect in the Brown University shooting and what questions remain.

From sufganiyot to Berliners, fried dough is a holiday tradition across cultures. NPR visits an American specialty brand to explore how doughnut traditions help mark the festive season.

Dr. J. Herman Blake shares how celebrating Christmas on the South Carolina sea islands brought him closer to his African roots.