NPR's David Folkenflik talks with musician Alex Giannascoli, who records as Alex G, about his latest album, God Save The Animals.

What is the cost of perfection? NPR's David Folkenflik talks with Rae Meadows about her new novel, "Winterland." It tells the story of Soviet gymnasts and the system that made and often broke them.

The auto industry's switch to electric vehicles is driving up demand and prices for lithium. It's also creating a huge incentive to squeeze more lithium out of any supply available,

Many cities opened streets for pedestrians during the pandemic, temporarily making way for outdoor dining and strolling in new places. Cars won't return to some of them.

A new study finds that wolves are much more likely to be pack leaders if they have been infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

Congress returns to work for a lame duck session. Democrats try to advance their agenda while they have control of both chambers. Republicans plan for control of the House in the new year.

Protests in support of democratic reforms and against Covid controls are growing across China. They began after a fire killed ten people who witnesses say were trapped in a building under lockdown.

Voters in Oregon narrowly passed a ballot measure aimed at curbing gun violence this past election. Enforcement complications and questions loom ahead of a Dec. 8 rollout.

NPR's David Folkenflik recaps the first week of the World Cup with Jeremy Schaap of ESPN, including surprising upsets and team USA's performance.

With holiday shopping season coinciding with a year of inflation, we hear from Americans about their spending plans for the season.