A new study rewrites the history of the plague

NPR | By Nathan Rott

Published June 19, 2026 at 4:03 PM CDT

A new study looks at one of the most prolific pathogens in human history — the plague.

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Nathan Rott

Nathan Rott is a correspondent on NPR's National Desk, where he focuses on environment issues and the American West.

U.S. defeats Australia in a key World Cup game

Becky Sullivan

The United States defeated Australia in an important group match at the World Cup. The 2-0 victory means the U.S. will advance to the tournament's knockout round.
Space news: Tiny moon explorers, a debate about the expanding universe, and more.

Regina G. Barber, Berly McCoy

In this space news roundup, Berly McCoy and Regina Barber of NPR's Short Wave talk about tiny autonomous "transformers" that can explore the moon, a debate about the expanding universe, and more.
'Grandmother of Juneteenth' celebrates freedom, 2.5 miles at a time

Erika Ryan, Sarah Handel

Opal Lee is known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talked with her in 2024 about her activism, and her hopes for the future.
The view from Beirut hours into latest ceasefire

Lauren Hodges, Mary Louise Kelly, Justine Kenin

Just hours into the ceasefire, we check on Lebanon to see if this delicate agreement is actually holding.
Scottish 'Tartan Army' drinks Boston dry

Alejandra Marquez Janse, Justine Kenin

Scottish soccer fans have taken over Boston to watch the World Cup. The Tartan Army, as they are called, brought their Scottish traditions with them: Kilts, bagpipes and lots of drinking.