Tim Walz’s state became a ‘trans refuge.’ Here’s what that means and how it happened As states around it were passing bathroom bills and trans health care bans, Minnesota, under Gov. Tim Walz, went in the other direction, protecting transgender rights. Selena Simmons-Duffin
'America's Nobel' goes to a power couple who made a startling discovery about HIV This year's Lasker Prize for public service goes to South African researchers Salim and Quarraisha Abdool-Karim. The married couple made a startling discovery about HIV — and did something about it. Kate Bartlett
'The Road to Wisdom' charts COVID skepticism, distrust and misinformation The COVID-19 pandemic revealed that we are a deeply divided society. Cynicism and distrust of science, health professionals, and institutions have taken hold and remain, even after the emergency of the pandemic has faded.
Maryland seemed poised this year to legalize medical aid in dying. What happened? Most Americans support allowing some terminally ill patients to end their own lives. But a Maryland bill’s narrow defeat shows the issue is still religiously fraught and politically delicate. Scott Maucione
Stressed out? These 8 skills can help boost mood and reduce anxiety Life is stressful. Whether it’s work or relationship issues or you’re worrying about politics or global conflict, it can be overwhelming. NPR’s Stress Less: A quest to reclaim your calm aims to help. Allison Aubrey
5 things to know from this week’s big report on cannabis More Americans now use pot on a daily basis than alcohol. A sweeping new report says the federal government needs to better understand the risks to the public and get involved. Pien Huang
A new kind of drug for schizophrenia promises fewer side effects A medicine that sidesteps the brain's dopamine receptors to reach different targets represents a new approach to schizophrenia treatment. The Food and Drug Administration approved it Thursday. Sydney Lupkin
Her state bans gender-affirming care for teenagers. So she travels 450 miles for it An estimated 110,000 trans teenagers live in states that ban gender-affirming care for minors. Some travel huge distances every few months to keep getting their treatment out-of-state. Selena Simmons-Duffin
Fragmented state and federal marijuana policies can lead to risks to public health Cannabis use has changed in recent years, as many states have legalized it. An influential group of scientists recommends policy changes to protect public health. Pien Huang
3D mammograms show benefits over 2D imaging, especially for dense breasts A new study shows 3D imaging found potentially serious cancers earlier and reduced the need for callback for further screening. Ronnie Cohen