Big Health Care is ending a terrible year. Is anyone happy with this business?
Patients are protesting, bipartisan lawmakers are threatening regulation – and investors are selling their shares.
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Trump team signs an agreement with the DOJ for security clearances
The new agreement will help Trump officials on agency landing teams access classified information needed to prepare to take over on Jan. 20. -
Toy companies are worried about Trump's threat of steep tariffs
Nearly all toys sold in the U.S. are imported -- mostly from China. Toys were largely spared from tariffs during Trump's first term. But toymakers and their customers may not be so lucky next year. -
The 124 Best Songs of 2024
2024 was a year of breakthroughs, with new stars storming the top of the charts and artists across genres making modern classics. NPR Music's list of best songs of the year has something for everyone. -
The UnitedHealthcare CEO has been shot and killed outside a New York City hotel, AP source says
The preliminary police investigation indicated the shooting was not random, according to Mayor Eric Adams. -
O-S-C-A-R M-A-Y-E-R Bologna song turns 50
Fifty years ago this year the Oscar Mayer Bologna commercial first appeared on TV. We speak to an advertising professor about the staying power of this ad. -
The race to save the Fraser fir, a popular Christmas tree
North Carolina's Fraser fir is a popular Christmas tree, but it's under threat from disease and scientists are racing to try to save it. -
How useful, really, are the steps you can take after a data breach?
The dreaded data breach notification... It tells you your personal data's been compromised and suggests steps you can take to minimize the potential harm. On today's episode, Kenny Malone pulls out a data breach letter he received and goes over what it recommends with Amanda Aronczyk. Amanda recently did a show about the legal and illegal markets for data and tells us how useful these steps actually are. It's news you can use to protect yourself, whether or not you've been part of a data breach. This normally would be a bonus episode just for Planet Money+ listeners. With this being the season of giving though, we're sharing this one with everyone! To hear more bonus content like this, regular episodes sponsor-free, and support the work of NPR, sign up for Planet Money+ at plus.npr.org. Related links:Data Breach Response: A Guide for Business (FTC) Have you been affected by a data breach? (FTC) Your Technology Is Tracking You. Take These Steps For Better Online Privacy (Life Kit) What happens after you get scammed? Can you get your money back? (Planet Money) Firewalls Don't Stop Dragons (cybersecurity and privacy podcast) Experian (credit bureau) TransUnion (credit bureau) Equifax (credit bureau) Always free at these links: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the NPR app or anywhere you get podcasts.Find more Planet Money: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Our weekly Newsletter. -
These scientists taught rats to drive tiny cars. Turns out, it's good for them
In neuroscientist Kelly Lambert's lab at the University of Richmond, rats hop into cars, rev their engines and skid across the floor of an arena. Researchers taught these tiny rodents to drive — and turns out, they really like it. But why? Host Regina G. Barber talks with Kelly about her driving rats, and what they tell us about anticipation, neuroplasticity, and decision making. Plus, why optimism might be good for rats, and for humans too. Want to hear more fun animal stories? Let us know at shortwave@npr.org — we read every email.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
