Director Karyn Kusama has a history of films where women fight back. But Destroyer, despite its transformation of Nicole Kidman, fails to develop a compelling story to support that transformation.
‘On The Basis Of Sex’ And ‘Vice’: 2 Biopics — 1 Bathed In Light, 1 Steeped In Shadow
What’s your preference: hagiography or demonization? A biopic about Ruth Bader Ginsburg is blandly positive, while another about Dick Cheney offers an extended, if entertaining, screed.
President Trump To 7-Year-Old: ‘Are You Still A Believer In Santa?’
The president relishes speaking off the cuff but on Christmas Eve it may have led to a regretful blunder when he insinuated a girl was too old to believe Santa is real.
8-Year-Old Migrant Boy Dies In Government Custody In New Mexico Hospital
The Guatemalan child died after midnight on Tuesday in Alamogordo, N.M. He’s the second child to die in U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody this month.
In Bethlehem, ‘Baba Noel’ Delivers Christmas Gifts To Palestinian Children
In the Holy Land, Santa doesn’t come down the chimney or wait till kids are asleep to deliver presents. “Baba Noel” or Father Christmas hops out of a red van and makes house calls while they’re awake.
Pope Francis Calls For Fraternity In Christmas Day Address
The pope, an outspoken advocate for refugees and migrants, urged the international community to set aside its differences and turn its attention to crises around the world.
More Than 40 Dead After Attack At Government Compound In Afghanistan
No militant group has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing and hours-long standoff with police in Kabul on Monday. Most of the people who died were government employees.
Mail-Order Pies: An Expensive Slice Of Nostalgia For Which Many Will Pay
It can cost more to ship a pie than the price of the pie itself, and causes bakers a lot of headaches. So why does business boom over the holidays? Well, that’s personal.
A Policy Knot Leaves Oklahomans From Marshall Islands Struggling To Get Health Care
Their former homeland was a U.S. testing site for nuclear bombs, but they can’t get Medicare or Medicaid in Oklahoma. A resident of Enid, Okla., who was born in the islands is trying to change that.
After Other Options Fail, A Family Tries Medical Marijuana For Son With Autism
Rhode Island is among a growing number of states allowing children with autism to be treated with medical marijuana. The benefits are unproved and the full extent of the risks are unknown.
Actor Kevin Spacey Faces Felony Charges For Alleged Sexual Assault
Last year, a former Massachusetts news anchor accused Spacey of assaulting her teenage son in 2016. Spacey’s arraignment is scheduled for next month at the Nantucket District Court.
For Evangelicals, A Year Of Reckoning On Sexual Sin And Support For Donald Trump
Evangelicals in 2018 had to defend their views on sexual sin, given their willingness to overlook Donald Trump’s infidelity and reports of sexual misconduct by their own pastors.
How Houses Themselves Become Fuel For Wildfires
Wildfires destroyed thousands of homes across California this year. Fire scientists are discovering that most homes burn down from blowing embers, sometimes long after the the fire has passed.
As Partial Shutdown Continues, FDA Prepares To Furlough Employees
About 40 percent of the Food and Drug Administration employees will go on unpaid leave starting Wednesday. The remaining staffers will respond to emergencies and continue work funded by user fees.
Argentine Radio Host Will Avoid Criminal Prosecution By Discussing Gender Issues
Angel Etchecopar, commonly known by his nickname “Baby Etchecopar,” was charged with sexist discrimination. Now, he must host experts on gender — and let guests speak uninterrupted.
Violence Against Women Act Expires Because Of Government Shutdown
Lawmakers planned to extend the law, but it expired on Friday. Payment requests from VAWA-funded programs will be delayed until the law is reauthorized, but grants already given will not be affected.
I Gave A Spur-Of-The-Moment Christmas Gift — And Asked Myself A Hard Question
I had gone home to rural Zimbabwe for the holiday. In the village shop, two skinny young boys came in to buy cooking oil and bread. They hoped to use any leftover change to buy treats.
‘We Will Curse Them As Traitors’: Syrian Kurds React To U.S. Troop Withdrawal Plan
After President Trump’s decision to pull out U.S. troops, residents of northeastern Syria tell NPR they feel betrayed. Syrians, led by Kurdish fighters, have lost thousands in the fight against ISIS.
Rerouted Cruise Ship Rescues 2 Fishermen Stranded In The Caribbean
The Empress of the Seas was headed for Cuba, but changed its course for Jamaica due to weather. That’s how it ended up in the path of two fishermen from Costa Rica who had been adrift for 20 days.
Pakistan’s Ex-Prime Minister Sharif Sentenced To 7 Years In Latest Corruption Case
Nawaz Sharif, who was removed from office over a separate corruption case last year, claims that the charges against him are politically motivated.
To Save Their Endangered Language, 2 Cherokee Brothers Learn As They Teach
Jakeli and Micah Swimmer aren’t fluent in their native Cherokee dialect, but it’s an important part of their identity. “If we’re not speaking Cherokee, then what are we?” Jakeli asks.
If You Feel Thankful, Write It Down. It’s Good For Your Health
A growing body of research shows keeping a log of what you are thankful for can lower stress, help you sleep better, and may even reduce the risk of heart disease. But it’s not for everyone.
Bad Vibes: How Hits To The Head Are Transferred To The Brain
A question about heading soccer balls inspired a series of experiments to understand how the brain changes shape when someone’s head takes a hit.
Zoox Inc. Snags First California Permit To Transport Passengers In Self-Driving Cars
The Silicon Valley-based company will offer ride services in its autonomous vehicles, with the supervision of a certified driver. One catch: it’s not allowed to charge money.
How The Partial Government Shutdown Could Affect You
Mail service and Social Security checks won’t be interrupted, but national parks and small business loans will see some temporary changes.
After The Loss Of A Loved One, Your Holiday Traditions Change But Hope Endures
Grief can be amplified this time of year, whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah. Honoring the memory of late family members helps many NPR listeners and readers process their heartache.
Trump Says Jim Mattis Will Leave By Jan. 1, Announces Acting Defense Secretary
Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan will assume Mattis’ duties starting in the new year. Trump had previously said Mattis would step down at the end of February.
After Years In Refugee Camps, A Family Celebrates Its First Christmas In The U.S.
With the help of American volunteers, a family of refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo is celebrating Christmas for the first time in the U.S.
Sorrel: The Ruby-Red Caribbean Christmas Drink Flavored With Black History
This festive punch, made from hibiscus, is the taste of the holidays throughout the islands. It is also a close cousin to African-American “red drink,” described as “liquid soul.”
Death Toll Rises, Hundreds Dead After Tsunami Hits Indonesia
Officials say the tsunami was triggered by underwater landslides caused by volcanic activity on the island of Anak Krakatau.
How Helping Patients Get Good Care At Home Helps Rural Hospitals Survive
Hospitals are now financially rewarded by insurers for safety and efficacy — which often results in patients spending less time as inpatients.
6 Fearless Women Who Were An Inspiration In 2018
They broke taboos and stereotypes around the world. They include the co-recipient of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, a disability activist — and a 101-year-old runner.
For Madoff Victims, Scars Remain 10 Years Later
Two of Bernie Madoff’s victims share how their lives were affected by the Ponzi scheme that imploded ten years ago. They recovered much of what they invested, but were still harmed by the scam.
In ‘Never Too Late,’ Finally, A Guide For Adults Going To College
There are hundreds of books about picking the best college. But let’s face it: Most of them are written for high schoolers. A new book offers a roadmap for older students.
U.S. Envoy To The Coalition Against ISIS Resigns Over Trump’s Syria Policy
Brett McGurk’s decision to accelerate his departure from the Trump administration comes on the heels of Secretary of Defense James Mattis’ resignation earlier this week.
Trump Administration Warns Palestinian Aid Recipients That Funds May Soon Be Cut
The U.S. Agency for International Development told grant recipients by email Saturday to start planning for the possibility that their funding could end by January 31.