Mary Lou Retton performs on the balance beam in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Last week, she said she couldn't afford health insurance and owes big hospital bills after a serious illness. Bettmann Archive/Getty Images hide caption
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A memorial for those who have died on the Golden Gate Bridge covers a fence at Fort Point in San Francisco on Jan. 8, 2024. Beth LaBerge/KQED hide caption
After decades of advocacy, suicide deterrent finally comes to the Golden Gate Bridge
Michael Strahan and his daughters Sophia Strahan, left, and Isabella Strahan are photographed at the Kids' Choice Sports Awards in 2019 in Santa Monica, Calif. Isabella, 19, has a rare form of brain cancer. Richard Shotwell/Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP hide caption
As the war between Hamas and Israel continues, Palestinian women and girls are often unable to find needed menstrual products — and even running water and toilets. Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images hide caption
Another layer of misery: Women in Gaza struggle to find menstrual pads, running water
Joslyn Herrera helps clients struggling with addiction find services at the Santa Fe Recovery Center. Herrera spent her teenage years struggling with opioid addiction, and says her many stints in juvenile detention did nothing to help her recovery. Megan Myscofski/KUNM hide caption
Health advocates criticize New Mexico governor for increasing juvenile detention
Newer blood tests can help doctors diagnose Alzheimer's disease without a brain scan or spinal tap. But some tests are more accurate than others. Tek Image/Science Photo Library/Getty Images hide caption
Blood tests can help diagnose Alzheimer's — if they're accurate enough. Not all are
Hospitals in rural America face a dire financial forecast. The government has an incentive plan to help them keep their emergency departments open, while shutting their inpatient services. Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption
Researchers from Columbia University and Rutgers University found roughly 240,000 detectable plastic fragments in a typical liter of bottled water. Jody Amiet/AFP via Getty Images hide caption
Pope Francis distributes sweets to children during the weekly general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican on Jan. 3. Filippo Monteforte/AFP via Getty images hide caption
Tuyishimire Primitiva, phlebotomist with the American Red Cross, draws whole blood from Teresa McLeland at the American Red Cross on April 12, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. Michael Swensen/Getty Images hide caption
Annie Liontas is a professor of writing at George Washington University. Their previous book is Let Me Explain You. Simon & Schuster hide caption
'Sex With a Brain Injury' reveals how concussions can test relationships
For patients with long COVID, exercise can lead to a worsening of symptoms, a condition called post-exertional malaise. New research shows what's going on in their muscles. Erik Isakson/Getty Images/Tetra images RF hide caption
A discovery in the muscles of long COVID patients may explain exercise troubles
A woman carries a bag containing rice donated by the United States Agency for International Development, as she walks through a market in Haiti. There's a debate on Capitol Hill as the Farm Bill comes up for renewal: Is it better to send food grown by U.S. farms to countries in need or to turn to local growers. Lynne Sladky/AP hide caption
Does it matter what time you go to bed? Sleep scientist Rebecca Robbins identifies commonly held beliefs about sleep — and debunks misconceptions. Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption
Veronica and Roger. Roger Lynn hide caption
A student at Professor Lourdes Heredia Mello Municipal School in São Paulo enjoys an apple for dessert after lunch. Brazil's school lunch program, enshrined in its constitution, is a pillar of the country's anti-poverty efforts. Tuane Fernandes for NPR hide caption
One common stumbling block to sticking with a New Year's resolution is setting an unrealistic goal. Westend61/Getty Images hide caption
Don't let your resolutions wash away. Tips to turn a slow start into progress
Medicare, the federal insurance program for older Americans expanded mental health benefits at the beginning of the year. But are the changes enough to help a growing mental health gap? muratdeniz/Getty Images hide caption
Five U.S. cities which imposed taxes on sugary drinks saw prices rise and sales fall by 33%, according to a new study. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption