politics in the philippines today essay

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Raneem Hijazi holds her baby, Mariam, on her lap in her wheelchair, as Hijazi's mother-in-law, Soha Sakallah (standing), helps her. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption

A year since Oct. 7

A mother and baby from gaza are reunited 11 months after being separated at birth.

After an Israeli airstrike left mom-to-be Raneem Hizaji badly injured, doctors performed an emergency C-section. It took nearly a year for mom and baby to be reunited.

A year in the life of a mom and baby from Gaza

Israel strikes lebanon’s ancient city of baalbek, as tens of thousands of people flee.

People wait in line to cast their votes during in New York on October 26, 2024. Online, social media users are floating unverified and false claims about voting that can quickly go viral. Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Untangling Disinformation

Crowdsourced voting fraud claims could become grist for republican lawsuits.

People gather at a women's rights march in Chicago on the second anniversary of the Dobbs decision, the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade and struck down federal abortion protections. Scott Olson/Getty Images hide caption

Why abortion referendums are also about the economy

Pat Haskins, a 72-year-old retired school teacher, poses for a portrait in the backyard of her home in Silver Spring, Md., on Oct. 22. She had struggled to keep up with repairs as her basement flooded, a bathroom floor sagged and her disabled partner needed a ramp. Moriah Ratner/For NPR hide caption

Millions of low-cost homes are deteriorating, making the U.S. housing shortage worse

Dawn Shedrick, left, is one of roughly 106 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. Over the last 30 years, Shedrick has dealt with loneliness and isolation while caring for her mother, Nathalia Shedrick, right, who has multiple sclerosis. Eugene Richards for NPR hide caption

Your Health

Caregiving can be a tough, lonely mission. one daughter found ways to reconnect.

Pedestrians look at a statue of Donald Trump behind Gerhard Marcks' sculpture Maja , in Maja Park in Philidelphia. Caroline Gutman/The Washington Post via Getty Images hide caption

It's not just D.C.: Satirical Trump statues are appearing in cities across the U.S.

Young Thug, seen here in Los Angeles in 2021, plead guilty more than two years after being arrested and charged with participating in criminal gang activity. Michael Tullberg/Getty Images hide caption

Young Thug pleads guilty in YSL trial, will serve probation

Latest stories, 50 years on, d.r. congo commemorates boxing's 'rumble in the jungle', a hunter in alaska is found dead after being mauled by a bear.

This combination of file photos shows Vice President Harris speaking during a campaign rally in Kalamazoo, Mich., on Oct. 26, and former President Donald Trump during a rally Oct. 22 in Greensboro, N.C. AP/AP hide caption

Harris and Trump are bringing their closing arguments to 2 key Southwest swing states

With five days left until Election Day, the candidates are making a last-minute pitch to Latino voters in Arizona and Nevada — talking about border security, one of the biggest issues for the campaign.

During her pregnancy, Megan Norris struggled with addiction to fentanyl. During a relapse, she exposed herself and her fetus to the toxic animal tranquilizer xylazine, which has flooded the street drug supply in the U.S. "Xylazine is so addictive, so physically addictive, you just can't stop," Norris said. Brian Mann/NPR hide caption

Pregnant women and babies face 'terrifying' threat from xylazine addiction

In parts of the U.S., more than half of pregnant women facing severe addiction are also exposed toxic to the toxic animal tranquilizer xylazine, a threat to them, their fetuses and newborns.

Shaun Flores, Sarah Jaley, Michael — a teacher who requested NPR not share his last name for medical privacy, and Elizabeth Vossen talk about how OCD impacts their lives. NPR hide caption

This is what it’s really like to have OCD, according to 4 people living with it

OCD is often misunderstood. Here’s what it’s like, from people who live with it.

During OCD Awareness Month, a look at different forms of OCD

Toby, an orphaned four-year-old Alaskan coastal brown bear, stands and looks out over the compound at the Fortress of the Bear Center in Sitka, Alaska, on Aug. 1, 2013. Charles Rex Arbogast/AP hide caption

The 50-year-old had been reported overdue from a deer hunting trip. At least 30,000 brown bears are estimated to be in Alaska and mainly live along the southern coast.

Rosy-faced lovebirds ( Agapornis roseicollis ) are small parrots that are common and colorful household pets. Parrots such as these use unique yellow and red pigments whose expression researchers now show can be modulated through the action of a single enzyme. Pedro Araujo hide caption

How parrot plumage gets its dazzling reds and yellows

Parrots are unique among birds in how they produce the pigmentation that makes their vibrant feathering. It turns out a single enzyme calibrates the reds and yellows of a parrot’s brilliance.

How the parrot got its colors

Three images posted by the group Progress 28 on Facebook claiming to be ads for Kamala Harris, but misrepresenting her current   positions. Progress 2028 via Meta's Ad Library/Screenshot by NPR hide caption

An Elon Musk-backed political group is posting fake Kamala Harris ads on Facebook

Ads seemingly advocating for Vice President Harris on Facebook are really part of an effort by a dark money group to mislead voters. The messages have been viewed millions of times.

Starbucks has hired a new CEO to turn around sales declines. Matt Rourke/AP hide caption

Starbucks hopes faster drinks, fewer upcharges and nicer mugs bring people back

Shoppers complain that Starbucks isn't fancy enough — but they also say it's too expensive. The new CEO, Brian Niccol, is ordering up big changes.

STARBUCKS BACK TO STARBUCKS

GWAR: Tiny Desk Concert

Chelsea Wolfe: Tiny Desk Concert

Omara Portuondo: Tiny Desk Concert

Sylo: Tiny Desk Concert

Pixies: Tiny Desk Concert

The Breeders: Tiny Desk Concert

Dua Lipa: Tiny Desk Concert

The Baylor Project: Tiny Desk Concert

Kamasi Washington: Tiny Desk Concert

Audrey Nuna: Tiny Desk Concert

John Holiday: Tiny Desk Concert

Common freestyles over Toto's 'Africa' at the Aspen Ideas Festival

Sheila E.: Tiny Desk Concert

The Marías: Tiny Desk Concert

Eladio Carrión: Tiny Desk Concert

Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso: Tiny Desk Concert

Rita Payés: Tiny Desk Concert

Fabiola Méndez: Tiny Desk Concert

Ivan Cornejo: Tiny Desk Concert

OKAN: Tiny Desk Concert

Daniel, Me Estás Matando: Tiny Desk Concert

Danny Ocean: Tiny Desk Concert

Juanes: Tiny Desk Concert

Remi Wolf: Tiny Desk Concert

Mdou Moctar: Tiny Desk Concert

Hurray for the Riff Raff sings in a sage-filled meadow at the Aspen Ideas Festival

Chris Thile shreds Bach on mandolin at the Aspen Ideas Festival

Jonathan Scales' steelpans blaze at the Aspen Ideas Festival

Son Little's songs radiate outdoors at the Aspen Ideas Festival

Pygmy Lush: Tiny Desk Concert

Lainey Wilson: Tiny Desk Concert

Maxwell: Tiny Desk Concert

Katy Kirby: Tiny Desk Concert

Keyon Harrold: Tiny Desk Concert

Sierra Ferrell: Tiny Desk Concert

Chucho Valdés: Tiny Desk Concert

Devo: Tiny Desk Concert

Milton Nascimento & esperanza spalding: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

Alana Springsteen: Tiny Desk Concert

The LOX: Tiny Desk Concert

Kehlani: Tiny Desk Concert

Tiny Desk Premiere: Shae Universe

Ryan Leslie: Tiny Desk Concert

Feist: Tiny Desk Concert

Norah Jones: Tiny Desk Concert

Álvaro Díaz: Tiny Desk Concert

Phish: Tiny Desk Concert

Nathy Peluso: Tiny Desk Concert

Puny humans of Earth, the Scumdogs of the Universe are here to celebrate your so-called "Halloween" with such holiday hits as "Sex Cow" and "I'll Be Your Monster."

People look at a board in Kinshasa on October 30, 1974 announcing the fight between US boxing heavyweight champions, Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Clay) and George Foreman. On October 30, 1974 Muhammad Ali knocked out George Foreman in a clash of titans known as the "Rumble in the Jungle", watched by 60 000 people in the stadium in Kinshasa and millions elsewhere -/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

The historic fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman is still revered as a cherished moment in the central African country's troubled history and has spurred an enduring love of boxing.

RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE

tk Obed Manuel/NPR hide caption

We, The Voters

A civil war battlefield gives perspective on our modern divide.

The most famous battle of the Civil War took place just outside of Gettysburg. Morning Edition stopped by the historic site to hear about the cautionary tale as the election cycle nears its end.

While in Pennsylvania for election stories, 'Morning Edition' stopped by Gettysburg

Freddie Freeman had a breakout World Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers including a walk-off grand slam to end game 1 in the tenth inning against the New York Yankees during Game One of the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium last Friday in Los Angeles, Calif. Harry How/Getty Images hide caption

After setting a home-run record, the Dodgers' Freddie Freeman named World Series MVP

The Dodgers' first baseman was already a hero after Game 1, which ended with his historic walk-off grand slam. But his heroics didn't stop there.

Former California Governor and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger arrives for a ceremony to receive a honorary doctorate by the Hertie School, a university of governance, in Berlin, on Sept. 17. Markus Schreiber/AP hide caption

Arnold Schwarzenegger has endorsed Kamala Harris for president

Schwarzenegger served as the governor of California from 2003 to 2011. He said he is frustrated with both parties, and does not trust either, but felt compelled to speak out.

This file photo shows bottles of abortion pills mifepristone, left, and misoprostol, right, displayed at a clinic on Sept. 22, 2010. Charlie Neibergall/AP hide caption

Reproductive rights groups sue Louisiana over controlled substances law

A group of health care providers and two Louisiana women who were denied abortion care are suing state officials to block a new law that makes common pregnancy medications controlled dangerous substances.

Hershey Co. is introducing more non-chocolate candies to its lineup as costly chocolate candy curbs the company's sales revenue. Chris O'Meara/AP hide caption

Why you’re seeing scary-high chocolate candy prices this Halloween

Don't be surprised if you see fewer chocolate treats in your trick-or-treating loot. Customers are souring on costly chocolate, resulting from a few disappointing cocoa crop years.

In 1973's The Wicker Man , British policeman (Edward Woodward) visits a remote Scottish island to find that the locals have embraced a form of paganism. Archive Photos/Getty Images hide caption

Pop Culture Happy Hour

This horror genre is scary as folk – and perfect october viewing.

Stephen King's first novel, Carrie, turns 50 years old on Friday, and in honor of her birthday we asked you to share your favorite King stories with us. Above, Sissy Spacek stars in the 1976 film adaptation. Pictorial Press Ltd/Alamy Stock Photo hide caption

Stephen King's first novel, Carrie, turns 50 years old on Friday, and in honor of her birthday we asked you to share your favorite King stories with us. Above, Sissy Spacek stars in the 1976 film adaptation.

Books You Love

For halloween, here are the best stephen king novels — chosen by you.

Click if you dare: 100 favorite horror stories

A person wears a shirt in support of Amendment 3, a ballot initiative that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Florida. North and South Dakota are also voting on whether to legalize the drug. Rebecca Blackwell/AP hide caption

Three takeaways from crime ballot measures around the country

Voters will decide on a slew of criminal justice ballot measures this election. Legalizing some drugs, increasing penalties for others and boosting police pay are among the proposed changes.

What’s on the ballot? Drugs, police funding and getting tough on crime

‘Witches marks’ and curses found carved into the walls of historic England manor

About 20 carvings in “a wide range of designs” including some meant to trap demons or to seek help from the Virgin Mary have been found at Gainsborough Old Hall in Lincolnshire, England.

Brian taps in the code for fentanyl test strips. Anyone can get these for free. Clients must register to receive drug-use supplies like needles and pipes. The machine is cooled and heated to preserve medications, like Narcan. Martha Bebinger/WBUR hide caption

These vending machines are stocked with needles and Narcan to help stop overdose deaths

Groups trying to reduce overdose deaths are replacing chips and soda in vending machines with sterile needles, pipes, wound care kits, Narcan and fentanyl test strips.

Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell as Kate and Hal Wyler. Netflix/‎‎‎ hide caption

Keri Russell returns as 'The Diplomat,' which is just as savvy in Season 2

Netflix’s The Diplomat rides a compelling line between serving up hefty slices of political and emotional drama.

Review: The Diplomat

Cardiologist Dr. Yamini Levitzky talks with a patient at her Newton clinic. Robin Lubbock/WBUR hide caption

South Asians can be at higher risk for heart disease. These doctors are pushing to change that

South Asians are twice as likely to get heart disease as people of European ancestry. And they’re more likely to die of problems such as heart attacks at younger ages.

Michou Olivera displays a psilocybin mushroom she grew in her home office. Walter Wuthmann/WBUR hide caption

Voters could soon make Massachusetts the 3rd state to legalize natural psychedelics

The push to legalize plant-based psychedelics in Massachusetts for people 21 and older isn't a sure thing despite success in Colorado and Oregon over the past few years.

People walk through flooded streets in Valencia, Spain on Wednesday. Alberto Saiz/AP hide caption

Unprecedented flooding in Spain kills at least 158 people

Crews in Spain searched for bodies in stranded cars and sodden buildings as people tried to salvage what they could from homes following monstrous flash floods.

Spain flooding: Photos show the devastation in Valencia

Jeff Gaeth votes April 2 at Yellow Rock Barn in Kansas City, Mo. Charlie Riedel/AP hide caption

Out-of-state money fuels Midwest campaigns on gambling and abortion, but voters will decide

Gambling companies are funding campaigns for sports betting, and reproductive rights advocates — including some celebrities — are supporting initiatives to expand abortion access.

Visitors walk near a wire fence decorated with ribbons written with messages wishing for the reunification of the two Koreas at the Imjingak Pavilion in Paju, South Korea on Thursday. Lee Jin-man/AP hide caption

North Korea launches new intercontinental ballistic missile designed to threaten U.S.

North Korea confirmed the launch hours after its neighbors detected the firing of what they suspected was a new weapon.

A crowd chants "Stop the count!" and pounds on the windows and doors after partisan election challengers were told that the capacity for election challengers had been met in the counting facility at what was then Detroit's TCF Center on Nov. 4, 2020. Elaine Cromie/Getty Images hide caption

2024 Election

After a chaotic vote count in 2020, here's what detroit will do differently this year.

Four years ago, Trump supporters, motivated in part by false election fraud claims, loudly protested at a Detroit counting facility. Election officials are determined to avoid a repeat of the chaos.

DETROIT ELECTION SECURITY

A ballot drop box in at the Fishers Landing Transit Center in Vancouver, Wash., was set ablaze early Monday morning, destroying hundreds of ballots. Erik Neuman/OPB hide caption

Portland police say ballot box arsonist has ‘wealth of experience’ with welding

Police believe the suspect in Monday's attack on ballot drop boxes in Portland, Ore., and Vancouver, Wash., is a white male who is 30 to 40 years old.

Dear Life Kit: Is it a faux pas to create a 'happy graduation' registry for myself?

An NPR listener is graduating soon with her MBA. She wants to know if it's OK to celebrate her achievement by asking loved ones to buy her gifts from a registry, similar to what people do for weddings.

Dear Life Kit: I need a gut check for a sticky situation

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump shake hands during their debate on Sept. 10. Whoever wins the election could shape the Supreme Court for years. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

What could happen at the Supreme Court under Harris and Trump

Depending on who wins the presidential election and the Senate, the conservative supermajority could remain the same, be trimmed or expand to an even larger and more lopsided conservative majority.

Amplify With Lara Downes

Opera star denyce graves’ global compassion in red, white and blue.

Whether she’s singing in the world’s great opera houses, the White House or in prisons, the celebrated mezzo-soprano and U.S. Global Music Ambassador understands how music can move people.

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Red 3 has been banned for use in cosmetics and topical drugs since 1990. Why is it still in our food?

Contaminated food from McDonald’s, Boar’s Head, and more is making Americans sick.

How much worse could it get if Trump loses?

Even if Kennedy can’t get Senate confirmation, he could still wield vast influence if Trump wins.

The latest attempt to find love in the pods was good for Netflix, but bad for everyone else involved.

Nervous about the election? Try these tips to stay calm.

My faith gave me my moral values. I want my child to have those — without all the stuff I don’t believe in.

It’s normal to worry about who will care for you, but with a little advance planning, child-free seniors can thrive.

Tech companies are the “absolute monarchs” of our day, according to anti-monopolist Barry Lynn.

This is the title for the native ad

Your AI-powered iPhone comes with a questionable carbon footprint.

Some election deniers are now election officials. That has caused concern.

Let’s not forget Trump’s decades of documented sexual misconduct.

Only one presidential candidate is pledging to treat Americans who vote against him as enemies.

The US has warned Israel against restricting aid but has also failed to stop the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

What happens if another pandemic strikes — and Trump is president?

Why won’t the US join the most important treaty to protect the natural world?

This is the latest in a string of favors this Court has done for the Republican Party.

The election is so close that third-party candidates could make the difference.

Lessons for Americans from Germany’s imperfect experiment.

It’s not just a quip. It’s a culture.