NPR News

Contact tracing is the public health tool that keeps diseases contained. Health workers reach out to those individuals who were exposed to someone who has a contagious disease to monitor their health and to prevent further spread.

Contact tracing could be key in halting the spread of hantavirus. Here's how it works

Ari Daniel

More than two dozen passengers left the cruise ship before the outbreak was identified. The race is on to connect with them to monitor their health — and the health of those they've interacted with.

Carol Boigon at home in Denver on Jan 13. To combat vaccine misinformation, Carol joined an outreach coalition and is publicly sharing her story about being hospitalized with polio when she was 5. She never recovered full function in her right arm.

As federal government pulls back, Colorado charts independent course with vaccines

John Daley

As state leaders change laws to make vaccines more accessible, a coalition of doctors, public health advocates and everyday Coloradans is trying to start a public conversation about their importance.

Kieron Moore plays a fetish camboy in the new Blue Film.

'Blue Film' is a disquieting sit for both characters and audience

Bob Mondello

Blue Film is clearly designed to be unsettling. Its performances are haunting.

Signs are seen during the Virginia redistricting referendum on April 21 in Fairfax, Va.

Court rejects Virginia redistricting in a blow to Democrats' counter to Trump, GOP

Larry Kaplow

Virginia voters approved redistricting that could help Democrats pick up four House seats. Democrats said it was to counter the gains that Trump and the GOP have picked up in Republican-led states.

In Silent Friend, Hannes (Enzo Brumm) is profoundly transformed while caring for a plant.

Rooted in nature, 'Silent Friend' will change the way you see the trees

Justin Chang

A new art-house drama tells three stories that span the century — and connect to one tree. Silent Friend will open your eyes to the beauty of the natural world.

In this picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency on May 4, 2026, vessels are pictured anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas in southern Iran.

U.S. intercepts Iranian attacks on 3 ships. And, what to know about hantavirus

Brittney Melton

The U.S. says it intercepted Iranian attacks yesterday targeting three Navy ships. And, what to know about the hantavirus outbreak that started on a cruise ship.

Cargo ships, including bulk carriers and general cargo vessels, sit at anchor offshore as a small motorboat passes in the foreground, in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran, on May 4.

The U.S. fires on 2 Iranian tankers trying to evade its blockade in Gulf of Oman

The Associated Press

The U.S. military said its forces had fired upon and disabled two more Iranian tankers that were trying to breach an American blockade of Iran's ports, in the latest blows to a shaky ceasefire.

Soldiers of the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division build fighting positions along the beach of the La Paz sand dunes in Laoag City, Philippines, ahead of counterlanding exercises during annual Balikatan drills.

Military drills on the edge: U.S. and allies test capabilities near Asia's flash points

Anthony Kuhn

From drone boats to long-range missiles, the U.S. and its allies tested new military tactics in the Philippines, sharpening deterrence as tensions with China intensify.

A Society of American Florists survey found that many florists are "leaning into value-focused offerings," including cheaper grab-and-go bouquets and smaller arrangements.

Prices are up, but Mother's Day still means brunch

Alina Selyukh, Scott Horsley

It's the biggest day for America's restaurants, and one of the biggest for flower sales. Despite anxieties over rising gas prices, people are ready to splurge to celebrate.

Health workers in protective gear arrive to evacuate patients from the MV Hondius cruise ship at a port in Praia, Cape Verde, Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Spain readies for evacuations as a hantavirus-hit cruise ship heads for Canary Islands

The Associated Press

Spanish authorities are preparing to receive more than 140 passengers and crew members on board a hantavirus-stricken cruise ship headed for the Canary Islands.