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Technicians from SunPower Corp., brave the extreme heat as they install solar panels on a residence's roof in Pasadena, Calif., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

As extreme heat threatens workers’ health, California legislators, activists push for nationwide protections

During heatwaves, farmworkers are faced with a difficult choice: Keep working in the heat and risk their health, or stop working, which often means a pay cut they can’t afford.

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 are ticking up. But even if illnesses keep rising, it appears unlikely that they will hit previous summer peaks.

The CDC sees signs of a late summer COVID wave

In July, coronavirus infections, hospitalizations and emergency room visits have inched up. Recent summers have seen a bump in COVID-19. This year's rise looks modest so far.

As the planet heats up, Greenland's ice sheet is pouring more meltwater into the Atlantic. Scientists are tracking whether this could cause a collapse in a crucial ocean current.

Why it's so important to figure out when a vital Atlantic Ocean current might collapse

Scientists know a current in the Atlantic Ocean could collapse suddenly as the climate changes. The question of when matters to billions of people around the globe.

People stand in line waiting to enter Trader Joe's to buy groceries in Pembroke Pines, Fla., on March 24, 2020.

Trader Joe's recalls its frozen falafel for possibly having rocks in it

Trader Joe's said its falafel could have rocks in it. It issued recalls recently for two types of cookies for the same reason. It's also recalling broccoli cheddar soup that may contain insects.

Vichitra Rajasingh had 80 Barbies as a kid. Living in a small town at a time when there wasn't much entertainment, she says Barbie was a source of limitless imagination. At the bakery she now runs, she bakes about half-a-dozen Barbie cakes a week. She says the dolls remind her of her grandmother, who passed away at age 87 in January and who used to surprise her by sewing outfits for her dolls.

Barbie in India: A skin color debate, a poignant poem, baked in a cake

The doll is quite popular.One bakery sells half-a-dozen Barbie cakes a week! But like Barbies everywhere, she is controversial because of skin tone and the fact that not every kid can afford her.

Carlee Russell, the Alabama nursing student who said she was kidnapped, was charged with two misdemeanors in connection with the hoax, Hoover police announced Friday.

Carlee Russell is charged with kidnapping hoax

It remains unclear why the 25-year-old Alabama nursing student fabricated a story of a stranded toddler and why she went missing for two days.

A summer of extreme heat is raising alarms of health risks. Here, a child plays in a waterfall feature at Yards Park in Washington, D.C., on June 26.

Here's how you can help kids stay healthy if they play outside in a heat wave

Little kids are like a "small potato" whose core can heat up faster than an adult's, an expert tells NPR. Here are tips for helping children stay safe in extreme temperatures.

Nash Bennett

Nash Bennett is an assistant producer for the Jefferson Exchange and JPR weekend host. He is currently a sophomore at Southern Oregon University, majoring in digital cinema with a focus in journalism. He grew up on a farm in the rural Willamette Valley and moved to Ashland for school in 2021. In his free time he loves playing guitar, reading comic books and thrifting.

The cast of <em>Ted Lasso</em> pose during the 73rd Emmy Awards in 2021.

The 75th Emmy Awards show has been postponed

The ceremony, scheduled for Sept. 18, has been cancelled due to the writers and actors' strikes. This year's nominees include Succession and Ted Lasso.

In-N-Out is barring employees in five states from wearing masks unless they have a doctor's note, according to internal company emails leaked on social media last week. An In-N-Out Burger signs is seen on June 8, 2010, in Baldwin Park, Calif.

California forbids plans to unmask workers at In-N-Out — and most other workplaces

The iconic California burger joint known for its crossed palm trees and cups printed with Bible verses banned its employees in five states from wearing masks at work. But California and Oregon allow workers to decide for themselves.

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