Winter Olympics 2026: Your Questions Drive Our Coverage

NPR is preparing to dispatch a team of journalists to Italy for the upcoming Winter Olympics, with plans to reside in Milan throughout much of February. This dedicated team will provide extensive coverage of numerous athletic disciplines, profiling countless participants and delving into a myriad of compelling narratives, both prominent and subtle, across various media platforms.

As preparations intensify for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the NPR team is eager to engage with its audience, seeking to understand what aspects of the Games spark the most curiosity. While technical inquiries regarding the physics and intricacies of winter sports are certainly welcome, the team expresses a particular interest in questions that explore the broader experience of attending the Olympics. This includes perspectives on the spectator journey, as well as the practical, behind-the-scenes realities of navigating the event, managing daily needs, and meeting reporting deadlines amidst the dynamic environment of the Games.

The public is encouraged to submit their questions by a specified deadline. The NPR Olympics team, composed of Rachel Treisman, Becky Sullivan, Brian Mann, Pien Huang, and Eric Whitney, is committed to addressing as many of these inquiries as possible during their time on-site. Contributors are requested to provide their names and locations, with the possibility of direct follow-up. Regardless, these submitted questions will be instrumental in guiding the team's story ideas and journalistic approaches, ensuring comprehensive and audience-driven coverage. Audiences can follow the extensive reporting on npr.org, through on-air broadcasts, across social media channels, and by subscribing to the exclusive Olympics newsletter, 'Rachel Goes to the Games.'

The Olympic Games represent a global celebration of human achievement, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. Through shared stories and experiences, these events inspire us to overcome challenges, foster international understanding, and remind us of the extraordinary potential within each individual and the collective spirit of humanity.

College Football Playoff Semifinals: A New Era of Competition

The college football playoff semifinals commence with Mississippi facing Miami in the Fiesta Bowl, followed by top-ranked Indiana against Oregon in the Peach Bowl. This season marks a significant shift, with traditional powerhouses absent and new contenders vying for their first national titles, reflecting the impact of recent rule changes on player transfers and team dynamics.

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ICE Shooting Aftermath, Venezuela Tanker Seizure, and New Dietary Guidelines Spark Debate

A deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis fuels community outrage as a witness's account contradicts official claims of self-defense. Meanwhile, the U.S. seizes a Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela, signaling a new strategic move in the region's oil industry. Concurrently, new dietary guidelines unveiled by Health Secretary RFK Jr. prioritize whole foods and healthy fats, sparking controversy among nutrition experts for contradicting established research on chronic disease prevention.

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Debunking Common Health Misconceptions for Women

This article addresses five widespread myths about women's health, offering expert insights to clarify misconceptions surrounding breast cancer prevention, exercise routines, menopause experiences, menstrual cycle-based workouts, and the perception of heart disease risk in women. It highlights the importance of individualized screening, balanced fitness approaches, a positive outlook on menopausal changes, and accurate understanding of cardiovascular health.

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Winter Chaos Grips Europe: Flights Halted, Roads Paralyzed by Snow and Ice

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Legislative Focus: Health Subsidies and Foreign Policy Debates in Congress

The House of Representatives is poised to vote on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, a move that defies Speaker Mike Johnson's stance but is gaining momentum with bipartisan Senate negotiations. Simultaneously, Congress grapples with U.S. foreign policy direction following presidential actions in Venezuela, highlighted by a Senate vote on military engagement.

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Steny Hoyer Announces Retirement from Congress

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US Population Growth Slows Amid Immigration Policies and Declining Birth Rates

New projections indicate a significant slowdown in US population growth over the next decade, with forecasts revised downward by 7 million people. This deceleration is primarily attributed to stricter immigration policies implemented by the current administration and a persistent decline in national birth rates. Experts warn that without immigration, the population could begin to contract by 2030, highlighting the critical role of foreign-born individuals in maintaining demographic vitality and economic stability.

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The End of an Era: How Baker & Taylor's Closure Impacts Public Libraries

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The Cartographic Illusion: Greenland's True Size and Map Distortions

This article explores how common map projections, particularly the Mercator projection, dramatically misrepresent the actual size of landmasses like Greenland. It highlights the historical context of map-making, the challenges of depicting a spherical Earth on a flat surface, and the ongoing efforts to adopt more accurate cartographic representations. The discussion also touches upon the strategic importance of Greenland and how map inaccuracies can shape our perception of global geography.

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RFK Jr.'s New Food Pyramid Prioritizes Meat, Cheese, and Vegetables

view RFK Jr.'s New Food Pyramid Prioritizes Meat, Cheese, and Vegetables

U.S. Officials Outline 'Three-Fold Process' for Venezuela's Future

U.S. officials Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth presented senators with a comprehensive three-phase plan for Venezuela's future, encompassing 'stabilization,' 'recovery,' and 'transition.' This strategy aims to prevent chaos, re-establish fair market access, and foster national reconciliation, with a focus on redirecting oil profits to benefit the Venezuelan populace rather than the previous regime.

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Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery: A Year of Challenges and Hope

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Navigating Difficult Conversations with Elderly Drivers: A Call for Shared Experiences

As the population of older drivers grows, concerns about road safety and the preservation of independence for seniors are increasingly prevalent. This article invites individuals to share their personal stories and strategies for addressing the sensitive issue of diminished driving abilities in elderly family members, aiming to foster a deeper understanding and facilitate constructive dialogue around this challenging topic. Your experiences will help inform future discussions on this critical societal matter.

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A Majestic Sequoia: Paris's Hidden Giant

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A Movement Initiative for 2026: Stepping Away from Screens

This article outlines a two-week "Body Electric" movement challenge, encouraging individuals to incorporate five-minute movement breaks every 30 minutes throughout their day. Drawing on research from Columbia University Medical Center, the challenge aims to counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting, such as decreased mood and focus, and elevated glucose and blood pressure levels. The program provides actionable steps and emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals, tracking progress, varying activities, and finding accountability partners.

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Will Global Oil Abundance Deter Investment in Venezuelan Reserves?

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The Fascinating Journey of Serendipity: Beyond Mere Coincidence

The term "serendipity," coined in the 18th century, refers to the discovery of valuable or agreeable things not actively sought. Far from being simple luck, its history reveals a blend of chance and human perception, evident in breakthroughs like penicillin and the microwave. Researchers suggest that cultivating curiosity and allowing for unstructured time can increase opportunities for serendipitous moments, transforming unexpected findings into significant discoveries. This exploration delves into the word's origins, its evolution, and practical ways to foster more "accidental sagacity" in our lives.

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A Life of Resilience and Historic Witness: Celebrating Edith Renfrow Smith's Legacy

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Economic Forecasts for 2026: A Mixed Outlook

Predicting the future of the economy is notoriously difficult, with past forecasts often missing the mark significantly. This article examines various predictions for the U.S. economy in 2026 from prominent financial institutions and publications, revealing a spectrum of expectations. While many anticipate continued moderate growth, a recurring theme is the concern over a 'K-shaped' recovery, where disparities in economic well-being persist. The article highlights both optimistic and cautious outlooks, emphasizing the inherent uncertainties in economic forecasting.

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Pentagon Initiates Review on Women's Efficacy in Ground Combat Roles

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Former Restaurant Critic Shares Journey to Healthier Eating Habits

After years as a restaurant critic led to severe health issues, including prediabetes and obesity, Pete Wells embarked on a journey to reset his diet. He discovered that reducing simple carbohydrates significantly improved his health and helped regulate his appetite. This experience led him to develop a new approach to eating, focusing on whole foods and behavioral changes rather than strict calorie counting.

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The Silent Scars of Hunger in America: Impact on Body and Mind

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Debating Aspirin Dosage: A Look at Trump's Practices and Expert Medical Opinions

Former President Donald Trump revealed his long-standing habit of taking a higher daily aspirin dose than typically recommended by medical professionals. This article delves into the nuances of aspirin's role in cardiovascular health, contrasting Trump's 325 mg regimen with the standard 81 mg low-dose aspirin advised for prevention. It examines current medical guidelines, the potential risks associated with higher dosages, and the general consensus among experts regarding aspirin use, particularly for older adults and those with specific health conditions.

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