Kurtis Blow breaks hip-hop nationally with his 1980 debut Hip-hop is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Commentator Kiana Fitzgerald is looking back at the albums that changed the game. Read more on NPR

When illness or death leave craft projects unfinished, these strangers step in to help It can be heartbreaking to let go of a hand-made rug or sweater that a loved one didn’t quite finish. A group of volunteer knitters, quilters and other crafters offer some closure. Read more on NPR

Congregations leave United Methodist Church over defiance of LGBTQ bans The largest mainline Protestant denomination in the U.S. is shrinking due to disputes over LGBTQ+ clergy and same-sex marriage. About 20% of United Methodist congregations have left in recent years. Read more on NPR

In ‘Someone Who Isn’t Me,’ Geoff Rickly recounts the struggles of some other singer Rickly’s first book is a solid and promising literary debut. He’s a natural, albeit a germinal one. He is best known as a singer and songwriter of the rock band Thursday. Read more on NPR

Wildfires across Algeria have killed at least 2 dozen people Wildfires across Algeria have killed 25 people, including 10 soldiers trying to get the flames under control in the face of high winds and scorching summer temperatures, government ministries said. Read more on NPR