How the Iowa caucuses work, why they’re first — and why they’re significant Why does Iowa dominate the political conversation every four years around this time, and how do the caucuses even work? Let’s explore why they matter in 2024. Read more on NPR

This American is one of the few allowed into Gaza. This is the horror she saw Dr. Seema Jilani spent two weeks at al-Aqsa hospital, where she saw horrors that include “the most nightmarish thing I’ve ever seen.” Read more on NPR

Closing arguments to start in Trump civil fraud trial in New York After several months of hearing arguments from the state Attorney General and Trump legal teams, both sides will conclude their cases on Thursday. A verdict is expected in the weeks to come. Read more on NPR

Guantánamo Bay is still open. This week, pressure ramped up to close it This week, a group of nearly 100 advocacy organizations sent a letter to President Biden urging him to finally close the facility. Read more on NPR

Blood tests can help diagnose Alzheimer’s — if they’re accurate enough. Not all are A new generation of blood tests can help doctors diagnose Alzheimer’s without a brain scan or spinal tap. But only a few perform as well as traditional tests. Read more on NPR

What do you think of social media these days? We want to hear your stories It’s increasingly rare nowadays that a person doesn’t have social media. And it’s having a clear impact on us — for better or worse. We want to hear your stories and experience. Read more on NPR

Martin Luther King Jr. was once considered ‘radical.’ Here’s how he came to be lauded As the U.S. celebrates the civil rights icon on MLK Day, here are a few things to know about the holiday honoring the slain activist and his fight against inequality and racial injustice. Read more on NPR

Israelis are increasingly questioning what war in Gaza can achieve Israel’s prime minister has vowed to fight until the “definitive victory over Hamas.” But Israelis are wrestling with the question of what kind of military victory can be achieved. Read more on NPR

Advocates work to get Native American voters registered in the key state of Arizona Ahead of 2024 elections, voting advocates in the swing state of Arizona are aiming to boost voter registration strategies for Native voters, as they still face barriers to the ballot. Read more on NPR