After striking throughout the Middle East, Iran’s proxies now become the targets Iran supports militant groups that have been striking out at U.S. and Israeli forces. These factions are increasingly under attack themselves as fighting in the region spreads. Read more on NPR

Don’t look so blue, Neptune: Now astronomers know this planet’s true color Neptune has long been depicted as a deeper, darker blue than its fellow ice giant Uranus, but a new study shows that both are a similar shade of light greenish blue. Read more on NPR

Researchers team up with mental health influencers to reach young people online Harvard professors wanted to flood social media with evidence-based information about conditions like anxiety and depression. So they turned to the people who already know how to go viral. Read more on NPR

FAFSA delays are straining families and colleges This year’s federal aid form is new and improved. But it came three months later than normal, and in its first week, online access has been unpredictable. Read more on NPR

What to know about the Jeffrey Epstein ‘John Doe’ files that were just unsealed The documents bring new clarity to a tragic and shocking case that alleged acts of illegal sexual predation within an elite world of power and influence. Read more on NPR

U.S. hiring holds steady in December U.S. employers added XXX,XXX jobs in December, as the unemployment rate rose to/fell to/ held steady at X.X%. The labor market proved resilient in 2023, despite rising interest rates. Read more on NPR

Up First briefing: Trump promises Jan. 6 pardons; Epstein document fuels conspiracies Trump vows he’ll pardon Jan. 6 rioters if he returns to the White House. Unsealed court documents about Jeffrey Epstein fuel new conspiracies. Read more on NPR

Respiratory illnesses are on the rise after the holidays Cases of COVID-19 and the flu are high and increasing nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. RSV cases are elevated but have started to fall in some places. Read more on NPR

Hershey sued for $5M over missing ‘cute’ face on Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins The lawsuit claims the packaging shows “explicit carved out artistic designs” that the chocolate inside doesn’t have. Read more on NPR

New year, new quiz. Can you believe stuff has already happened in 2024?! Who’s out to save democracy? Who’s good at not drooling? And what do sexy Hershey Kisses have to do with any of it? Try for your first 11/11 of 2024, and possibly find out. Read more on NPR