Congressional leaders hope to avoid a shutdown. But Ukraine aid is still unclear After tense talks in the Oval Office, congressional leaders said they were hopeful they could reach a deal to avert a partial government shutdown on Friday. But they appeared divided on Ukraine aid. Read more on NPR

Why self-immolation has been used by political protesters for decades Aaron Bushnell’s death in Washington, D.C., is the latest example of an extreme form of protest that people have used to express their grievances and attract the attention of a global audience. Read more on NPR

Why Macy’s is closing 150 department stores The new CEO is culling “underproductive” locations, while opening more upscale Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury stores. Here’s what’s happening with the chain. Read more on NPR

Could IVF access be protected nationally? One senator has a plan Senator Tammy Duckworth has introduced a bill to protect access to IVF. She tells NPR about her own experience with fertility treatments and her attempts to build bipartisan support for her bill. Read more on NPR