How AI deepfakes polluted elections in 2024 The most visible use of AI in many countries was to create memes and content whose artificial origins weren’t disguised. They were often openly shared by politicians and their supporters. Read more on NPR

Advocates want Biden to spare the lives of the 40 prisoners on federal death row Anti-death penalty advocates hope President Biden will grant clemency to 40 people on federal death row. He has already commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 people and pardoned 39 others. Read more on NPR

The Fight for a Crucial City in Ukraine Ukrainian soldiers are struggling to stabilize defensive lines near the city of Pokrovsk, in the country’s east, against Russia’s much larger advancing army. We go to the front lines of Pokrovsk, to see how the fight is playing out. Support our non-profit journalism by joining NPR+ Read…

A year in radio: Some of the favorite stories from 2024 Some of the All Things Considered staff whose voices you don’t always hear on air share their favorite stories that aired on the show in 2024. Read more on NPR

What happens if Congress doesn’t fund the government? If lawmakers can’t reach a deal to avoid a shutdown, many federal workers would be furloughed, while essential functions like Social Security payments would continue. Read more on NPR

Numerous people are injured as a car drives into a Christmas market in Germany A car plowed into a busy outdoor Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg, injuring an unknown number of people in what authorities say was a suspected attack. The driver was arrested. Read more on NPR

Malaysia plans to restart a private search for the missing Flight MH370 Over a decade later, none of the bodies of the 239 passengers and crew members abroad have been recovered. Read more on NPR

House Republicans to move forward with Plan C to fund the government But several hurdles remain to avert a government shutdown ahead of a Friday midnight deadline. Read more on NPR

What a government shutdown could mean for your holiday travel plans Millions of Americans are planning to travel in the coming days. Here’s what a potential government shutdown could mean for flying, driving and more — and what you can do to prepare. Read more on NPR

Once again, the debt ceiling is roiling Washington. Here are 4 things to know Lawmakers will have to authorize additional borrowing to pay the government’s bills, but there’s no reason it has to be done right away — except for politics. Read more on NPR