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Should Hospitals Reuse Surgical Gowns?
Our podcast feed is changing! To keep hearing our latest episodes, you'll need to resubscribe to our new podcast feed. You can find it by going to wherever you listen to podcasts and typing in "Possibly Ocean State Media." - - - Disposable surgical gowns are a big source of waste in hospitals. Today we’re taking a…
How do our medications affect our waste water?
A lot of us flush or toss our old medication without much thought, but the side effects of that habit can show up in our water. Good news: we can all help fix it for free.
What is Plug-in Solar?
Advocates of plug-in solar say it’s an easy and cheap way to transition to renewable energy and reduce electricity costs. This week we see if they live up to the hype.
Are offshore wind turbines helping New England’s crab population?
Researcher Emmanuel Oyewole explains to Possibly that offshore wind turbines appear to be providing new ecosystems for Jonah crabs.
What’s happening to the world’s glaciers?
Experts say the devastating floods in Nepal at the end of August were caused in part by melting glaciers. On this episode from 2023, the Possibly team looks into why these glaciers are melting, and what we can do about it.
What Makes Something ‘Better’ for the Environment?
Environmental decisions aren't always straight forward. Like, is it worth cutting down a forest to build a solar farm? This week on Possibly we take a look.
Tick Season’s Here. What’s Alpha-gal Syndrome?
Lone star ticks are spreading all over the Northeast. What should you know to stay safe?
Are sewers the best way to deal with stormwater?
Paved surfaces like roads, sidewalks, and driveways send stormwater into our sewers. This week on Possibly we explore engineering solutions that can help keep sewers and waterways clean.
What’s it like to own an electric car?
Possibly’s host Megan Hall and her family made the switch to an electric car. In this episode, originally aired in 2023, we explain what owning an EV is actually like.
Why is it so cold in libraries?
One librarian told us she has to bring a hat and gloves to work in the summer. The Possibly team breaks down the science behind freezing cold libraries.
What if polluters had to pay for the effects of climate change?
The Rhode Island General Assembly considered a law this year to charge fossil fuel emitters for the costs of climate change. Possibly spoke with a co-sponsor of the bill about what comes next.
Can regenerative grazing make meat more sustainable?
Regenerative cattle grazing gained momentum as a way to make beef production more climate-friendly. But on the ground, the actual results get complicated.
What’s Holding Back Glass Recycling in the US?
This week on Possibly we weigh the different methods of recycling glass: single-stream, multi-stream and bottle bills. Could switching to a different recycling system make more sense for your community?
How can we prepare for heat waves?
After a powerful heatwave swept across the northeast last week, Possibly turned to its archive, looking for lessons about how to better prepare for extreme heat. We travel to Ahmedabad, India to learn more.
How do fireworks affect the environment?
With the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this year, fireworks will soon light up American skies. Do these tiny explosions have an impact on our environment or our health?
Can owls help farms use fewer chemicals?
Rodenticides, used by farmers to keep rodent populations down and protect their crops, can cause all sorts of harm to wildlife, especially birds. But this week on Possibly we're talking to some farmers who are turning to a more natural pest control solution.
Supreme Court gives abortion pill mifepristone a 1-week reprieve from a major change
The Supreme Court says rules that allow patients to get the abortion pill mifepristone through the mail can stay the same for at least a week.
The UAE says Iran resumes attacks as the U.S. moves to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. military said it helped two merchant ships transit the Strait of Hormuz, and the United Arab Emirates said it was fending off Iranian missiles and drones.
The many ways Trump wants to change D.C., from buildings to statues to parks
Many of the changes Trump wants to make to the White House and the city are facing legal challenges. Some are reversible, while others could reshape the nation's capital for generations to come.
Not sure what to get Mom for Mother’s Day? Get ideas from our listeners
Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10. If you're stumped on what to get the moms in your life, get some inspiration from our audience. They share the best gifts they've ever received from their loved ones.
Here’s how medication abortion works with just one drug that’s still fully available
A federal appeals court ruling restricts telemedicine access to the abortion drug mifepristone for the whole country, at least temporarily. But another drug that remains available is safe and effective at ending early pregnancy.
At the 2026 Met Gala, ‘Fashion is Art.’ Here’s what to expect
On the first Monday of every May, the rich, famous and well-dressed gather in New York City for the Met Gala fundraiser. Ivy Buck offers a lookahead - covering this year's theme, where to watch, who's coming, and more.
Trump administration falls behind on wildfire prevention with risky fire season ahead
Many of the nation's overgrown forests are at high risk of burning. Under the Trump administration, work to reduce flammable vegetation fell by more than a million acres compared to previous years.
The oldest millennials are 45! This tool helps plan for longevity
The oldest millennials are turning 45 this year. The oldest Gen Xers are now 60. So how prepared will they be to thrive in the decades ahead? A new tool helps people assess beyond just savings.
After NPR investigation, new bill aims to stop ‘claim sharks’ targeting disabled vets
The bipartisan bill would block companies from using auto-dialers to harvest private information about disabled veterans. The firms charge vets for a service lawmakers say is supposed to be free.
In many states, election-denying candidates are running to control voting
In 23 states, including five presidential swing states, candidates who have denied election results are running for offices that have a direct role in certifying future elections, a new report finds.
‘Adolescence’ creator talks teenage masculinity again for ‘Lord of the Flies’ series
Jack Thorne adapted Lord of the Flies into a four-part TV series to show the story unfolding through the eyes of each of the four main characters.
The secret behind clownfish stripes and more fishy fascinations
We reeled in science reporter Ari Daniel for this episode who grants us three wishes in the form of three fishes. He takes us on a trip around the world to learn about how a clownfish in the western Pacific loses its stripes as it grows up just to fit in, a fat French fry of a fish that can scale a 50-foot rockface in…
Tonight’s MET Gala is the most controversial yet
The MET Gala 2026 is already off to a controversial start, and no one has even shown up yet.
2 US service members missing after military exercises in Morocco
Two U.S. service members are missing in southwestern Morocco after taking part in annual multinational military exercises in the North African country, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) said.
Trump says the U.S will ‘guide’ stranded ships from the Strait of Hormuz
The United States will launch an effort on Monday to "guide" stranded ships from the Iran-gripped Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump said, as two ships around the strait reported attacks.
Hantavirus outbreak kills 3 on cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, WHO says
Hantaviruses are usually spread by exposure to urine, saliva or feces from infected rodents, such as rats or mice. Hantavirus infections are rare but can cause deadly respiratory infections.
Gas prices went up more than 30 cents a gallon last week. How high could they go?
U.S. gas prices were nearly $3 an average prior to the start of the war in Iran.
‘I just want to see her again’ says son of imprisoned Myanmar ex-leader Aung San Suu Kyi
On Thursday, authorities in Myanmar claimed they had transferred Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi from prison to house arrest. Her son Kim Aris spoke to NPR about his doubts about the regime's account.
Isabel Klee’s new memoir explores the realities of dog rescue
New York City-based content creator Isabel Klee is known for fostering some of the hardest-to-place dogs. She's written a memoir, "Dogs, Boys, And Other Things I've Cried About."
Sunday Puzzle: It’s all German to me
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe plays the puzzle with WPNE listener Cheryl Haupt and Weekend Edition Puzzlemaster Will Shortz.
He recorded his quest for tariff refunds. It shows why billions may never get repaid
After the Supreme Court struck down most of President Trump's tariffs, Richard Brown began lining up the paperwork he needed to get his refund. Experts say many businesses may never get their money back.
Why this tribe is buying up hundreds of acres of farmland — and flooding it
The Stillaguamish Tribe in Washington state has been buying land in its traditional territory and removing levees. The goal is to turn farmland into wetlands with the hopes of restoring Chinook salmon.
How algorithms wreaked havoc with these workers’ schedules and cut their pay
Hourly workers across a number of industries have long been grappling with unstable schedules and pay as their employers use software to slash labor costs and maximize productivity.
Germany says U.S. troop withdrawal ‘anticipated’, Spain and Italy could be next
Germany's defense minister is playing down the impact of the Pentagon's decision to pull 5,000 troops from the country, but the move has rattled NATO allies and added to growing fears that Europe can no longer rely on Washington.
Bard College’s president to retire after scrutiny of relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
The longtime president of Bard College in New York has announced his retirement, months after it was revealed that he had a much deeper relationship than was previously known with Jeffrey Epstein.
Golden Tempo takes the Kentucky Derby as Cherie DeVaux becomes the 1st woman to train its winner
Golden Tempo has won the Kentucky Derby at odds of 23-1 to make Cherie DeVaux the first woman to train the winner of the opening leg of the Triple Crown.
Iran submits 14-point response to U.S. proposal to end war
Iran has presented a 14-point response to the U.S. proposal to end the war, according to Iranian state media.
Timmy the stranded whale rescued after weekslong effort
Timmy captured the hearts of whale lovers across the globe who rooted for a happy ending for the humpback.
Academy announces major overhaul to rules
The new rules focus on areas such as AI protections for writers and actors and expanded eligibility for international films.
Taiwan’s Lai lands in Eswatini in a trip delayed by lack of overflight clearance
Eswatini remains the only African nation without tariff-free access to China's market due to its ties with Taiwan.
Imprisoned Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner in critical condition
Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was hospitalized after collapsing in prison. Her family says her condition has deteriorated since a March heart attack.
On “SANGÚ,” Arturo Sandoval reaches back and pays it forward
For more than 60 years, this maestro of magic has collaborated with towering figures. Now a new record, he turns to family.
Can Trump’s latest pick for surgeon general make it through confirmation?
Nicole Saphier, a breast cancer radiologist, is the president's third nominee for surgeon general. Will she get confirmed?
Americans aren’t sleeping enough. Here’s what could help
Nearly a third of Americans get less than the recommended seven hours of sleep a night. A lot of us struggle to get to bed as we power through tasks or get lost in endless scrolling. Here's help.
New Netflix documentary reexamines Winnie Mandela’s divisive legacy
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is one of the most revered — and controversial — women in South African history. In a new documentary her granddaughters examine the liberation icon in all her complexity.
After Assad’s fall, Syria’s Kurds are left in limbo, feeling abandoned by the U.S.
Caught in limbo after the fall of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, Kurdish families struggle with cold, loss and uncertainty — feeling abandoned by the U.S. allies they once fought alongside.
Trends still go from the runway to retail. A lot has changed in how they get there
In 2006, an infamous scene from The Devil Wears Prada schooled viewers on how fashion trends make their way from the runway to the clearance bin. 20 years later, what's changed?
AI music is flooding streaming platforms. But listeners like it less and less
Music fans are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with AI songs, according to a recent study.
2026 Senate races to watch: From most likely to flip to Democratic long shots
Democrats could have a narrow path to winning the Senate, with these specific states on the table.
Spirit Airlines ceases operations after escalating financial struggles
The low-cost carrier, which had been struggling for years, announced it will cease operations. Spirit had been seeking a $500 million lifeline from the White House, but talks failed to yield a deal.
Air Force says former Qatari 747 will be ready to fly as Air Force One this summer
The U.S. Air Force has finished modifying and testing a Boeing 747 jet donated by Qatar for temporary use as Air Force One and expects to have it ready for President Trump to use this summer.
Wyoming celebrates ‘nuclear renaissance’ as feds approve license for a new reactor
Construction of an advanced nuclear power plant partly funded by the U.S. government is now underway in Wyoming. The Bill Gates-backed company says its technology is proven but there are still hurdles to nuclear.
Court restricts abortion access across the US by blocking the mailing of mifepristone
A federal appeals court has restricted access to one of the most common means of abortion in the U.S. by blocking the mailing of mifepristone.
Kneecap is used to controversy. On new album ‘Fenian,’ they’re leaning further in
NPR's Juana Summers talks with Mo Chara and Móglaí Bap of the Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap about their new album Fenian .
Several states — and the LA public schools — are setting limits on screen time
Four states have recently passed legislation to limit teaching and assessments via screens for students. So has the United States' second-largest school district.
The expert on ‘super aging’ breaks down the science — and grift — in anti-aging
From peptides and protein to sleep hygiene and vaccines, what actually helps you age well? Physician Eric Topol breaks down the science — and the myths — of longevity and anti-aging.
Former Surgeon General Jerome Adams on Trump’s new pick for the role
NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with former Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams about President Trump's latest nominee for the role, Dr. Nicole Saphier.
A tech worker in China is laid off and replaced by AI. Is it legal?
A tech worker in eastern China's Hangzhou city was dismissed after his job was replaced by AI. An appeals court in the city has ruled the dismissal unlawful.
How to talk to boys about looksmaxxing
The trend among boys and young men of optimizing their physical appearance includes dangerous practices. Experts offer advice on how to talk to their sons about body image and healthy behaviors.
Fill in the blank for the quiz: The Trump admin took aim at _____ this week
This week, the federal government's been busy. There are paint jobs, fresh indictments, commemorative items and more. If you've been paying attention — good job!
It’s Day 1 of Medicaid work requirements in Nebraska. People are worried
Starting May 1, many people covered by Medicaid in Nebraska have to prove they are working. It's a requirement most states will have to implement under President Trump's budget law, beginning in January.
‘Decimate’ means much more today than it did in ancient Rome
Today, most people know the word as a synonym for "destroy." But fewer realize its origins — or that it's come to mean something strikingly different than it once did.
Passenger railroads see a sharp jump in ridership as gas prices climb
More Americans are turning to the train as gas prices reach their highest point since the war in Iran began. Brightline, the privately-run railroad in Florida, had its best month ever in March.
Trump announces new pick for surgeon general nomination
President Trump announced a third nominee for surgeon general, Dr. Nicole B. Saphier, a regular Fox News contributor, after pulling his previous nomination for Dr. Casey Means.
What’s next for LIV Golf after losing Saudi funding
NPR's Michel Martin asks Brody Miller of The Athletic what the future holds for LIV Golf after Saudi Arabia announced it's withdrawing its investment.
Myanmar attempts to rehabilitate image with Suu Kyi move
State television in Myanmar says detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been transferred from prison to house arrest, more than five years after the military coup that removed her from power.
Man charged with attempted murder after stabbings of Jewish men in London
A 45-year-old man was charged with attempted murder in the stabbings of two Jewish men in London, the latest in a string of attacks that have sparked fear and anger in Britain's Jewish community.
Republicans say they will defer to Trump on Iran war despite arrival of deadline
Republican lawmakers say they will continue to defer to President Donald Trump, for now, during the fragile ceasefire with Iran.
Inside the Michael Jackson legacy industrial complex
The Jackson family and estate have joined forces to give us another biopic of Michael Jackson's life. Michael doesn't tell us anything new about the King of Pop, but it has had the biggest opening weekend of a music biopic ever. From Whitney Houston to Freddie Mercury, why do these posthumous biopics always seem to…
How to be a “Super Ager” (it’s not your genes)
From peptides and protein, to sleep hygiene and vaccines, what actually helps you age well? Physician Eric Topol breaks down the science — and the myths — of longevity and anti-aging.
Prosecutors release video of armed man storming correspondents’ dinner
Federal prosecutors released a video Thursday showing the moment authorities say a man armed with guns and knives tried to storm the White House Correspondents' Association dinner and attempt to kill President Donald Trump.
The Venice Biennale jury resigns amid tensions over awards ban, Russian participation
The international jury of the Venice Biennale resigned Thursday amid tensions over Russia's participation and the panel's decision to bar prizes for countries accused of crimes against humanity.
Zelenskyy says he’s seeking details of Putin’s May 9 ceasefire proposal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking details of a short-term ceasefire Russia proposed to U.S. President Donald Trump.
New Music Friday: The best albums out May 1
Kacey Musgraves. American Football. Tori Amos. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Jewly Hight from WPLN in Nashville about their favorite albums out Friday, May 1. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.
The search for loved ones in Gaza
After more than two years of war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the destruction there is overwhelming. According to the United Nations, most buildings there have been damaged or destroyed, and many bodies remain buried under rubble. Crews have begun efforts to recover those remains, including victims from one of…
Trump gives the go-ahead for a major new Canada-U.S. oil pipeline
More state and federal approvals are needed for the 3-foot-wide Bridger Pipeline Expansion, which would stretch from the Canadian border with Montana down through eastern Montana and Wyoming, where it would link up with another pipeline.
Press gala shooter / Political violence / Iran war price tag
Saturday’s attack at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner was the third assassination attempt on President Trump.
Texas coastal city faces worsening water shortage due to prolonged drought
After years of drought and rising demand, Corpus Christi's water supply is nearing critical levels, raising concerns for residents and one of the nation's largest energy hubs.
Will.i.am wants to future-proof a new generation
The Black Eyed Peas co-founder turned entrepreneur is now teaching a class on "agentic AI" for Arizona State.
Trump pulls Casey Means’ stalled surgeon general nomination, announces new pick
President Trump says he's nominating former Fox News Channel contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier for surgeon general after Dr. Casey Means' path forward stalled in the Senate over questions about her experience and her stance on vaccines.
U.S. House primaries in Louisiana are suspended after Voting Rights Act ruling
Louisiana suspended its upcoming primaries for the U.S. House, following Wednesday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the state's congressional map is an "unconstitutional racial gerrymander."
Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘drop dead’ goes to No. 1 — and helps The Cure return to the charts
Olivia Rodrigo's third album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love , doesn't come out until June. But it's already off to a tremendous start on this week's Billboard charts.
In real-world test, an AI model did better than ER doctors at diagnosing patients
Researchers evaluated how well an AI model could diagnose and make decisions about patient care.
The Onion’s bid to take over Infowars moves to the Texas Supreme Court
The state's highest court will now consider a deal that would allow the Onion to license the Infowars brand name and turn the show into a mockery of itself.
Congress ends record shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security
Thursday's vote in the House provides funding for DHS after a more than two-month shutdown, but does not include dollars for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.
Myanmar junta says Suu Kyi moved to house arrest, doubts linger
The secrecy surrounding Suu Kyi's new location has alarmed her son, Kim Aris, who says he has received no authoritative confirmation of her wellbeing.
‘Baby Reindeer’ creator Richard Gadd on his new show ‘Half Man’ and toxic masculinity
Baby Reindeer was an unexpected hit on Netflix in 2024. Now its creator and star is back, with a series about two boys who become brothers after their mothers fall in love in 1980s Scotland.
3 spring novels star trad wives, grown-up boy band fans, and a pregnant septuagenarian
Looking for a read that's complicated, gutsy and entertaining? Maureen Corrigan recommends Yesteryear, by Caro Claire Burke; American Fantasy, by Emma Straub; and Enormous Wings , by Laurie Frankel.
Craig Venter, pioneering human genome decoder, dies at 79
Pioneering scientist J. Craig Venter has died at 79. His "whole genome shotgun method" helped genome sequencing become faster and cheaper.
‘Fool me once…’ Lawyers argue Kennedy Center should not meet same fate as the East Wing
Lawyers made arguments in hearings for two separate lawsuits against President Trump and the Kennedy Center's board this week. Both lawsuits want to halt plans to close the performing arts venue for two years for renovations.
U.K. calls antisemitism an emergency after arson and stabbing attacks on Jewish people
The British government pledged to increase security for Jewish communities after a string of arson attacks and a double stabbing. But members of the community lashed out at the government.
How South Asian representation in gaming is growing
Representation is growing in part through stars and developers from the diaspora. PlayStation's Saros, out this week starring the British actor Rahul Kohli, is poised to be a hit.
Amy Grant has learned not to get hung up on comparisons to her younger self
Get your tickets for Wild Card live in Los Angeles with special guest Tracee Ellis Ross on May 7!