This document outlines NPR's reporting activities and their reported outcomes in 2025 across various sectors.
Economic and Social Reporting
NPR covered tariffs, the cost of living, and affordability, documenting the impact of economic policies on individuals. This included soliciting audience feedback on economic conditions and credit card debt management strategies. A newsletter series provided information on debt reduction, with over 100 subscribers reporting its utility in managing personal finances.
Investigations and Accountability
An investigation into the administrative leave of 27 scientists in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Viral Hepatitis, along with over 400 other workers, preceded their reinstatement in June. NPR interviewed five affected scientists regarding the lab's operational status.
Reporting on the Department of Government Operations and Efficiency (DOGE) focused on its handling of sensitive labor data and access to internal farm loan databases. This led to requests for an independent investigation from over 50 lawmakers, an investigation by the Inspector General for the National Labor Relations Board, and demands for information from Microsoft. The reporting also prompted congressional legislation.
NPR's exploration of ethics concerning AI-generated music and streaming platforms' responses contributed to Spotify's announcement of a new AI spam filter.
Reporting on a canceled federal grant for a pediatric heart researcher contributed to Cornell University and the White House reaching an agreement to reinstate the grant. This involved a 4-year-old patient named Caleb, whose treatment options were subsequently expanded due to changes in a clinical trial.
An investigation into unaccredited companies charging veterans for disability benefit assistance led 43 members of Congress to call for action against these practices.
Conflict and Humanitarian Coverage
NPR interviewed National Guard members concerning their perspectives on deployments during the year. Reporting on the dismantling of USAID led to U.S.-funded HIV clinics in Zambia ceasing operations. Following NPR's reports, the Zambian government conducted an investigation and facilitated the restoration of medication access in affected communities.
Coverage from Gaza included an exclusive report on U.S. policy and the declaration of famine, featuring interviews with former U.S. officials. Reporting also detailed an Israeli strike on a Gaza apartment building resulting in 132 fatalities from one family. Field reporting addressed the quest for food in the territory, leading to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation ceasing operations. Planet Money's reporting on the economic conditions in Gaza prompted audience donations to individuals featured in the coverage.
Government and Workforce Issues
NPR tracked the retreat from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in corporate America, including job losses within the field.
Reporting on missing children in Syria led to the arrests of several orphanage workers and the formation of a government committee to trace the children. SOS Children's Village acknowledged instances of child trafficking under their oversight.
Coverage of federal workforce changes included the impact of buyout offers, probationary employee purges, and the departure of 317,000 workers. Lawsuits against the administration cited NPR's reports due to limited official information.
NPR reported on the expansion of the federal SAVE data system, used to verify U.S. citizenship for voter rolls. This system scrutinized approximately 50 million registered voters and flagged U.S. citizens, with one instance resulting in removal from voter rolls. This reporting has been cited in legal challenges against the system.
Reporting on immigration issues included the firing of immigration judges and understaffed immigration courts, as well as specific policies affecting DACA recipients. It also highlighted that judges with immigrant defense backgrounds were more likely to be dismissed.
Following NPR's reporting on judicial misconduct, legislation was introduced to prevent judges from avoiding investigations by retiring or resigning. The Judicial Conference of the United States proposed new rules for addressing workplace complaints, and federal court employees discussed the reporting's implications during training sessions.