Chicago residents are upset about a foul liquid running through their streets. NPR's Scott Simon notes that runoff from rundown garbage trucks has long had a stomach-turning nickname: "The Gravy."

NPR's Scott Simon remarks on the death of Ndakasi, the gorilla who went viral for a photobomb a few years ago. A picture taken of her last moments in her caretaker's arms also went viral this week.

The Great Chicago Fire happened 150 years ago. NPR's Scott Simon reflects on the tragedy's historical impact and modern relevance.

Cuba is one of dozens of countries, including some U.S. allies, using emergency powers to stifle free expression.

Scott Simon questions the automatic aldermanic pay raises in Chicago even as three aldermen face criminal charges in federal court.

NPR's Scott Simon reflects on the displays of unity and diversity following the Sept. 11 attacks.

NPR's Scott Simon remarks on this week's indictments in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain. He had committed no crime, but police used a carotid hold on him and paramedics injected him with a sedative.

Josephine Baker will be reinterred at the Panthéon in Paris 46 years after her death. The famed entertainer will be the first Black woman to receive the honor. Scott Simon reflects on her legacy.

Host Scott Simon shares the reaction of Zalmai Yawar, an Afghan who first served as a translator for NPR 20 years ago, to the country's return to Taliban control. Yawar now lives in the U.S.

Neal Conan, who died Aug. 10, hosted NPR's Talk of the Nation with "immaculate knowledge of all subjects, arcane and obvious, and exquisite courtesy with callers and guests," NPR's Scott Simon says.

NPR's Scott Simon remarks on the persistence of robocalls, which have taken on fresh annoyance these days with so many people working from home.

New Jersey will honor nine of its most illustrious citizens by slapping their names on rest stops along the Garden State Parkway. Scott Simon muses over what becomes a legend most.

NPR's Scott Simon remarks on the continuing pandemic and how today's children might remember this time decades from now.

Scott Simon notes the 30 percent increase of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. during the first year of the pandemic.

Rep. Andrew Kim, a New Jersey Democrat, has given his blue suit to the Smithsonian. Scott Simon explains its significance as an artifact from the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol Building.