Lakshmi Singh

He was released yesterday.

NPR spoke with London journalist Bidisha Mamata about the fallout.

The former prince was accused of having sex with an underage girl.

He denies any wrongdoing.

The Environmental Protection Agency is loosening rules protecting the U.S.

public from mercury and other toxic pollutants produced largely by coal-burning power plants.

NPR's Alejandra Barunda explains the potential health impacts of that decision.

This is NPR.

More people in the United States say they were affected by severe cold weather this winter compared to last year.

NPR's Jeff Brady reports this winter's storms brought freezing temperatures to the East Coast and widespread power outages in the South.

The U.S.

economy grew at an annual rate of 1.4 percent in the final three months of last year, slowing down more than expected and slowing significantly from the 4.4 percent growth in the third quarter.

The government shutdown contributed to slower growth in October, November and December by

slowing government spending.

Consumer spending by wealthier Americans has been a driver for the economy, as have investments in AI, though the labor market remains a concern.

U.S.

stocks are trading higher this hour, with the Dow up 162 points.

The Nasdaq's climbed 173.

S&P's up 40 points.

It's NPR News.