Earth is lit, and that's a problem

Light pollution has increased for much of the world, which could mean an end to starry skies for inhabitants of this blue marble.

Editor’s Note – Thank you for being part of the NPR community! In addition to the Sunday list of our best stories, we want to share more about what NPR is up to. Based on your feedback, every week, you can expect to hear more from us about extensive editorial coverage, be among the first to know about new podcasts we’re launching, and receive the occasional opportunity to support the journalism and storytelling we do here at NPR. We'll be conducting a survey later to see what you think. Win McNamee/Getty Images A law that has long been considered 'toothless' and 'a complete joke' could have new fangs, thanks to Robert Mueller From 1966 to 2017, the Justice Department sought just seven prosecutions under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which requires Americans working on behalf of foreign governments, foreign political parties, or any person or organization outside the U.S. to disclose who is paying them to do what.  Then last month, the special counsel's office indicted former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and one of his business associates under that law. Lexey Swall/GRAIN for NPR The health care system fails many transgender Americans Nearly a third of transgender people responding to an NPR poll say they do not have regular access to health care. Very few medical offices are prepared to care for this population, and preventable problems, including HIV infection and some cancers, kill many in the transgender community. "Right now, it's very hard for a lot of people to even find a primary care provider who's willing to work with them," said Kellan Baker, a doctoral candidate at Johns Hopkins University. NASA Can someone turn off some lights on this planet? Over the past five years, global light pollution has increased nearly 10 percent, a new study shows. That worries advocates for the protection of dark skies, who say that artificial night glow can affect wildlife like migrating birds and keeps people from connecting to the stars. Plus, wasted light is effectively wasted money, they say. Josh Loock/NPR Odds are, they're taking your blood pressure all wrong One of the rules for getting an accurate reading is to have the patient sit without saying a word for five minutes before taking the measurement.  When was the last time that happened at your doctor's office? Damian Dovarganes/AP How to apologize for sexual harassment  Nearly every day brings another apology from a high-profile man accused of serial sexual harassment. Psychologist Harriet Lerner explores the art of apologizing, why humans have difficulty giving an apology and what makes for a good apology. (Hint: It takes more than "sorry.") You received this message because you're subscribed to our Best of NPR emails. |  Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy | NPR 1111 N. CAPITOL ST. NE WASHINGTON DC 20002