James Doubek
@jamesdoubek.bsky.social
Editor/Reporter at NPR. Interested in history and other things.
The story of one man's long, harrowing journey. He traveled from Libya to Italy on a jet ski: www.npr.org/2025/11/24/n...
He left Gaza and fled to Europe on a jet ski. Now he hopes to bring his family
In an extraordinary journey, a Palestinian man used a jet ski to cross the Mediterranean Sea and reach Europe after he fled the war in Gaza.
www.npr.org
November 24, 2025 at 4:53 PM
The story of one man's long, harrowing journey. He traveled from Libya to Italy on a jet ski: www.npr.org/2025/11/24/n...
Quite the lede: "The U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify the swastika, an emblem of fascism and white supremacy inextricably linked to the murder of millions of Jews and that more than 400,000 U.S. troops died fighting against in World War II, as a hate symbol, according to a new policy..."
U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols
The military service, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, has drafted a new policy that classifies such items “potentially divisive.”
www.washingtonpost.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Quite the lede: "The U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify the swastika, an emblem of fascism and white supremacy inextricably linked to the murder of millions of Jews and that more than 400,000 U.S. troops died fighting against in World War II, as a hate symbol, according to a new policy..."
Quick news survey: NYT, WaPo, CNN, NPR, NBC, USAToday, ABC are all leading their websites with Trump-Epstein files story. Fox News:
November 12, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Quick news survey: NYT, WaPo, CNN, NPR, NBC, USAToday, ABC are all leading their websites with Trump-Epstein files story. Fox News:
"The purpose of this is to build up a massive surveillance apparatus that can be used for whatever kind of policing the people in power decide that they want to undertake,"said Emily Tucker of the Center on Privacy and Technology at Georgetown Law. www.npr.org/2025/11/08/n...
Immigration agents have new technology to identify and track people
The Department of Homeland Security is adopting powerful new tools to monitor noncitizens. Privacy advocates are worried they erode privacy rights for all Americans.
www.npr.org
November 9, 2025 at 7:26 PM
"The purpose of this is to build up a massive surveillance apparatus that can be used for whatever kind of policing the people in power decide that they want to undertake,"said Emily Tucker of the Center on Privacy and Technology at Georgetown Law. www.npr.org/2025/11/08/n...
A great explainer on the economics of what people can do with stolen artwork: www.npr.org/2025/10/23/n...
A few things to consider before committing a museum heist
Art heists may sound glamorous, but stealing priceless cultural artifacts doesn't always pay off like you'd expect. We talked with a veteran art thief, a lawyer, and an expert on heist economics.
www.npr.org
October 26, 2025 at 7:31 PM
A great explainer on the economics of what people can do with stolen artwork: www.npr.org/2025/10/23/n...
Reposted by James Doubek
In 1812, hundreds of thousands of men in Napoleon's army perished during their retreat from Russia. Researchers now believe a couple of unexpected pathogens may have helped hasten the soldiers' demise.
What killed Napoleon's army? Scientists find clues in DNA from fallen soldiers' teeth
In 1812, hundreds of thousands of men in Napoleon's army perished during their retreat from Russia. Researchers now believe a couple of unexpected pathogens may have helped hasten the soldiers' demise.
n.pr
October 24, 2025 at 11:51 PM
In 1812, hundreds of thousands of men in Napoleon's army perished during their retreat from Russia. Researchers now believe a couple of unexpected pathogens may have helped hasten the soldiers' demise.
I wrote about problems in the world of coffee, again: www.npr.org/2025/10/24/n...
Coffee-driven deforestation is making it harder to grow coffee, watchdog group says
In Brazil's coffee-producing areas, more than 42,000 square miles of forest have disappeared over about two decades, says Coffee Watch. Deforestation leads to drought, which harms crop yields.
www.npr.org
October 24, 2025 at 8:43 PM
I wrote about problems in the world of coffee, again: www.npr.org/2025/10/24/n...
"They referred to Black people as monkeys and 'the watermelon people' and mused about putting their political opponents in gas chambers. They talked about raping their enemies and driving them to suicide and lauded Republicans who they believed support slavery." www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
‘I love Hitler’: Leaked messages expose Young Republicans’ racist chat
Thousands of private messages reveal young GOP leaders joking about gas chambers, slavery and rape.
www.politico.com
October 14, 2025 at 5:40 PM
"They referred to Black people as monkeys and 'the watermelon people' and mused about putting their political opponents in gas chambers. They talked about raping their enemies and driving them to suicide and lauded Republicans who they believed support slavery." www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
"The rescuers and I watched as these dolphins swam alongside the ship. Their leaps and games in the frothy water made our hearts soar. It reminded me that even in this sometimes cruel world, life and beauty persist." www.npr.org/series/g-s1-...
Far-Flung Postcards
www.npr.org
October 8, 2025 at 2:51 PM
"The rescuers and I watched as these dolphins swam alongside the ship. Their leaps and games in the frothy water made our hearts soar. It reminded me that even in this sometimes cruel world, life and beauty persist." www.npr.org/series/g-s1-...
Reposted by James Doubek
Today is NPR's first day ever without the support of public funding. Thanks to everyone who has donated to your local stations. It means the world.
Today, the NPR shop also re-launched with a bunch of swag to help support us, too. I've always been partial to the 70s logo, myself.
shopnpr.org
Today, the NPR shop also re-launched with a bunch of swag to help support us, too. I've always been partial to the 70s logo, myself.
shopnpr.org
October 1, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Today is NPR's first day ever without the support of public funding. Thanks to everyone who has donated to your local stations. It means the world.
Today, the NPR shop also re-launched with a bunch of swag to help support us, too. I've always been partial to the 70s logo, myself.
shopnpr.org
Today, the NPR shop also re-launched with a bunch of swag to help support us, too. I've always been partial to the 70s logo, myself.
shopnpr.org
Reposted by James Doubek
"The mission of NPR is to work in partnership with Member Stations to create a more informed public — one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas and cultures."
Today marks the first day in public media’s history without federal funding. And we’re not going anywhere.
Listeners like you keep our mission alive. Protect one of the last places where America comes together to hear itself.
Stand with us today. Donate at this link: n.pr/46wamAj
Listeners like you keep our mission alive. Protect one of the last places where America comes together to hear itself.
Stand with us today. Donate at this link: n.pr/46wamAj
October 1, 2025 at 7:05 PM
"The mission of NPR is to work in partnership with Member Stations to create a more informed public — one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas and cultures."
For International Coffee Day, I wrote about stuff going on in the coffee world: www.npr.org/2025/09/30/n...
Change is brewing in the coffee industry. What lies ahead?
Coffee growers are facing climate change, labor shortages and incomes below the poverty line. On International Coffee Day, we take stock of the industry behind the beverage.
www.npr.org
October 1, 2025 at 1:44 PM
For International Coffee Day, I wrote about stuff going on in the coffee world: www.npr.org/2025/09/30/n...
Prisoners can now do remote work in Maine: www.mainepublic.org/2025-08-29/i...
In Maine, prisoners are thriving in remote jobs and other states are taking notice
Forty-five Maine prisoners are currently working remote jobs for outside companies. A few are working full-time, earning more than corrections officers. One is making well into the six figures. Here's...
www.mainepublic.org
September 24, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Prisoners can now do remote work in Maine: www.mainepublic.org/2025-08-29/i...
The ICE agent's partner "said he suffered a 'knee injury' and 'some lacerations to his hands,' according to police body camera footage obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times. But the feds reported he was 'seriously injured' before he fatally shot Silverio Villegas González." www.wbez.org/immigration/...
ICE officer said his injuries were 'nothing major' after deadly shooting near Chicago, video shows
The immigration agent’s partner said he suffered a “knee injury" and "some lacerations to his hands,” according to police body camera footage obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times. But the feds reported h...
www.wbez.org
September 23, 2025 at 5:17 PM
The ICE agent's partner "said he suffered a 'knee injury' and 'some lacerations to his hands,' according to police body camera footage obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times. But the feds reported he was 'seriously injured' before he fatally shot Silverio Villegas González." www.wbez.org/immigration/...
“I hiked the Appalachian Trail. It fixed my brain.” www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Opinion | I hiked the Appalachian Trail. It fixed my brain.
Nature can save us from a world gone mad.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 19, 2025 at 3:05 PM
“I hiked the Appalachian Trail. It fixed my brain.” www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Reposted by James Doubek
Took a look at Kimmel's ouster in light of the longstanding Republican attacks on social media over jawboning, which, the Supreme Court has found, requires a direct causal line.
The Kimmel case "is as direct a line as you could dream up," @alexabdo.bsky.social told me
www.npr.org/2025/09/18/n...
The Kimmel case "is as direct a line as you could dream up," @alexabdo.bsky.social told me
www.npr.org/2025/09/18/n...
Legal experts say pulling Jimmy Kimmel from air may amount to illegal 'jawboning'
Free speech scholars say ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show indefinitely represents "jawboning," when government officials pressure private companies to suppress speech.
www.npr.org
September 18, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Took a look at Kimmel's ouster in light of the longstanding Republican attacks on social media over jawboning, which, the Supreme Court has found, requires a direct causal line.
The Kimmel case "is as direct a line as you could dream up," @alexabdo.bsky.social told me
www.npr.org/2025/09/18/n...
The Kimmel case "is as direct a line as you could dream up," @alexabdo.bsky.social told me
www.npr.org/2025/09/18/n...
"The Commanders have committed $2.7 billion, while D.C. is investing about $1 billion. Bowser has called it the largest private investment in D.C.’s history." wtop.com/dc/2025/09/t...
The Washington Commanders are returning to DC as council approves $3.7B deal for stadium at RFK site - WTOP News
The D.C. Council took its final vote Wednesday on the deal to bring the Washington Commanders a new stadium at the old RFK Stadium site.
wtop.com
September 18, 2025 at 4:42 PM
"The Commanders have committed $2.7 billion, while D.C. is investing about $1 billion. Bowser has called it the largest private investment in D.C.’s history." wtop.com/dc/2025/09/t...
I was on your radio dials today, talking about coffee and zarfs: www.npr.org/2025/09/17/n...
What to know about zarfs, the fanciest way to drink coffee
For NPR's Word of the Week, we're getting hot: During the Ottoman Empire, people used devices called "zarfs" to hold their coffee cups. Here's what to know about this word's history.
www.npr.org
September 17, 2025 at 10:05 PM
I was on your radio dials today, talking about coffee and zarfs: www.npr.org/2025/09/17/n...
Reposted by James Doubek
For NPR's Word of the Week, we're getting hot: During the Ottoman Empire, people used devices called "zarfs" to hold their coffee cups. Here's what to know about this word's history.
What to know about zarfs, the fanciest way to drink coffee
For NPR's Word of the Week, we're getting hot: During the Ottoman Empire, people used devices called "zarfs" to hold their coffee cups. Here's what to know about this word's history.
n.pr
September 17, 2025 at 1:35 PM
For NPR's Word of the Week, we're getting hot: During the Ottoman Empire, people used devices called "zarfs" to hold their coffee cups. Here's what to know about this word's history.
A cool interview about Austin punk: www.kut.org/texasstandar...
‘Someday All the Adults Will Die!’ chronicles the birth of Texas punk
In a new oral history, photographer Pat Blashill traces the music, art and culture that shook Austin in the late 1970s through the mid-80s.
www.kut.org
September 14, 2025 at 9:29 PM
A cool interview about Austin punk: www.kut.org/texasstandar...
Reposted by James Doubek
"At a hearing last week, U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui said Riley appeared to have been singled out by the police because he was a Black man carrying a satchel that looked heavy.
'It is without a doubt the most illegal search I've even seen in my life,' Faruqui said from the bench."
'It is without a doubt the most illegal search I've even seen in my life,' Faruqui said from the bench."
NPR combed through court records and other data related to Trump's takeover of D.C. police to get a better understanding of who has been swept up in the federal surge and what charges they are facing.
Trump's D.C. takeover has led to more arrests. NPR looks at cases of those swept up
NPR combed through court records and other data related to Trump's takeover of D.C. police to get a better understanding of who has been swept up in the federal surge and what charges they are facing.
n.pr
September 5, 2025 at 11:56 AM
"At a hearing last week, U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui said Riley appeared to have been singled out by the police because he was a Black man carrying a satchel that looked heavy.
'It is without a doubt the most illegal search I've even seen in my life,' Faruqui said from the bench."
'It is without a doubt the most illegal search I've even seen in my life,' Faruqui said from the bench."
"A Fox News executive has called a prominent Trump appointee a 'reckless maniac.' ... A third condemned her for the 'tendency to find random conspiracy theories on weird internet sites.' And a Fox corporate board member called a public statement of hers 'insane.'" www.npr.org/2025/09/04/n...
Fox bosses privately called U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro 'reckless maniac' and more
Her colleagues made those remarks after the 2020 presidential election, when Pirro used her platform to amplify baseless claims of election fraud. She is now the U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C.
www.npr.org
September 4, 2025 at 2:57 PM
"A Fox News executive has called a prominent Trump appointee a 'reckless maniac.' ... A third condemned her for the 'tendency to find random conspiracy theories on weird internet sites.' And a Fox corporate board member called a public statement of hers 'insane.'" www.npr.org/2025/09/04/n...
Everyone’s going to be using the Club soon
New: inside the underground trade of Flipper Zero tech to steal cars. Right now it's $$$, but people are cracking software to make it free. When this gets out, it will supercharge car thefts. So many modern cars vulnerable.
"Kia Boys will be Flipper Boys by 2026"
www.404media.co/inside-the-u...
"Kia Boys will be Flipper Boys by 2026"
www.404media.co/inside-the-u...
Inside the Underground Trade of ‘Flipper Zero’ Tech to Break into Cars
“Kia Boys will be Flipper Boys by 2026,” one person in the reverse engineering community said.
www.404media.co
August 21, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Everyone’s going to be using the Club soon
"'Give Trump a third term, give him a Peace Prize, and let him run D.C. as long as he wants,' Rep. Andy Ogles, a Tennessee Republican, wrote Friday on social media." www.npr.org/2025/08/18/n...
Trump's D.C. 'crisis' enters 2nd week with more soldiers — and no exit strategy
Leaders in Washington, D.C., say they're striving to maintain calm as growing numbers of National Guard soldiers deploy to the city. President Trump hasn't said how he wants this "crisis" to end.
www.npr.org
August 18, 2025 at 5:43 PM
"'Give Trump a third term, give him a Peace Prize, and let him run D.C. as long as he wants,' Rep. Andy Ogles, a Tennessee Republican, wrote Friday on social media." www.npr.org/2025/08/18/n...