Vanessa Romo, NPR

Vanessa Romo

NPR

Seattle, WA, United States

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Recent:
  • Unknown
Past:
  • NPR
  • KTOO

Past articles by Vanessa:

NPR

A California man says a meteor may have set his home ablaze. Scientists are skeptical

Witnesses saw a "flaming basketball" streaking across the sky, then heard a loud crash, then Dustin Procita's house went up in flames. But that may be a coincidence, not the fire's cause. → Read More

NPR

If bumblebees can play, does it mean they have feelings? This study suggests yes

Scientists wanted to learn whether bees, like humans and other mammals, had any interest in playing for fun's sake. They say they have evidence that bees do, and that could change how we view insects. → Read More

NPR

RSV is surging. Here's what to watch for and answers about treatment options

Doctors say they are seeing an unprecedented number of cases. How concerned should parents be? Why are young children so vulnerable? What's causing this year's outbreak? We offer some answers. → Read More

NPR

2 Californians bought Barilla pasta thinking it was made in Italy. Now they're suing

Two customers who bought $6 worth of Barilla pasta say they were duped. They thought they were buying products made in Italy. What they got was made in Iowa and New York. → Read More

NPR

A look at the salaries of 2 LA City Council members involved in racist conversation

They're among three lawmakers who were recorded talking in racist terms. And though they've been stripped of assignments and haven't been attending meetings, they're still collecting hefty paychecks. → Read More

NPR

Children's hospitals grapple with a nationwide surge in RSV infections

The latest spike is months early and it's pushing care facilities to capacity. Children under the age of 5 are most vulnerable. → Read More

NPR

Maryland officials order the reinvestigation of about 100 deaths in police custody

The review follows an audit of police-involved deaths under the tenure of former Chief Medical Officer David Fowler, who testified that George Floyd's death was caused by heart disease and drug use. → Read More

NPR

Los Angeles Councilwoman Nury Martinez resigns following her leaked racist remarks

The resignation comes hours after protesters disrupted a scheduled Wednesday city council meeting inside Los Angeles City Hall. → Read More

NPR

Egyptians call for the return of the Rosetta Stone and other ancient artifacts

People calling for the repatriation of the ancient tablet and other items say the continued display of the objects in European institutions ignores a history of colonialist looting and exploitation. → Read More

NPR

Pro-Russian hackers claim responsibility for knocking U.S. airport websites offline

Killnet urged hackers to take down dozens of airport websites across the country early Monday morning. Within hours several sites were down. But officials say the outages did not interrupt operations. → Read More

NPR

An LAPD officer who was killed in a training exercise was targeted, a lawyer alleges

"They used that training as a cover to kill him in retaliation for his whistleblowing activity," attorney Bradley Gage told NPR. Officer Houston, who died in May, was investigating an alleged rape. → Read More

NPR

Police have linked several shootings to a possible serial killer in Stockton, Calif.

Investigators are scouring old shooting homicides for possible connections to the six fatal shootings that have terrorized the the city, officials told NPR. → Read More

NPR

What's it take to go from mechanic to physician at 51? Patience, an Ohio doctor says

Talk about a late bloomer. Carl Allamby, who ran an auto repair shop for more than 20 years, was recently hired as an attending physician at Cleveland Clinic's Hillcrest Hospital at age 51. → Read More

NPR

An Oakland school shooting that injured 6 was gang-related, police say

Officials said at least two gunmen were targeting a specific person and that they are still working to determine what touched off the shooting. It comes amid a surge in violence across the city. → Read More

NPR

After his suspension for racist conduct, Phoenix Suns owner says he's selling the team

Robert Sarver, who owns 35% of the Suns and Mercury, says he's looking for buyers after he was disciplined by the NBA for abusive behavior. His cited the "unforgiving climate" for his decision. → Read More

NPR

DOJ charges 47 with stealing $250 million from a pandemic food program for kids

The defendants allegedly carried out a plot to steal $250 million from a nutrition program meant to serve needy children in Minnesota. Officials called it a "brazen scheme of staggering proportions." → Read More

NPR

Puerto Rico has lost more than power. The vast majority of people have no clean water

More than 760,000 customers have been left with no access to clean running water since Hurricane Fiona struck the island on Sunday. → Read More

NPR

Jonathan Chavez, su mamá, and all the other characters he wants to take on

The social media comedian has gone farther than he'd imagined as kid. But now, he says he wants more than your TikTok and Instagram attention. → Read More

NPR

A hacker bought a voting machine on eBay. Michigan officials are now investigating

Harri Hursti bought the Dominion machine to uncover its vulnerabilities, something he often does for state election officials. But authorities are trying to find out how the machine ended up online. → Read More

NPR

Barking 9 to 5! Dolly Parton launches 'Doggy Parton,' a pet apparel collection

The line features fringe-trimmed cowgirl dresses, rhinestone-bejeweled harnesses, gingham shirts and bandanas, concert T-shirts, toys and even a blond wig inspired by the singer. → Read More