Bringing The World Home To You

© 2026 WUNC News
120 Friday Center Dr
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
919.445.9150 | 800.962.9862

Donate

Play Live Radio

Next Up:

0:00

0:00 0:00

Available On Air Stations

Breaking News: Snow and ice blanket central NC

Pierre L'enfant designed the look of the U.S. capital but died in obscurity

By Rebecca Rosman

Published January 26, 2026 at 5:00 AM EST

Pierre L'Enfant was a lowly French engineer when he met George Washington at Valley Forge. Washington recruited him to make the design for the nation's new capital city. L'Enfant made the plans, but his personality was so abrasive, he was pushed out of the project.

More Stories

As GLP-1s become more available, some who aren't overweight may consider using them

Yuki Noguchi

As GLP-1 drugs become more available, some people might use them despite not having excess weight.
France could become second country to ban social media for some teens

Eleanor Beardsley

France is set to debate a proposed social media ban for those under 15 years old, as the country's president backs stricter rules and a high school phone ban.
Senate Democrats to vote against DHS funding, setting up potential partial shutdown

Sam Gringlas, Leila Fadel

The Senate is set to vote this week on spending bills to prevent a government shutdown, but some Democrats plan to block government funding in response to the Minnesota killings by DHS officers.
Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., says he plans to vote 'no' on DHS funding bill

Michel Martin

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., about why he plans to vote against a Department of Homeland Security funding bill.
China's top generals under investigation as country's leader clears out ranks

John Ruwitch

China announced two of its top generals are under investigation, including the country's most senior general. Analysts suspect it's a political purge by Chinese leader Xi Jinping.