While driving down an East Texas country road I spotted this scene. The autumn trees and the late afternoon sun made these golden bales of hay shine just a little bit more. Fortunately I had my camera with me. (c) James Q. Eddy Jr.

The Four States NPR News Source 2025 Kansas Association of Broadcasters Award Winner 2nd Place for Website in a Medium Market

Donate

Play Live Radio

Next Up:

0:00

0:00 0:00

Available On Air Stations

Hear KRPS Weekday Morning & Evening Newscasts in the NPR App (on break until Jan.5)

What to know about a power struggle among U.S. allies in the Red Sea

By Aya Batrawy,

Mary Louise Kelly

Published December 30, 2025 at 3:59 PM CST

Israel became the first country in the world to recognize Somaliland, part of a wider Red Sea rivalry also playing out in Yemen

Aya Batrawy

Aya Batraway is an NPR International Correspondent based in Dubai. She joined in 2022 from the Associated Press, where she was an editor and reporter for over 11 years.

Mary Louise Kelly

Mary Louise Kelly is a co-host of All Things Considered, NPR's award-winning afternoon newsmagazine.