At a San Diego construction site, monarch butterflies help unite a team during COVID

By Halle Hewitt,

Diane Bezucha

Published July 11, 2025 at 4:49 AM EDT

Two managers at a San Diego construction project were trying to boost the morale of workers in the middle of the COVID pandemic. In this StoryCorps, hear how some monarch butterflies helped.

NPR News

Halle Hewitt

Diane Bezucha

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

Sumy, a center of Ukrainian culture, lives in the crosshairs of a new Russian offensive

Joanna Kakissis

The northern regional capital has become a frequent target of Russian drones, missiles and guided bombs. Now, Ukraine's top general says at least 50,000 Russian troops have massed across the border.
NPR News

Part war propaganda, part comic strip, Bayeux Tapestry to return to U.K.

Lauren Frayer

On a state visit, France's president announced the loan of the tapestry embroidered with scenes of the 1066 Norman invasion. It will return to the U.K. for the first time in more than 900 years.
NPR News

State Department undergoes deep cuts in sweeping reorganization

Michele Kelemen

The State Department is slashing hundreds of jobs in what's being called its biggest shake-up in decades — drawing sharp criticism from former diplomats who say the cuts risk gutting America's diplomatic muscle.
NPR News

Trump to assess Texas flood damage today. And, DOGE has access to farmers' payments

Brittney Melton

President Trump is heading to Texas to assess the damage caused by the recent flooding. DOGE has access to a database that controls government payments to farmers and ranchers.
NPR News

Next time you see a vulture picking over a carcass, say 'thank you!'

Jonathan Lambert

Large scavengers like vultures and hyenas do an important job in protecting human health. But studies show these creatures are on the decline, allowing for the emergence of disease.