NPR News

Pages

Participation Nation
4:25 am
Sun August 26, 2012

Clean And Green In Fort Wayne, Ind.

Credit Courtesy of Fort Wayne's Downtown Improvement District.
Stephen J. Bailey is cleaning up his city.

Originally published on Sun August 26, 2012 8:13 am

My friend Stephen J. Bailey is a strong voice for the revitalization of downtown Fort Wayne. He oversees social media and web development for the Downtown Improvement District. He enjoys running and whenever he runs through downtown or the West Central area, he takes a bag with him so he can pick up trash as he goes.

Read more
Animals
4:24 am
Sun August 26, 2012

A Pachyderm's Ditty Prompts An Elephantine Debate

Credit Mehgan Murphy / Smithsonian Institution
Shanthi explores her yard at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., in 2010. The 36-year-old Asian elephant loves blowing into a harmonica.

Originally published on Thu August 30, 2012 6:06 pm

Around the Nation
4:24 am
Sun August 26, 2012

Snakes, And The Snake Wranglers Who Love Them

Originally published on Sun August 26, 2012 10:32 am

Africa
4:24 am
Sun August 26, 2012

Ugandan Gold Medalist Returns To Fame And Fortune

Originally published on Sun August 26, 2012 4:02 pm

On the last day of the London Olympics, a Ugandan runner seemingly came from nowhere during the marathon to pass the favored Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes and win gold.

Stephen Kiprotich is the first gold medalist from Uganda since John Akii-Bua won the 400-meter hurdles at the 1972 Munich Olympics. In the last two weeks, Kiprotich has become an unlikely national hero in a struggling country that rarely has much to cheer about.

Read more
Around the Nation
4:24 am
Sun August 26, 2012

Restoration Done, Iconic Reflecting Pool Reopens

Originally published on Sun August 26, 2012 10:32 am

Transcript

LINDA WERTHEIMER, HOST:

The Reflecting Pool on Washington, D.C.'s National Mall began as a glorious mirror for the Washington Monument, stretching out from the foot of the Lincoln Memorial stairs. Visitors could see the reflection, the obelisk itself, and over its shoulder the huge dome of the Capitol, the site everyone who comes to Washington wants to see. But over the years, the pool grew increasingly dank and slimy looking, leaking, smelly. Finally, the Park Service closed it for a complete do-over. Two years later, it's almost ready.

Read more
NPR Story
4:13 am
Sun August 26, 2012

Looking At The Economy On The Campaign Trail

Originally published on Sun August 26, 2012 10:32 am

Transcript

LINDA WERTHEIMER, HOST:

Once the Republican convention gets underway, we can expect to hear a lot of talk about jobs and the economy. That is the ground where Mr. Romney wants this fight to happen. Just this past week, the Congressional Budget Office said the country would see a significant recession if Congress fails to resolve differences over a series of automatic tax increases and budget cuts, scheduled to happen in January. With so much at stake, just how constructive is the level of economic discourse in this presidential campaign?

Read more
NPR Story
4:13 am
Sun August 26, 2012

Baseball Has Week In Doping Spotlight Too

Originally published on Sun August 26, 2012 10:32 am

NPR's Mike Pesca joins Weekend Edition Sunday guest host Linda Wertheimer to talk about two high-profile steroid suspensions in baseball.

NPR Story
4:13 am
Sun August 26, 2012

Composer Keith Kenniff Keeps The Ads Humming

Originally published on Sun August 26, 2012 10:32 am

Transcript

LINDA WERTHEIMER, HOST:

Keith Kenniff writes music for advertising.

KEITH KENNIFF: It was funny. When I first started doing this I, thought of commercials like jingles. Like the Roto Rooter, you know, jingle or something like that.

(SOUNDBITE OF A ROTO ROOTER AD)

UNIDENTIFIED MAN #1: (Singing) Call Roto Rooter, that's the name.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: (Singing) And away goes trouble down the drain.

WERTHEIMER: But Kenniff's music is different

(SOUNDBITE OF AN IPHONE AD)

Read more
Presidential Race
3:27 am
Sun August 26, 2012

Despite Delay, Republican Stage Is Set In Tampa

Originally published on Tue August 28, 2012 7:32 am

After a year and a half of preparations, Tampa, Fla., is ready host the Republican National Convention.

Some 70,000 delegates, support personnel, media and protestors are gathering for the party's nominating event. Originally scheduled to start on Monday, the convention was pushed back because of Tropical Storm Isaac.

Inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum — a hockey arena that's been transformed into a high-tech political stage — it's a vision in red, white and blue. There's a nod to tradition, placards marking the sections reserved for each state's delegation.

Read more
Remembrances
3:21 am
Sun August 26, 2012

In Just 'One Small Step' Armstrong Became An Icon

Originally published on Sun August 26, 2012 10:32 am

It was the kind of history that ignites the imagination of humanity.

On July 20, 1969, hundreds of millions of people around the world watched or listened as the lunar module Eagle carried astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the surface of the moon. Armstrong got on the radio to let them know "the Eagle has landed."

Almost seven hours later, Armstrong stepped off the ladder in his bulky white space suitand said those famous words: "That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind"

Read more
Middle East
3:21 am
Sun August 26, 2012

If Only Briefly, Palestinians Flood Into Israel

Originally published on Sun September 2, 2012 9:27 am

As Palestinian Muslims in the West Bank celebrated the end of Ramadan this past week, many traveled to a place that's usually off limits: Israel.

At the main Israeli checkpoint between the West Bank and Jerusalem, you could hear the taxi drivers offering to take Palestinians to the beach in Tel Aviv.

The drive is no more than an hour from the West Bank boundary to Israel's Mediterranean coast. Yet many Palestinians have not taken a dip in years, if ever.

Read more
Megafires: The New Normal In The Southwest
3:20 am
Sun August 26, 2012

'Torture Lab' Kills Trees To Learn How To Save Them

Originally published on Sun August 26, 2012 4:03 pm

Last of a five-part series

The droughts that have parched big regions of the country are killing forests.

In the arid Southwest, the body count is especially high. Besides trying to keep wildfires from burning up these desiccated forests, there's not much anyone can do. In fact, scientists are only now figuring out how drought affects trees.

Read more
13.7: Cosmos And Culture
11:12 pm
Sat August 25, 2012

Making Peace With Our Cyborg Nature

Credit Arnulfo Franco / AP
Lance Armstrong competes in the Ironman Panama 70.3. triathlon in Panama City, Panama.

Originally published on Mon August 27, 2012 6:51 am

I loved the TV show The Six-Million Dollar man growing up. For me, Steve Austin (played by Lee Majors) wasn't less cool because he had bionic implants that enabled him to perform superhuman feats. He was more cool.

Read more
Sunday Puzzle
10:03 pm
Sat August 25, 2012

What Hat Holds The Answer?

Credit NPR Graphic

Originally published on Sun August 26, 2012 10:32 am

On-air challenge: Every answer is a two-word phrase in which one of the words starts with W and the other word is the same with the W removed. For example, if you were given the clue "desires scurrying insects," the answer would be "wants ants."

Read more
Presidential Race
6:16 pm
Sat August 25, 2012

RNC Shuts Down Monday's Events Due To Storm

The Republican National Convention in Tampa has canceled almost all events for Monday night, citing Tropical Storm Isaac. Convention organizers made that announcement saying safety is their primary concern. NPR's Jeff Brady joins guest host Laura Sullivan.

The Two-Way
5:27 pm
Sat August 25, 2012

Storm Forces Republicans To Cancel Monday Convention Events

Credit National Hurricane Center
Tropical Storm Isaac's projected path on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012

Originally published on Sat August 25, 2012 6:55 pm

Tropical Storm Isaac has been difficult to track, but its potential to affect Florida has caused the Republican National Convention to change its plans. Events for Monday have been canceled, though the committee will convene briefly. As Alan Greenblatt reported for It's All Politics, this is now the second-consecutive Republican National Convention to be delayed by a storm.

Update at 8:55 p.m. ET. Nomination Delayed:

Read more
Remembrances
3:12 pm
Sat August 25, 2012

Astronaut Neil Armstrong Dies

Originally published on Sat August 25, 2012 6:16 pm

Transcript

LAURA SULLIVAN, HOST:

It's WEEKENDS on ALL THINGS CONSIDERED from NPR News. I'm Laura Sullivan, in for Guy Raz.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

NEIL ARMSTRONG: That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.

SULLIVAN: Astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. He died today at the age of 82 after complications from a heart procedure. He was the first of just 12 Americans to step on the moon from 1969 to 1972.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

Read more
Remembrances
3:12 pm
Sat August 25, 2012

Neil Armstrong: An 'Exemplary Life'

Originally published on Sat August 25, 2012 6:16 pm

Transcript

LAURA SULLIVAN, HOST:

James Fallows of The Atlantic joins us as he does most Saturdays. Jim, let me get your thoughts on the passing of Neil Armstrong.

Read more
Presidential Race
3:12 pm
Sat August 25, 2012

Tampa Gears Up For RNC And A Possible Storm

Originally published on Sat August 25, 2012 6:16 pm

Transcript

LAURA SULLIVAN, HOST:

While some 70,000 visitors are expected for the Republican National Convention, it's not the only big event heading towards Tampa. On Tuesday, another important visitor could be on the way, though perhaps not directly through Tampa - Tropical Storm Isaac. As of now, Isaac is still in the Caribbean. But as NPR's Greg Allen reports from Tampa, it's likely to be a hurricane when it passes near the city later in the week.

Read more
Law
3:12 pm
Sat August 25, 2012

Voting As A 'Responsibility': How Hard Should It Be?

Credit Marc Levy / AP
Demonstrators hold signs at an NAACP-organized rally on the steps of the Pennsylvania Capitol to protest the state's new voter identification law on July 24 in Harrisburg, Pa.

Originally published on Sat August 25, 2012 6:29 pm

Ana Gonzalez, 63, has gone her whole life without a driver's license or a state-issued ID. That wasn't really a problem, until now.

She was born in Puerto Rico but moved soon after with her adoptive parents for the continental U.S., where she grew up. Her husband drives, and her odd jobs over the years have required only a Social Security card, which she has. She's just never needed a birth certificate before.

Read more
Participation Nation
3:03 pm
Sat August 25, 2012

Replanting Trees In New Orleans

Credit iStockphoto.com
City Park in New Orleans.

Originally published on Thu September 20, 2012 9:18 am

More than 100,000 trees — including many beautiful live oaks and magnolias — were lost when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005.

In response, Hike For KaTREEna — a nonprofit group dedicated to reforesting the Crescent City — was created.

Since 2006, more than 10,000 volunteers have helped to plant 13,400 trees — including oaks, cypress, red maples, crepe myrtles, magnolias, redbuds, Savannah hollies and citrus trees such as navel orange, satsuma, lemon, lime and grapefruit.

Read more
The Two-Way
1:42 pm
Sat August 25, 2012

Neil Armstrong, First Man To Walk On the Moon, Dies

Originally published on Sun August 26, 2012 3:28 pm

Former astronaut Neil Armstrong, known for his words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," has died. The first man ever to walk on the moon was 82.

Update at 5:15 p.m. ET:

Armstrong's family has released a statement, saying he died following cardiovascular procedures. NASA published it here. They say, "Armstrong was also a reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job."

Read more
The Two-Way
12:11 pm
Sat August 25, 2012

In Killing New York Gunman, Police Also Shot Bystanders

Credit Louis Lanzano / AP
Police investigate a shooting at the Empire State Building in New York on Friday.

Originally published on Sat August 25, 2012 7:42 pm

The shooting outside the Empire State Building on Friday took a new turn Saturday: New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly says all nine bystanders wounded in the deadly incident were "struck either by fragments or bullets fired by the police."

Read more
Participation Nation
11:03 am
Sat August 25, 2012

Art Of Mentoring In Minneapolis

Credit Courtesy of MPTA
Preparing a wall for a mural.

Originally published on Thu September 20, 2012 9:33 am

Cross the Mississippi River on Saint Paul's Marshall Avenue and it morphs into Minneapolis' Lake Street — a colorful kaleidoscope of cultures.

As Lake Street's collection of murals grows, so does its sense of safety, beauty and community — thanks to groups of artist-activists.

Read more
Music Interviews
10:03 am
Sat August 25, 2012

Chilly Gonzales: Pianist, Rapper, Provocateur

Credit Alexandre Isard
Chilly Gonzales' latest album is Solo Piano II.

Originally published on Sat August 25, 2012 6:16 pm

The Salt
7:13 am
Sat August 25, 2012

On A Quest To Roll Out The Bourbon Barrel And Fill It With Hot Sauce

Credit Scott Olson / Getty Images
Used bourbon barrels like these at the Goose Island Brewery in Chicago are finding new life by bringing distinctive flavor to beer, cocktails and hot sauce.

Originally published on Mon October 15, 2012 8:39 am

Washington, D.C. blogger Sam Hiersteiner is a hot sauce fan turned maker. He's already harvested two pounds of chiles — serranos, jalapenos, and habaneros — from his 30-plant pepper garden this month, and he's ready to mash them into hot sauce as soon as more ripen. Last year, he mashed fifty pounds total.While he loved the results, he thought it would be even better with a whisper of the flavor imparted by a barrel used for aging bourbon.

Read more
Fresh Air Weekend
7:03 am
Sat August 25, 2012

Fresh Air Weekend: Mike Birbiglia, Bill Hader

Credit Adam Beckman / IFC Films
Scenes in the movie Sleepwalk With Me -- about Mike Birbiglia's sleep disorder — made him emotional while filming them.

Originally published on Fri August 31, 2012 4:10 pm

Fresh Air Weekend highlights some of the best interviews and reviews from past weeks, and new program elements specially paced for weekends. Our weekend show emphasizes interviews with writers, filmmakers, actors, and musicians, and often includes excerpts from live in-studio concerts. This week:

Read more
Participation Nation
5:03 am
Sat August 25, 2012

Handlebar Help In Rochester, N.Y.

Credit Courtesy of RCB
Dan Lill of R Community Bikes.

R Community Bikes is a grassroots organization in Rochester that repairs and gives away bikes to people in need.

The vision and tireless work of Dan Lill has helped this group grow from a seasonal bike clinic in a soup kitchen parking lot — with two would-be bike mechanics — to a full fledged nonprofit with 50-60 active volunteer bike mechanics and a 6,000 square foot shop-and-warehouse that provides free repairs to the entire population.

Read more
Around the Nation
4:28 am
Sat August 25, 2012

For A Craftsman, Shining Shoes Offers Ties To Home

Originally published on Mon August 27, 2012 11:29 am

It's All Politics
4:07 am
Sat August 25, 2012

Veteran N.C. Political Strategists See Obama Path To Tar Heel State Win

Originally published on Sat August 25, 2012 8:20 am

If you want to understand how the White House race will play out in North Carolina as we enter the convention phase, talking to Carter Wrenn, a Republican, and Gary Pearce, a Democrat, is a good start.

The two veteran political strategists have, over decades, been involved in many a Tar Heel campaign.

One of Wrenn's best known clients was Jesse Helms, the late North Carolina senator renowned for both his surliness and race baiting.

Read more

Pages