In Syria, Some Ruling Minority Alawites Take Risky Stand Against Regime
The Alawite sect has a history of siding with former dictator Syrian Hafez Assad, an Alawite, and his son, current President Bashar Assad. But during a recent gathering in Cairo, a group of Syrian Alawites say after burying so many of their own, they are willing to denounce the regime despite the risks.
James Hansen, NASA Scientist Who Raised Climate Change Alarm, Is Retiring
But the man who issued one of the earliest warnings about the potential for global warming isn't going away. He plans to concentrate on his environmental activism efforts.
U.N. Approves Treaty To Regulate Multibillion-Dollar Global Arms Trade
The goal of the Arms Trade Treaty, which the U.N. has sought for more than a decade, is to keep illicit weapons out of the hands of terrorists, insurgent fighters and organized crime.
NRA Task Force Recommends Training School Personnel Who Want To Be Armed
Echoing some of the things suggested by NRA leaders in the wake of the Newtown school shooting, a task force created by the association has come back with its report.
» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
In Spain, A Mattress That Lets Your Money Rest Easy
A bed company is selling a mattress that has an armored safe hidden in one end for people who may be wary of Spain's troubled banking system.
For Women, No Straight Road To Success
Thousands of professional working women are coming together today for a leadership conference at Simmons College in Boston. Host Michel Martin speaks with the college's president, Helen Drinan, about the ups and downs of her own career, and her thoughts on Sheryl Sandberg's new book Lean In.
President Koroma: Sierra Leone's Beaches Make It A Place To Visit
A little over a decade ago, Sierra Leone was in the grip of a brutal civil war that tore the country apart. Today, the economy is on the mend and it's moving forward with reconciliation and reconstruction. Host Michel Martin speaks to Sierra Leone's president Ernest Bai Koroma to find out more about his challenges and successes.
The Hidden Limitations Of Health Savings Accounts
In order to get the tax advantages of a health savings account, the health plan it's linked to has to meet several certain criteria. Consumers with a health savings account may also be on the hook for the entire cost of medical care, except preventive care.
From Pets To Plates: Why More People Are Eating Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are popular pets in the U.S., but in parts of South America, they're a delicacy. Some environmental and humanitarian groups are making a real push to encourage guinea pig farming as an eco-friendly alternative to beef. And the animals are also showing up in more U.S. restaurants.
How A Female Photographer Sees Her Afghanistan
At age 13, Farzana Wahidy was beaten in the street for not wearing a burqa. To have carried a camera then would have been unthinkable. But she went on to become a pioneering photographer and, after working and studying abroad, returned to Afghanistan to "show the bigger image, not just show we have problems."
» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
New Federal Scrutiny In Wake Of NPR Grain Bin Reports
Officials say the Department of Justice is reconsidering criminal charges in an incident that killed two teenagers.
U.S. Navy Funding Development Of Giant Jellyfish Robot
'Cyro', under development at Virginia Tech, looks and moves like a jellyfish. Researchers say it could be used for studying the oceans and cleaning up oil spills.
Illinois Man Charged With Stealing 42,000 Pounds Of Muenster Cheese
The man allegedly provided fake documentation and 42,000 pounds of munster cheese was loaded onto his truck.
Sand From Fracking Could Pose Lung Disease Risk To Workers
The sand is pumped underground along with water and other chemicals to extract oil and natural gas trapped deep in rock. But researchers found that air samples taken at some drilling sites contained levels of very fine silica particles high enough to be dangerous to workers.
» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
New Gas Rules Aim To Clean Up Car Emissions
The EPA is proposing regulations for lower-sulfur gasoline. It says that will reduce smog — leading to reductions in illnesses and death related to dirty air. Some GOP lawmakers oppose the rules because the price of a gallon of gas would rise — some experts say by a penny, others by more.
Boehner Blasts Veteran GOP Lawmaker For 'Wetbacks' Comment
House Speaker John Boehner condemned the use of the term by Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, one of the most senior Republicans in Congress. Young's comment, his quick apology, and Boehner's statement come at a particularly sensitive time for the GOP in its relationship with Hispanic voters.
In Court, Former Pakistani President Faces A Flying Shoe
Pervez Musharraf angered Pakistan's legal community for actions he took against the judiciary when he ran the country. He received a rude greeting at his first court appearance.
Commute From Earth To Space Station Just Got Shorter
The latest Soyuz reached the International Space Station in just six hours instead of two days. It was the first manned mission to accomplish the feat.
Oklahoma Dentist May Have Exposed Thousands To Disease
Some 7,000 patients of a Tulsa-area dentist are being urged to get screened for hepatitis and HIV. Health investigators say they found rusty instruments in use and evidence of unsanitary practices.
» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Refugees Creating 'Instant Cities' Across Syrian Borders
Guest host Celeste Headlee speaks with Al-Jazeera's Abderrahim Foukara and NPR's Deb Amos about the worsening refugee crisis in countries bordering Syria. Rioting at refugee camps and rumors of deportations are putting the spotlight on Jordan and Turkey's ability to manage the refugee influx.