Decades Later, Student Finds Teacher To Say 'Thank You'
When John Cruitt's mother died, his teacher was there to help him cope. More than 50 years later, Cruitt sought to find the woman who, he says, changed his life.
National
Shootings Leave Sandy Hook Survivors Rethinking The Odds
The probability that an individual will experience a school shooting may be low. But when the improbable happens to you, where do you find comfort?
An Abundance Of Extreme Weather Has Many On Edge
It was the warmest year on record and brought a series of extreme weather events, from wildfires and floods to drought and a devastating derecho. Polls show a big jump this year in the number of people connecting such disasters with climate change.
Schwarzkopf, Commander In Gulf War, Dies At 78
Retired Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, who commanded the Desert Storm offensive that drove Saddam Hussein's forces out of Kuwait, has died. Audie Cornish talks with NPR's Tom Bowman about the much-decorated soldier.
With Clock Ticking, 'Fiscal Cliff ' Looms Ever-Closer
Just five days remain for the government to reach an agreement to avoid the tax hikes and spending cuts set to take effect Jan. 1, 2013. Many analysts now say the deadline is unlikely to be met. NPR's Ron Elving explains the looming deadline and the possible ramifications of going over the fiscal cliff.
As Families Change Shape, Societies May, Too
The family has long been the central unit of many societies. But now, people around the world are marrying less and having fewer children. By 2050, seniors may outnumber children worldwide. Geographer Joel Kotkin shares a new report outlining the economic, political and cultural implications of the changes underway in the traditional family unit.
Holiday Travelers Stranded By Severe Weather
A major storm system is causing havoc for travelers trying to get home from their holiday destinations. Powerful winds and blizzard conditions have hit parts of the U.S.
Is The Border Secure Enough To Tackle The Immigration System?
"Secure the borders first" has been the cry from Republicans in Congress before they'd agree to comprehensive immigration reform. That stance seems to be changing, as some experts say demanding border security first is backward.
Debating The Impact Of An Immigration Crackdown
In 2007, Prince William County, Va., voted to step up police checks aimed at driving out illegal immigrants. The move sparked local outcry and national attention, but five years on, supporters and opponents differ on whether the policy has been a success.
Legalized Pot Creates Quandary For Adults In Wash.
Now that marijuana is legal in Washington state, parents and drug counselors face the quandary of what to tell kids about the drug. Counselors, especially, say their job is harder now because of the example of adults who are openly and legally indulging in a substance that, just a few weeks ago, could still be dismissed as illegal.