National

Rise Early And Shine: Teachers And Students Try Out Longer School Days

4:58pm February 10, 2013

by Charles Lane

Kids may not like the idea of extending the average six-hour school day, but some educators and politicians do. They are experimenting with ways to increase enrichment classes and make it affordable for school districts.

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West's Allure Dulls Monkhood's Luster For Some Buddhists

4:58pm February 10, 2013

Since the Dalai Lama's exile from Tibet in 1958, reincarnated high lamas have been born in, or exposed to, the West at an increasing rate. Journalist Tim McGirk wrote about the effects of that exposure in this month's issue of The Believer.

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A child poses for a picture in front of an astronaut space suit at the Kennedy Space Center on the eve of the launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour July 14, 2009 in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

To Infinity And Beyond: Would-Be Astronauts Keep Faith In Uncertain Era

4:58pm February 10, 2013

by NPR Staff

As NASA moves away from manned missions, the private sector is taking on the task. Those hoping for a ride are as eager as ever, and space exploration hasn't lost a bit of its luster.

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Egyptian soldiers cross to the eastern side of the Suez Canal during the 1973 war. Egyptian forces initially broke through the Israeli forces on that side of the canal.

The CIA And The Hazards Of Middle East Forecasting

8:48am February 10, 2013

by Tom Gjelten

As Arab-Israeli tensions grew in the fall of 1973, the CIA offered its analysis to President Nixon's administration: War was highly unlikely. The agency kept making that case right up to the time the war began.

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Chris (right) and Renee Wiley pose for a wedding photo on Times Square in New York in December. Same-sex marriage in New York state became legal in July 2011.

National

Amid Daily Struggles, Gay Rights Movement Embraces Watershed Moments

10:22pm February 09, 2013

by NPR Staff

Support for gay marriage is growing, and the Supreme Court is set to take on the issue this spring. But while some in the gay community say equal rights are in sight, issues like employment discrimination can still dominate on the ground.

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National

Crews Clean Up Northeast Blizzard

6:51pm February 09, 2013

by Jeff Brady

As crews dig out from a record-breaking snow storm in New England, there are new worries about flooding. The National Weather Service reported waves three stories high off the coast. NPR's Jeff Brady reports from Boston.

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National

For Some In Minneapolis, National Gun Debate Hits Close To Home

12:11pm February 09, 2013

by David Welna

Earlier this week, President Obama was in Minneapolis advocating new limits on guns; no law or set of laws, he said, can keep children completely safe. NPR's David Welna sent this reporter's notebook about what he heard from some of those engaged in the gun debate in his home state.

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Brookfield, Vt., residents fear that Postal Service changes will eventually lead to the closing of their small town post office. About 1,300 people live in Brookfield, according to 2010 U.S. Census figures.

For Rural Towns, Postal Service Cuts Could Mean A Loss Of Identity

12:11pm February 09, 2013

by Steve Zind

The U.S. Postal Service's decision to end Saturday delivery comes on the heels of a plan to reduce hours at many rural post offices. In Vermont, residents of small towns are worried the change is another step toward the eventual demise of their local post offices.

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The expanding University of Connecticut is looking at the Farmington River as a water source, but some say recent weather fluctuation paints an uncertain picture for the river.

Growing University Highlights Connecticut's Water Woes

11:03pm February 08, 2013

by Neena Satija

One of the state's biggest public universities is expanding — and so is its demand for water. In a region where water resources are already strained by development and changing weather, the University of Connecticut's plans have sparked controversy and calls for a comprehensive water plan.

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Torahs are draped on chairs and tables at Temple Israel of Long Beach, N.Y. The synagogue was flooded during Superstorm Sandy, but hasn't received federal aid.

Federal Aid For Religious Institutions In Murky Waters After Sandy

8:57pm February 08, 2013

by Margot Adler

Houses of worship are still trying to recover from the damage done by the superstorm last fall. The government has encouraged them to apply for aid, but it's not clear whether they'll qualify. For some, even disaster relief would break down the boundary between "church and state."

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