National

A hundred and sixty years have passed since the California Gold Rush of 1849. Today, with the price of gold far exceeding $900 an ounce, gold prospecting is hot again. Memberships in gold prospecting clubs have shot up 85 percent in California in the past year. Just as they did in the 19th century, Americans are packing up their shovels and heading to California's river banks to try and strike it rich.

A hundred and sixty years have passed since the California Gold Rush of 1849. Today, with the price of gold far exceeding $900 an ounce, gold prospecting is hot again. Memberships in gold prospecting clubs have shot up 85 percent in California in the past year. Just as they did in the 19th century, Americans are packing up their shovels and heading to California's river banks to try and strike it rich.

Hurricane Katrina blitzed the Gulf Coast four years ago Saturday. Ever since then, researchers from the University of Southern Mississippi have been collecting the stories of those who survived the storm — and its aftermath.

Hurricane Katrina blitzed the Gulf Coast four years ago Saturday. Ever since then, researchers from the University of Southern Mississippi have been collecting the stories of those who survived the storm — and its aftermath.

How is New Orleans holding up four years after Katrina? Author Tom Piazza's new novel City of Refuge traces the journeys of a handful of locals — some who died, others scattered across the country. Piazza tells Guy Raz that New Orleans is slowly getting to be New Orleans again.

How is New Orleans holding up four years after Katrina? Author Tom Piazza's new novel City of Refuge traces the journeys of a handful of locals — some who died, others scattered across the country. Piazza tells Guy Raz that New Orleans is slowly getting to be New Orleans again.

Four years after Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana residents Donald and Colleen Bordelon say things are looking better. The construction on their house is finally complete. But their struggles aren't over — and there are some things they'll never get back.

Four years after Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana residents Donald and Colleen Bordelon say things are looking better. The construction on their house is finally complete. But their struggles aren't over — and there are some things they'll never get back.

Cost of a Disney vacation makes you queasy? Why not opt instead for the nausea you get from the spinning rides at your neighborhood carnival? NPR's David Schaper found plenty to keep the kids happy at a local fair (and a beer tent for the grown-ups).