National

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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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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Obama Team To Make Important, If Symbolic, Choice On Gay Marriage

7:09pm February 08, 2013

by Nina Totenberg

By the end of this month, the federal government is expected to file briefs in a pair of same-sex marriage cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. One case poses questions so difficult that the president himself is expected to make the final decision on what arguments the Justice Department will make.

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Some In Northeast Turn Down Chance To Sell Sandy-Damaged Homes

7:09pm February 08, 2013

by Joel Rose

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to spend up to $400 million to buy and demolish homes that were damaged by Superstorm Sandy. Some homeowners are eager to sell. But others plan to rebuild at the beach, no matter what the state wants.

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Historic Blizzard Freezes Transit In Northeast U.S.

7:09pm February 08, 2013

by Jim Zarroli

The blizzard that is battering the Northeast has disrupted transit throughout the region and beyond. Thousands of flights have been canceled. Amtrak and commuter trains have stopped running in many places, and people are trying to find a safe place to wait out the storm.

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Former LAPD Officer Accused Of Killing Three People Spent Time In The Navy

7:09pm February 08, 2013

Police in southern California are still searching for Christopher Dorner, the fired Los Angeles police officer who is wanted for three murders and other shootings since the weekend. Robert Siegel speaks with Joel Rubin, who has been covering the story for The Los Angeles Times.

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Bonnie Brown with her daughter, Myra, 15. Despite Bonnie's disability, Myra says her mom is everything she needs from a parent.

A Life Defined Not By Disability, But Love

12:28pm February 08, 2013

by NPR Staff

When she was younger, Myra didn't realize her mom, Bonnie Brown, was "different" than most. Her mother's intellectual disability was only something she realized later when her mother told her, "I know I am not like your friends' mothers, but I'm doing the best I can."

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