Hamas release first 3 hostages under Gaza ceasefire deal
scenes of celebration in Israel and Gaza as ceasefire begins
Written In Secret Behind The Iron Curtain, 'Corpse' Is Revived
An amazing book has surfaced from behind the Soviet-era Iron Curtain says our reviewer, Alan Cheuse. The book is Autobiography of a Corpse by Sigizmund Krzhizhanovsky.
Turkish Leaders Resign In Anti-Graft Probe, Erdogan Claims Conspiracy
Three government ministers in Turkey have resigned in a corruption scandal. Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has denounced the anti-graft investigation as part of an international conspiracy. For more on the political developments, Robert Siegel speaks with Turkish columnist and television commentator Astli Aydintasbas.
With Schisms In Both Parties, Midterms Will Offer Key Test
The ongoing war within the Republican Party pits the old-line forces of the establishment against the rising Tea Party populists, and while Democrats have seemed more united in recent years, they have schisms brewing between factions as well. Who manages these dynamics better may decide many of the close statewide races of 2014.
A Late Christmas Tree May Not Be A Beauty, But It's A Tradition
Stores and families keep putting up their Christmas decorations earlier and earlier each year. But some people still hold out for decorating on Christmas Eve. Martin Kaste has this audio postcard about the difficulties faced in trying to keep Christmas at bay until Christmas.
In New Hampshire, Christmas Lights Help Welcome New Immigrants
Refugees from Iraq, Nepal and the Congo are being introduced to the way Americans celebrate the holidays — and the way Americans consume electricity.
Judge Denies Stay Of Utah Same-Sex Marriages, Unions Continue
Gay marriages will continue in Utah, for the time being. A federal judge denied a request on Monday to stay his decision that said the state's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. The state says it will appeal the ruling to a higher court. Gay couples have been flooding county clerks' offices since the original ruling came down Friday afternoon.
In The World Of Pinball, An Underdog Takes On The Giant
For more than a decade, Stern Pinball was the only company manufacturing pinball machines. A New Jersey startup company is trying to shake up that monopoly. But with decreased demand for the games, it's unclear whether the pinball industry is big enough for two.