Putin apologizes to Azerbaijani leader after plane crash
NPR's Andrew Limbong speaks with Brian Taylor, who teaches Russian politics at Syracuse University, about the call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the leader of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.
Connecting With Nature To Reclaim Our Natural 'Birthright'
Modern society has become adversarial in its relationship to nature, Yale scholar Stephen Kellert argues, having greatly undervalued the natural world beyond its narrow utilty. In his new book Birthright: People and Nature in the Modern World, he tells stories of the environment's effect on us, and ours on it.
On Campaign Promises Report Card, Obama Did 'Pretty Well'
The president's record on keeping his campaign promises over the last four years: 47 percent, according to the watchdog PolitiFact. A boon to Obama's promise-keeping came from the passage of big-name programs like the economic stimulus package and the education program Race to the Top.
Janis Joplin: The Queen Of Rock
Saturday would have been Janis Joplin's 70th birthday. Joplin was dubbed the first queen of rock 'n' roll, and her voice is singular. She was rough around the edges, vulnerable and charismatic, and she paved the way for countless women in rock. This piece originally aired on Morning Edition on June 7, 2010.
Standoff Over Hostages Continues In Algeria
NPR's Eleanor Beardsley has an update on the situation at an Algerian gas facility where Islamic extremists took western hostages four days ago. The Algerian government says the fates of all the workers at the facility will be known by the end of the day.
Stink Bug's Resurfacing May Squash Farmers' Hopes For A Strong 2013
Last year, farmers caught a break from the stink bug, an invasive pest that can cause significant crop damage. The population dropped sharply in 2011, but experts say the insect could come back bigger than ever this year.
N.Y. Governor Flexes Political Muscle To Pass Tough Gun Law
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a new gun control bill into law Tuesday, just days after delivering an impassioned speech on the need to pass the legislation. The popular governor has managed to translate his high approval ratings into a number of political victories. But some say Cuomo is just padding his resume for a future presidential bid.
