A deep dive on U.S. reading and math scores, and what to do about them
New research drills down on poor student achievement and notes some school districts that are beating the odds.
Sen. Marco Rubio Hopes For A Congress 'Whose Work Is Relevant' To Americans
The Republican party begins 2015 in control of both chambers of Congress. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., talks with Steve Inskeep about the party's priorities and the possibility of a presidential bid.
Sen. Rubio Says He Could Run For President Even If Jeb Bush Does
The Florida Republican tells NPR's Steve Inskeep that while he had not made a final decision on a run, "we're closer to a decision than we were a month ago."
Iowa Woman Cited For Mailing Neighbors Cow Poop
The website she used promised to anonymously mail her neighbors a package of cow dung. Police quickly suspected her because of ongoing problems with her barking dog, and accused her of harassment.
Heart Emoji Got Much Attention In 2014
The Global Language Monitor's Top Word of 2014 is not a word, it's an emoji of a heart. The company says the spread of pictures in place of words reflects a broader transformation of English.
Cuban Authorities Detain Dissidents Ahead Of Free Speech Rally
Cuban authorities detained several dissidents this week. The detensions come soon after President Obama began to normalize relations with Cuba. Steve Inskeep talks to journalist Marc Frank in Havana.
4-Top Teams Meet New Year's Day In College Football Playoffs
This first day of 2015 is a historic day for college football. Playoffs begin, and there are two semi-final games: Oregon plays Florida State and later, Alabama takes on Ohio State.
Fatal Stampede Dampens Shanghai's New Year Celebrations
Three dozen people were killed in a stampede during New Year's celebrations in Shanghai. Little is known about what triggered the chaos. Steve Inskeep talks to the BBC's John Sudworth.
Egyptian Court Orders Al-Jazeera Journalists To Be Retried
Egypt's high court has canceled the jail sentences of three Al-Jazeera journalists and ordered a retrial. The journalists say they were jailed for doing their jobs.
London's Morning Gloryville Starts Sunrise Rave Trend
It's a typical rave scene, except everyone is sober and it's 7 a.m. on a weekday. Morning Gloryville is a monthly surprise party. (This piece initially aired August 12, 2014 on Morning Edition).
Peripatetic Students Thrive At Department Of Defense Schools
The Pentagon runs a school district that spans the globe, with more than 82,000 students. By many measures it's very successful. The students perform well academically despite moving around a lot.
If You're Not Watching Sports, It's A Great Day To Watch A Movie
Steve Inskeep shares listeners' picks for movies to watch over the New Year's holiday.