Around the Nation

A firefighting helicopter flies over burned hills during the La Tuna fire in Los Angeles, California on Sunday.

National

Showers Aid Firefighters Hoping To Contain California Wildfire

11:10am September 04, 2017

by Scott Neuman

The La Tuna fire near Los Angeles — one of several burning in California, Montana and Oregon — is one-third contained. But firefighters warn there is still much to be done to bring it under control.

Young bodies may more easily rebound from long bouts of sitting, with just an hour at the gym. But research suggests physical recovery from binge TV-watching gets harder in our 50s and as we get older.

Get Off The Couch Baby Boomers, Or You May Not Be Able To Later

8:43am September 04, 2017

by Patti Neighmond

If you sit too much during middle age — at work and at home — your ability to exercise or even walk in late decades is at risk, a study hints. And, of course, your risk of heart disease climbs, too.

Queue Listen Now

National

FEMA's Role In Responding To Disasters

7:33am September 04, 2017

David Greene talks with Craig Fugate, who ran FEMA under President Obama and oversaw the agency's response to Hurricane Sandy, about what the agency can and can't do for people affected by disasters.

Students walk through an entrance above which is engraved "Stonewall Jackson" at Jackson Elementary School in Oklahoma City.

These Oklahoma City Schools Are Named For Confederate Generals ... Or Are They?

6:28am September 04, 2017

by Emily Wendler

Oklahoma City school leaders announced they wanted the community to decide whether to change the names of four schools, only to find that some important details about the schools may be lost to time.

The Amana Radarange was born of a happy accident caused by an engineer who was working for the defense contractor Raytheon in the 1940s.

National

3 ... 2 ... 1 ... Beeeep! Your Microwave's 50th Anniversary Is Ready

5:10am September 04, 2017

by Barry Gordemer

No self-respecting cook would admit to using the food-nuker for anything more than heating up last night's pasta, but it's hard to deny the influence this little machine has had on American life.

National

Some Houstonians Still Haven't Seen Their Homes

5:10am September 04, 2017

by Rebecca Davis

In one Houston community, residents stand around on a street corner as if it were a bus stop — waiting to catch a ride on a boat that will take them to see their flooded homes.

National

Worries Over Chemicals In The Water In Texas

5:10am September 04, 2017

by Brian Mann

Scientists are concerned about the risk of chemicals washing around in the flood water in Texas.

Doctors say don't delay getting the flu shot this year.

Fall Weather Headed Your Way? Time For Flu Shots

4:15am September 04, 2017

by Tara Haelle

The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds us that shots — not a nasal spray — are the most effective way to protect kids 6 months and older against the flu.

National

Remaining Flood-Damaged Arkema Chemical Plant Containers Have Burned Out

3:20am September 04, 2017

by Emma Bowman

Texas authorities conducted a "controlled burn" on the six remaining trailers at the Crosby facility to prevent the risk of explosions, which poses no additional risk to the community, Arkema said.

Actress Chloe Bennet says changing her last name from Wang to Bennet allowed her to get more casting roles in Hollywood. While she did this, she says she hopes Asian American women that come after her do not have to take the same steps to find work.

Actress Chloe Bennet Wants To Change The Narrative For Asian-Americans In Hollywood

6:09pm September 03, 2017

by Michel Martin

Actress Chloe Bennet speaks with NPR's Michel Martin about her decision to change her last name from Wang to Bennet, so she could increase her chances of getting an acting job in Hollywood.