'Merkel' Has Become A Verb In German Youth Vernacular
The German chancellor's last name is used locally as a word of action that ironically means to not act at all.
Europe
Spanish Composer: Let There Be Words To Our National Anthem!
Spain is one of a few countries whose national anthems lack lyrics. Recently, Madrid composer Victor Lago wrote lyrics extols Spain's noble people and olive trees, and asked lawmakers to adopt them.
Can Beck's Be Labeled 'German' If It's Brewed In St. Louis? No, Judge Agrees
When is a German beer not actually German? When it's brewed in St. Louis by Anheuser-Busch. A settlement was approved Tuesday in a class-action lawsuit over Beck's packaging.
British Journalist Mysteriously Found Dead In Istanbul Airport Restroom
A British journalist was found dead in an Istanbul airport restroom. The Turks say the cause of death was suicide, but colleagues at the Institute for War and Peace Reporting say Jacky Sutton would not take her own life.
Crowds Of Migrants And Refugees Prompt Slovenia To Deploy Army
Faced with delays, hundreds of people are being forced to camp outdoors along the route that they hope ends in Austria, Germany and other European Union nations.
In A Remote Seaside Town, China Envisions A New 'Silk Road'
China is investing billions to develop the Pakistani port of Gwadar and a transportation network that runs all the way to western China. It's part of the larger effort to revive the famed Silk Road.
British Prime Minister Says U.K. Will Accept 20,000 Syrian Refugees By 2020
NPR takes a look at the Europe-wide response to the migrant crisis. British Prime Minister David Cameron announced Monday the U.K. will accept 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next five years.
After Chaotic Journey Through Europe, Syrian Teacher Arrives In Germany
The latest stage on the journey of a former teacher fleeing the war in Syria, who is hoping to find a new home for himself and his family in Germany.
Vatican Interns Help Build Papal Following On Social Media
Villanova University students are integral to Pope Francis' U.S. social media team via the college's Vatican internship program. They were part of the launch of the papal Twitter account and the Vatican's ongoing social media efforts.
Researchers Build Smartphone Algorithm That Senses Boredom
Your phone can now be programmed to tell when you are bored. Researchers from Telefonica Research in Barcelona, Spain, say an algorithm they have developed could be used to push content to you when you're looking for something interesting to do. On the other hand, it could also be used to encourage you to put your phone down and go find some other way to be productive.