A Look At Memorable Moments From Past Inaugurations
Stories of complications and quotations abound, from Nixon's second inauguration till today.
U.S.
A Chilly, Musical Morning As Inauguration Crowds Gather
Staten Island's PS22 student choral group performs as people file onto the National Mall hoping for a glimpse of President Obama later.
Former Anti-GMO Activist Says Science Changed His Mind
For years, British environmental activist Mark Lynas vandalized genetically modified food crops. Then, he had a change of heart. He went in front of the world to reverse his position, telling the anti-GMO lobby to "get out of the way and let the rest of us get on with feeding the world sustainably."
New Reading Standards Aim To Prep Kids For College — But At What Cost?
Almost the entire country has signed onto the Common Core Standards Initiative. The standards incorporate more nonfiction texts across all subjects to improve reading scores. But some fear the push for nonfiction reading could lead students away from passionate engagement with literature.
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.
House GOP Backs Off Debt Ceiling Demands
House Republicans held their annual retreat this week in Williamsburg, Va., to figure out their next steps. They dropped a demand to have spending cuts for ever dollar the debt ceiling is raised, at least for the next three months. GOP lawmakers are now pinning their hopes for deficit reduction on other looming budget battles.
For Justice Sotomayor, Books Unlocked Imagination
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor's autobiography, My Beloved World, debuted this week, and NPR's Nina Totenberg sat down with her to talk about her youth and schooling and career. Sotomayor discusses the role that books played in her life, from Nancy Drew to Shakespeare.
Is A Fresh Start In Washington Possible?
Host Scott Simon talks with NPR's Mara Liasson about whether the Obama administration and Congressional Republicans can find some common ground and overcome the political gridlock that characterized much of the president's first term.
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.