Search results for

Defense officials ask Congress to approve new dual-use satellites that can distinguish between "airbursts" caused by random asteroids sneaking into the atmosphere and exploding warheads. NPR's Eric Niiler reports.

The city council in Holyoke, Mass., fights a federal plan to house Somali war refugees there. Council members argue Holyoke lacks the resources to handle the refugees, but many townspeople are working to help the newcomers to stay. Karen Brown of member station WFCR reports.

A new vaccine against the virus that leads to cervical cancer shows promising results, scientists say. Doctors say widespread use of the vaccine could sharply reduce the rate of the disease. NPR's Joe Palca reports.

The small Washington State-based publisher has two collections of poetry nominated for tonight's National Book Awards. That's not bad, considering Copper Canyon only publishes about 15 books a year. What's perhaps even more remarkable is that Copper Canyon has survived for 30 years publishing only poetry. Marcie Sillman, of member station KUOW, reports.

A gang is demanding millions of dollars in ransom for 17 kidnapped missionaries. Faith-based humanitarian groups say their work demands balancing risk with the need to serve the most vulnerable.

A truly global economy and the ever-expanding reach of the Internet are compelling us all to "think globally." Yet the results of a new National Geographic-Roper study reveals young people aged 18 to 24 remain woefully ignorant about geography and world affairs. In fact, 83 percent of Americans quizzed couldn't find Afghanistan on a map. All Things Considered guest host Lynn Neary talks with National Geographic Society President John Fahey about the quiz results -- test your knowledge, and take the quiz online.

NPR's Sarah McCammon speaks with Georgia State Senator Butch Miller about the recent voting bill he co-sponsored.

In January 1940, Irving Berlin, the most popular songwriter in America, raced into his office and asked his musical secretary to take down a new song. NPR's Susan Stamberg reports on the history of "White Christmas," a song Berlin said was the best he — or anyone — ever wrote.

On Weekend Edition Saturday, Bryan Gruley, colleague of slain reporter Daniel Pearl, talks with John Ydstie and plays a song he wrote with Pearl's son in mind for a planned benefit concert.

In 1937, Bradford Washburn and partner Robert Bates climbed Mt. Lucania, a 17,000-foot peak in the Yukon Territory. They very nearly failed to return. The book Escape from Lucania chronicles the expedition. NPR's John Ydstie speaks with Washburn, 92, and author David Roberts.