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New Urbanism advocates communities with small-town-like layouts that encourage walking and decrease reliance on cars. The front porch, which had gone out of vogue after World War II, has played a key role in fostering community in such developments.

The buyer-rating organization Consumer Reports operates an auto-testing center in Connecticut where employees get to try out the latest cars. Sometimes they even get to take the vehicles home. The whole point is to give the new cars a real-world beating -- especially the fast ones...

The debut album of Congolese band Konoko No. 1 caught the attention of U.S. audiences. Their rhythms were played on instruments cobbled together from discarded car parts. Now the band joins with other Congolese artists on a new album called Congotronics 2.

So far, gay marriage remains largely an issue for the states to decide for themselves. On Tuesday, voters in Alabama approved a state amendment to ban gay marriage. Where does the issue stand in other states?

Is the debate over how to treat terrorism suspects helping the Republican party in advance of the midterm elections? Los Angeles Times political writer Doyle McManus discusses developments with Liane Hansen.

Seven people in the Ivory Coast have died and thousands have become sick because of toxic chemical waste dumped around the capital city of Abidjan. The victims began vomiting and suffering breathing difficulties and migraines after breathing fumes from the waste. Host Debbie Elliott talks to the BBC's James Copnall, who is in Abidjan.

A generation of artists are creating and distributing new music behind the back of the Islamic republic. Eschewing traditional music approved by religious censors, these musicians rock -- and even rap -- while dodging the authorities.

The Emerald Ash Borer beetle is invading the Midwest. The small green Chinese bug has been eating its way through Michigan, where more than 15 million trees have been devastated over the past few years. Now, it's been found in Illinois.

It's not just criminals who clog e-mail inboxes with junk messages. Friends and family often forward junk e-mails about urban legends or myths that might cause recipients to do some dangerous things. Day to Day personal finance contributor Michelle Singletary speaks with Alex Chadwick about how these e-mails can be hazardous to the financial health of recipients.

The culture clash in Afghanistan between modernizers and traditionalists, and between urban and rural society, has been a constant source of tension.