'Rum Cliff' And Other Close Shaves In The Tax, Spending Deal
An electric scooter incentive and a credit to Hollywood to encourage U.S.-based movie and television productions are among some of the more obscure breaks in the fiscal cliff deal.
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The Tony Soprano Of Karachi: Gangster Or Politician?
Gangsters in Karachi are a little different from the American variety. They often control armed groups linked to political parties. Uzair Baloch is known as the don of Karachi's Lyari slum. But ask him if he's a gangster, and he'll laugh. He says he's a politician and a social worker.
Inside The Fiscal Cliff Budget Compromise Bill: Tax Cuts and Tax Hikes
The Senate-approved budget compromise that is meant to allow the U.S. government to avoid higher tax rates and austere budget cuts has tax rates as its central issue. We list some of the bill's effects, from tax credits to rising rates.
Tea Party Texan Cruz Gives GOP Hope In Hunt For Hispanic Votes
Sen.-elect Ted Cruz is a bright young Hispanic star who will be sworn in this week in Washington. Many in the GOP hope he'll be able to bring more Latino voters into their column. But Cruz takes a Tea Party hard line on immigration.
What The Health Law Will Bring In 2013
In October 2013, open enrollment begins, when people can start signing up for their 2014 coverage through the new state-run health exchanges. But most of the changes in 2013 are tax increases and cuts in tax deductions to pay for the 2014 changes.
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The Slow Carving Of The Crazy Horse Monument
A colossal monument of Lakota warrior Chief Crazy Horse in South Dakota is 64 years in the making. Problems in the underlying rock are forcing the sculptors to deviate from the original model. But the family carving the monument says it will carry on even if it takes another lifetime to finish.
Brazil's Drug Epidemic: Welcome To 'Crackland'
Crack has been in Brazil since the 1990s, but the drug has exploded in the past six years. The government has poured billions into a prevention and treatment program, but officials are still trying to figure out the best way to combat the epidemic.
Peace Pilgrim's 28-Year Walk For 'A Meaningful Way Of Life'
On Jan. 1, 1953, Mildred Norman gave up her name — and possessions — to become Peace Pilgrim. She walked across the U.S. and Canada for 28 years, subsisting on handouts from strangers to spread her message of peace.
Sinema, First Openly Bisexual Member Of Congress, Represents 'Changing Arizona'
Democrat Kyrsten Sinema, 36, is a former social worker who spent part of her childhood living in an abandoned gas station. To win her district, made up of almost equal parts Republicans, Democrats and independents, she had to focus on voters in the middle.
Attack On Aid Workers In Pakistan Leaves 7 Dead
Following an already violent year in Pakistan, on the first day of the New Year gunmen shot and killed five teachers and two aid workers as they were driving home from work.
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At Least 60 Killed In Ivory Coast New Year's Stampede
A crowd stampeded after leaving a New Year's fireworks show early Tuesday in Ivory Coast's commercial center, killing 61 people — many of them youths — and injuring more than 200, rescue workers said.
Hip-Hopping With A Harp
Singer-songwriter Rashida Jolley uses the harp to create a sound that's entirely her own. She combines pop, hip-hop, rhythm and blues and classical music into her debut album, Tales of My Heart. Jolley shares her musical inspirations with host Michel Martin in an encore presentation.
How 'Deferred Action' Will Affect Classrooms
The new year could bring new challenges to the nation's schools and students. Host Michel Martin discusses what's ahead with NPR Education Correspondent, Claudio Sanchez. He says immigration policy and the demand for Pell Grants could have a huge effect on American education in 2013.
The Hobbit Filmmaker Turns To Crime Documentary
The new documentary, West of Memphis, delves into the controversial case of three Arkansas teens who were convicted of murder in 1994. Host Michel Martin speaks with Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson and Damien Echols, one of men convicted in the case.
Oil Drilling Rig Runs Aground In Gulf Of Alaska
A Shell oil drilling rig holding more than 150,000 gallons of diesel, oil, and hydraulic fluid has run aground near Kodiak Island in the Gulf of Alaska, after breaking away while being towed during a storm. The crew was evacuated before the rig was incapacitated.
2012 In Review: 50 Wonderful Things From The Year In Pop Culture
We run down 50 favorite pop culture moments of last year, from television to film to books.
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'One Pound Fish': A Pakistani Man's Passport To Fame
A Pakistani man who went to London to sell fish has become an unlikely YouTube music star, thanks to the catchy song he made up to lure customers. The video for the song, "One Pound Fish," became a Web hit, and even brought him a record deal.
Chief Justice John Roberts On Fiscal Woes: Don't Look At Us
The leader of the judicial branch of government uses his end-of-year report on the state of federal courts to highlight efforts to trim government costs, and to note: "For each citizen's tax dollar, only two-tenths of one penny go toward funding the entire third branch of government!"
New Year's Eve 2012: The World Celebrates 2013
It is New Year's Eve. And that means people will: go to parties and drink Champagne; ignore the hubbub and go to bed by 10; start cooking for New Year's Day; watch college football — or some combination of the above. For many people, the center of attention tonight will be New York's Times Square, where the famed ball will drop.
Parenting, Mental Illness And Bodily Functions: 2012's Most Read
From depression drugs to circumcision to runner's high, here's what kept you clicking this year on Shots.
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