Gunman Who Killed Two Firefighters Left Chilling Note
"I still have to get ready to see how much of the neighborhood I can burn down and do what I like doing best: killing people," William Spenger wrote, according to police. He set a fire at his Webster, N.Y., home, then shot at the first responders. Authorities think Spengler also killed his sister.
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The Fed Boosts The Economy, But What About The Risks?
The Federal Reserve continued to keep its foot on the accelerator in 2012, using unusual tactics to try to boost economic growth. But economists disagree about whether the Fed's policies were effective or whether the inflation risks outweighed the rewards.
Nasty Storms Moving Across Southeast; Blizzard Warnings In Indiana, Kentucky
Freezing rain and sleet made for a sloppy Christmas trek in parts of the nation's midsection, while residents along the Gulf Coast braced for thunderstorms, high winds and tornadoes that were doing damage in some areas.
Study: Red Noses Help Reindeers Cope With Polar Air
It turns out Rudolph wasn't the only reindeer with a bright red nose. All reindeer have red noses, and a new study in the British Medical Journal explains why. Their noses are packed with lots of blood vessels to warm cold air on the way in and soak up heat from their breath as they breathe out.
Texas Man Takes Last Stand Against Keystone XL Pipeline
The Keystone pipeline is supposed to carry tar sands oil from Canada to Texas — a route that runs right through David Daniel's land. To try to save his woods from bulldozers, Daniel built tree houses 80 feet in the air and protesters climbed up into them.
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N.Y. Gunman: Killing 'What I Like Doing Best'
The ex-con who lured two firefighters to their deaths in a blaze of gunfire left a rambling typewritten note saying he wanted to burn down the neighborhood and "do what I like doing best, killing people," police said as they recovered burned human remains believed to be the gunman's missing sister.
No Sugar Plums Here: The Dark, Romantic Roots Of 'The Nutcracker'
Few people today remember E.T.A. Hoffmann, but most everyone is familiar with his most famous creation: The Nutcracker. NPR's Robert Siegel traces the history of everyone's favorite Christmas ballet all the way back to its much darker original version.
Charles Durning, King Of Character Actors, Dies
Charles Durning, the two-time Oscar nominee who was known for his skill in playing everything from a Nazi colonel to the pope, died Monday at his home in New York City. "I never turned down anything and never argued with any producer or director," Durning once said. He was 89.
U.S. Military Builds Up Its Presence In Africa
The U.S. military plans to send an Army brigade to Africa next year. Some 4,000 soldiers would deploy — in small units and at different times — to help train and advise African troops. It's part of an Obama administration plan to address the growing challenge posed by terrorism in Africa.
Dig Finds Evidence Of Another Bethlehem
Archaeologists are unearthing evidence that the city of Bethlehem, in the West Bank, celebrated as the birthplace of Jesus, may not have been the actual Bethlehem of his birth. They have discovered a Bethlehem that existed in the Galilee near Nazareth.
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In Pursuit of Recognition: An Undocumented Immigrant's Resilient Fight
Undocumented students have played a crucial role in calls for immigration reform. Now, as lawmakers from both parties resume talks of legislation, student leaders have expanded their fight. Sofia Campos, who's at the forefront of the movement, shares her story of unyielding activism.
Back To The Economy Of The '90s? Not So Fast
As the parties wrangle over taxes and the "fiscal cliff," there's been a lot of talk about the golden days of the 1990s — and each party's role in creating it. Yet economists say a lot was happening outside Washington as well.
In India, All Religions Join In 'The Big Day'
Christians the world over are celebrating Christmas. India, the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism, marks the birth of Jesus with a national holiday. In this land of great religions, Christians and non-Christians join in the festivities of this season with song and special meals.
Where's Santa? Depends On Which Tech Titan You Ask
NORAD's online Santa Tracker is powered by Microsoft. This year, Google launched its own. And Santa's precise whereabouts are hard to pin down.
Jack Klugman Of 'The Odd Couple' Dies At 90
Jack Klugman, the prolific, craggy-faced character actor and regular guy who was loved by millions as the messy one in TV's "The Odd Couple" and the crime-fighting coroner in "Quincy, M.E.," died Monday, a son said. He was 90.
Obama Administration Deported Record 1.5 Million People
Although President Obama supports setting a path to citizenship for many illegal immigrants, his administration deported a record 1.5 million of them in his first term. With immigration advocates calling for the new Congress to address the issue, the administration says it will now focus on "serious offenders."
As Syrian War Grinds On, A Rebel Keeps Reinventing Himself
Since the uprising began, Ibrahim Abazid has been a protester, a rebel fighter and an aid worker. Now he is looking to form a city council that could run his hometown in southern Syria.
Finding New Meaning In The Loss Of A Son
Maya Thompson's son Ronan died of cancer three days before his fourth birthday. During his illness, she began a raw and sometimes angry blog that drew millions of readers. Thompson has since started a foundation and is funding clinical trials to find a cure for childhood cancer.
Hagel Would Be First Former Enlisted Soldier To Run Pentagon
President Obama may nominate former Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel to be the next defense secretary. The Vietnam veteran could bring a bipartisan presence to Obama's Cabinet, but only if he survives opposition from some in his own party.
UOK? 'Dystextia' Alerts Doctors To Neurological Problems
The inability to send coherent text messages, or 'dystextia,' is helping doctors diagnose neurological problems. In one recent case, a series of garbled text messages was an early signal that a woman was having a stroke.
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