Irene Disrupts Power, Commutes, Travel Plans

Irene knocked out power to millions and threatened transportation systems up and down the east coast. The restoration of most subway and bus lines in New York City helped avoid the commuting nightmare that some had feared, but the storm will leave many without power for days. Hurricane Irene caused havoc for many rail lines, [...]

Even If Chocolate Doesn’t Ward Off Heart Disease, It’s Still Yummy

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, but the tools to fend it off — low-fat diets, exercise, statin drugs — leave a little bit to be desired in the charm department. Then there’s chocolate. It’s hard to resist the notion that eating lots of one of the world’s most delicious foods could [...]

Uninsured Largely Unaware Of Benefits Coming From Overhaul

When it comes to last year’s Affordable Care Act, there’s not much people agree on. Except, says Kaiser Family Foundation President and CEO Drew Altman, this one thing: “It really does help the uninsured; 32 million uninsured people will get coverage.” But according to the foundation’s latest monthly tracking poll, it appears that only about [...]

The Radio Piece That Wasn’t: A Lament In Weather-Based Musicals

Some ideas need to see the light of day, no matter what it takes. On Saturday morning, there was an announcement that all Broadway and off-Broadway shows were being cancelled for the weekend because of Hurricane Irene. In response, I envisioned a radio piece. It didn’t run this weekend, because by the time I would [...]

Need A Parking Space? Look In Your Hand

It’s one of the great frustrations of urban life: The seemingly unending search for a parking space. Motorists drive themselves crazy circling the block looking for a place to park while wasting gas and polluting the air. But the city of San Francisco has turned to technology for help — it is testing a smartphone [...]

Reports: Some Of Gadhafi’s Family In Algeria

Algeria’s state news agency is reporting that the government there says members of Moammar Gadhafi’s family are now in that country, The Associated Press and other news outlets say. It’s thought that they include the ousted Libyan leader’s wife, two sons and a daughter. NPR’s Lourdes Garcia-Navarro, who is in Tripoli, says it’s also being [...]

In Japan, Next Prime Minister Faces Many Skeptics

Japan is about to get a new prime minster — the sixth in five years. As early as Tuesday, Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda could formally get the job. He all but captured the post Monday when he won the leadership race of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan. The challenges he faces will be huge. [...]

Afghan President Pardons Would-Be Suicide Bombers

As part of the traditional celebration of the end of Ramadan, Afghan President Hamid Karzai has pardoned prisoners from Kabul’s juvenile detention center. This time it was two dozen youths who had been arrested for planned or attempted suicide bomb attacks, and many were under the age of 12. Karzai presented the captured suicide bombers [...]

‘Left Out’: Post-Katrina Housing Battle Continues

Six years ago Monday, Hurricane Katrina blew up the U.S. Gulf Coast, killed more than 1,800 people and left hundreds of thousands homeless. The story of the coast’s recovery varies from place to place. For some, life is back to normal. Along the Mississippi coast, thousands affected by Katrina still live in battered houses. They’ve [...]

Families Skeptical As Arlington Tries To Repair Trust

For years, Arlington National Cemetery has been defined by honor. Presidents are buried there. The crew of the space shuttle Challenger. And thousands of men and women who served in the military. But Barbara Tye doesn’t have the same sense of honor she once had. She found out her little brother, Army Staff Sgt. Michael [...]