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National

Wednesday

Law

Supreme Court To Weigh Chicago Guns Case

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case testing whether the Second Amendment right to bear arms restricts the ability of state and local governments to limit citizen access to guns. At issue is a ban on handguns in Chicago.

Supreme Court To Weigh Chicago Guns Case

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In Chicago, Some Protest Olympic Bid

One group of Chicagoans is heading off to Copenhagen to try to win the 2016 Olympic Games for Chicago, but others are gathering in the Windy City to rally against the games. Contrary to popular opinion, some people in Chicago would rather the games go anywhere else.

In Chicago, Some Protest Olympic Bid

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Lesson Plans: What Makes A Great Teacher?

What Should Go Into A Teaching Degree?

The majority of classroom teachers are trained in traditional colleges of education. But that training has come under intense scrutiny. Critics say too many teachers leave poorly prepared for the enormous changes taking place in the real world of teaching.

What Should Go Into A Teaching Degree?

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Swine Flu: The Second Wave

Swine Flu Sweeps Through Austin, Hitting The Young

Twenty-six states are experiencing high H1N1 virus activity — most in the lower half of the nation, according to the CDC. In Austin, Texas, hundreds are seeking treatment; most of them are young and resilient enough to get through it. One medical center recently erected three field tents on its parking lot to deal exclusively with swine flu.

Swine Flu Sweeps Through Austin, Hitting The Young

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GAO Faults FEMA On Nationwide Alert System

FEMA has made little progress on an emergency-alert system despite a 2006 executive order that called for improvements in the system in light of the Sept. 11 attacks, congressional investigators say. A GAO official tells NPR the way things stand now, many parts of the country will be without information if there is an emergency.

GAO Faults FEMA On Nationwide Alert System

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Politics

Political Junkie Eyes Calif. And Colo.

This week's political roundup includes an update on the new face in Ted Kennedy's Senate seat, and the news that former governor Sarah Palin's memoir is due on shelves sooner than expected. Also, 2010 races heat up in CA and CO.

Political Junkie Eyes Calif. And Colo.

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Science

Senate Unveils Plan To Reduce Emissions

California Sen. Barbara Boxer unveils a bill to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent to help slow climate change. The plan uses a cap and trade system and would rework the nation's energy economy.

Senate Unveils Plan To Reduce Emissions

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Government Eyes Crackdown On Texting And Driving

A driver uses a cell phone, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009, in Freeport, Maine. On Saturday, Sept. 12, a new law makes failure to maintain control of a motor vehicle while distracted a traffic infraction in Maine. Robert F. Bukaty/AP hide caption

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Robert F. Bukaty/AP

Government Eyes Crackdown On Texting And Driving

A two-day summit that kicks off in Washington Wednesday will examine the deepening safety concerns posed by distracted drivers. Some want a national ban on text messaging behind the wheel. But how do you convince overconfident drivers they are the danger?

Distracted Drivers Beware, LaHood Is On To You

The Obama administration is taking its first hard look at highway hazards like talking on cellphones and texting while driving. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Wednesday kicks off a two-day summit involving researchers, automakers, safety advocates and lawmakers to find ways of preventing distracted driving from leading to widespread deaths and injuries. LaHood talks to Steve Inskeep about what the summit can accomplish.

Distracted Drivers Beware, LaHood Is On To You

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Middle East

Iran To Sit Down With Six World Powers In Geneva

When Iran talks about its nuclear program Thursday, it will face six other world powers at the table. Former Ambassador Nicholas Burns was the State Department's top negotiator on Iran during the final years of the Bush Administration. He talks with Steve Inskeep about what some of the key participants want out of the negotiations.

Iran To Sit Down With Six World Powers In Geneva

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World

Samoa, American Samoa Struck By Massive Tsunami

The Pacific islands of Samoa and American Samoa have been hit with a devastating tsunami. Giant waves flattened villages and swept people and property away. Scores of people have been killed. Maposua Norman Paul, who owns a resort in Samoa, talks with Renee Montagne about the hardest hit area of the island.

Samoa, American Samoa Struck By Massive Tsunami

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Education

Detroit's 'Count Days' Entices Student Attendance

WDET

A lucky student in the Detroit Public Schools system will win a 42-inch flat-screen TV. It's one of many prizes administrators use to help increase attendance. Wednesday is one of two so-called "count days" in Michigan — the day enrollment numbers are tallied and sent to the state to determine funding.

Detroit's 'Count Days' Entices Student Attendance

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Economy

U.S. Home Prices Up In July in 20 Major Cities

When it comes to the ailing housing market, one of the key vital signs is the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller home price index. For the past couple of years, it's been reporting record price drops. The latest round of data released Tuesday shows that between June and July, prices actually increased in the majority of cities tracked by the index.

U.S. Home Prices Up In July in 20 Major Cities

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