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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?

Interactive TV Allows Viewers To Shop Remotely

Remotely Interested? With the "simple push of the 'Select' button," Optimum Select allows viewers to request information, coupons and free samples. Cablevision/Optimum Select hide caption

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Cablevision/Optimum Select

Television

Interactive TV Allows Viewers To Shop Remotely

A new TV advertising service will give viewers the ability to get information, coupons and free samples without leaving the couch. Optimum Select invites viewers to hit a button on their remote controls to learn more about advertised products.

Interactive TV Allows Viewers To Shop Remotely

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Patient And Provider Perspectives

Poll: Public Says Voice Not Heard In Health Debate

A new poll by NPR, the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Harvard school of Public Health says while lawmakers bicker and deal, the public feels largely shut out. Despite public support, the Senate Finance Committee voted down the public option Tuesday.

Poll: Public Says Voice Not Heard In Health Debate

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Children's Health

NTSB Puts Heat On States Without Booster Seat Laws

The National Transportation Safety Board is scolding the leaders of three states for not passing tougher laws mandating child booster seats. Arizona, Florida and South Dakota are the only states that don't require older children to ride in boosters.

NTSB Puts Heat On States Without Booster Seat Laws

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Tracking The Overhaul

Obama And Big Health: Who's Co-Opting Whom?

In the still-evolving health care overhaul effort, are the doctors, pharmaceutical industry and insurers winning, by negotiating good deals for themselves? Or is this a success for the administration, because these groups are still in the game?

Obama And Big Health: Who's Co-Opting Whom?

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Tuesday

Education

Program Connects Schools, Career Changers

Many new teachers from nontraditional backgrounds have come to teaching through a partnership between local schools and a nonprofit group called the New Teacher Project. The group's president, Timothy Daly, says the program is allowing schools to access a diverse pool of candidates.

Program Connects Schools, Career Changers

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