How To Write The Perfect Obituary
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to obituary writer Maureen O'Donnell of the Chicago Sun-Times about the art of writing about people who have died.
National
For Pittsburgh, A Difficult Year Reveals Long-Buried Problems
A string of shootings and revelations about clergy abuse has made 2018 a hard year for the people of Pittsburgh. But some are finding new activism and hope within tragedy.
Despite Progress, Boston Will Not Meet Its Goal To Eliminate Chronic Homelessness
Boston set a goal of eliminating chronic homelessness by the end of 2018. The goal will not be reached. The city has made big progress in housing people who are homeless, but major barriers remain.
Paradise, California Aims To Rebuild, Solve Longstanding Infrastructure Problems
With money from the state and the federal government, Paradise, Calif., may be able to rebuild and fix long-standing infrastructure problems.
Mumia Abu-Jamal Granted Right Of Appeal After Decades In Prison
A Philadelphia judge has ruled that Black Panther Mumia Abu-Jamal can appeal his 1982 conviction for killing Police Officer Daniel Faulkner.
4 Million Children Participated In School Lockdowns Last Year, Many Were Traumatized
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Steven Rich, database editor for the Washington Post's investigations unit, about how 4 million children were subjected to school lockdowns last year.
Family Celebrates Another Year Together, After Father Was Almost Deported
NPR's Ari Shapiro checks back in with a family he spoke with earlier this year when the father was held in an immigration detention facility.
New Armed Services Chairs Have Starkly Different Views On Measures, Spending
Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., and Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., will respectively chair the Senate and House armed services committees in the new Congress. They have very different views on what is needed.
Oldest American World War II Veteran Dies At 112
Richard Overton enlisted in an all-black battalion, serving in Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He loved ice cream, whiskey and cigars. "Today we mourn not just a hero, but a legend," the U.S. Army said.
For Pittsburgh, A Difficult Year Reveals Long-Buried Problems
A string of shootings and revelations about clergy abuse has made 2018 a hard year for the people of Pittsburgh. But some are finding new activism and hope within tragedy.