Russia marks 80 years since World War II victory over Nazi Germany
Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the leaders of China and Brazil to commemorate the anniversary.
Nelson Mandela Said To Be Gravely Ill
South Africa is on watch for the fate of the 94-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The ailing Mandela, an international icon known for his fight to end apartheid, has been in the hospital for several days. For the latest on his condition, Renee Montagne speaks with NPR's Ofeibea Quist-Arcton.
Expecting Parents Ask For Help Naming Their Son
A Connecticut couple couldn't decide whether to name their soon-to-be-born son Jackson or Logan. So according to the New Haven Register, they decided to take a poll of customers at Starbucks. In the end, they went with their own suggestion: Logan Jackson.
Racing Pigeon Has Poor Sense Of Direction
A pigeon that set out on what was to be a 600 mile race in Japan, lost his way and ended up landing 5,000 miles across the Pacific in Canada. When it was found on Vancouver Island, the bird was exhausted and very skinny.
Gay Military Spouses To Benefit From Supreme Court Ruling
Gay spouses of service members have long been denied the substantial benefits available to heterosexual couples. Now, Wednesday's Supreme Court ruling that struck down the Defense of Marriage Act means gay married couples can look forward to more equal treatment from the Pentagon.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Defense Of Marriage Act
The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled 5-4 in favor of married gay couples receiving the same federal benefits that are available to opposite-sex married couples. For more, Renee Montagne speaks with NPR's Ron Elving and Carrie Johnson.
Famous Hawk Is Back In The Spotlight
The hawk's name is Rufus and his job is to scare pesky pigeons away from the All England Club before the crowds of tennis fans arrive. Rufus also worked the 2012 Olympics. The hawk — of course — has his own Twitter account to squawk at his admirers.
Russian Official Encourages 'Food Patriotism'
Gennady Onishchenko, Russia's chief sanitary inspector, would like to see more "food patriotism" throughout the country. Translation: More borscht — cut the meals at McDonalds.
Voting Rights Ruling By Supreme Court Draws Mixed Reactions
Voting rights groups and others reacted strongly to Tuesday's Supreme Court ruling that struck down part of the Voting Rights Act. It had required all or part of 15 states to get Justice Department approval for any voting law changes.