Blue Origin Announces Successful Launch, Landing Of Rocket
Commercial space startup Blue Origin announced Tuesday the successful launch and landing of one of its rockets. NPR explores what the success means for space travel.
Business
Local Charities Capitalize On Holiday Rush With Day Of Giving
There's Black Friday and Cyber Monday and, in some places, a single day dedicated to getting people to give to local nonprofits. In Lancaster County, Penn., they call it the Extraordinary Give — 24 hours of events designed to entice donations to arts groups, charities and other nonprofits.
We Tried A Futuristic Cranberry. It Was Fresh And Naturally Sweet
Cranberry breeders in Wisconsin have developed a berry that's tart but also sweet, like a Granny Smith apple. They say the variety isn't ready for production but could one day become a fresh product.
California, An Environmental Leader, Eyes A Key Role In Climate Talks
World leaders are set to meet in Paris, trying to agree on how to combat climate change. Also attending will be California Gov. Jerry Brown, who is spearheading his own international climate movement.
China Plans To Create A Nationwide Carbon Market By 2017
China is building what could be the world's largest carbon market. Pilot programs are helping to lower emissions. But this is mostly due to slowing growth and the shift away from manufacturing.
Behind Your Holiday Sweet Potato Dish, Hard Work In The Fields
More than half of America's sweet potatoes were lifted by hand from the soil of North Carolina. It's some of the most back-breaking farm work to be found, and migrant laborers do most of it.
Pharmaceutical Companies Pfizer, Allergan To Merge In $160 Billion Deal
U.S. drug giant Pfizer and its rival Allergan have agreed to merge in order to lower its corporate taxes, creating the world's largest pharmaceutical company by sales.
The Scene In Paris: Fewer Tourists, More Armed Guards
France is the world's most-visited country, but thousands of tourists have canceled trips since the Paris attacks. Big conventions have been postponed. Music acts like U2 have canceled concerts.
In Wake Of Attacks, France Moves To Regulate Prepaid Bank Cards
Extremists reportedly used such cards in preparation for the Nov. 13 attacks in Paris, according to the country's finance minister.
U.S. Drug Giant Pfizer To Buy Ireland-Based Allergan
In one of the biggest health care mergers ever, Pfizer says it has clinched a deal to buy Allergan for over $150 billion. Pfizer says it plans to move its headquarters to Dublin to avoid U.S. taxes.