Meet The Group That Hikes Up A Mountain To Set Off Fireworks
A beloved New Year's Eve tradition in Colorado is watching fireworks shot off the top of Pikes Peak, one of the state's highest mountains.
National
California Faces Crisis Of Homelessness
The federal government says homelessness has been rising for three years, and it's mostly because of California. NPR's Noel King talks to Erika Smith of the Los Angeles Times.
Too Much Ice In Anchorage
Winter in Anchorage, Alaska, is defined by snow, but as the climate warms, recent winters have seen more ice. It's a trend that's led to safety concerns and new measures to cope.
Hero Killed In UNC-Charlotte Shooting Immortalized As 'Star Wars' Jedi
Riley Howell, who died saving his classmates from a gunman last April, was a Star Wars fan. Now he is a part of the Star Wars universe.
Listeners Share Their Unusual Holiday Traditions
Listeners share their unusual traditions they practice with their families at holiday time — from a family that wears underwear on their heads to "The Christmas Stick" and the "Hanukkah Butt."
Encore: Chinese And Taiwanese Restaurants In U.S. Embrace Heritage In Their Names
More Chinese and Taiwanese restaurants in the U.S. are embracing Romanized Mandarin names for their businesses. It's a sign of the changing demographics of restaurant owners.
L.A. Church Delivers Big Christmas Gift To Thousands Of Families In Southern Calif.
An L.A. church worked with a nonprofit to buy millions in medical debt for pennies on the dollar and forgive it. NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to Craig Antico, co-founder of the nonprofit, RIP Medical Debt.
To Make Girl Who Is Deaf Feel At Home, Dozens Of Neighbors Learn Sign Language
"We really wanted to communicate with her and play with her," says Jill McNeil, who lives across the street. "Since she couldn't learn our language, we thought we wanted to learn hers."
Bad Fall Weather Leaves U.S. Potato Farmers With Their Smallest Crop In Years
USDA forecasts the smallest potato harvest since 2010 this year, down 6.1% from last year due to bad weather. Farmers and buyers explain impacts at a time when demand for french fries is surging.
Gather 'Round The Screen To Enjoy The Warmth Of The Streaming Yule Log
Fred Thrower came up with the idea for the TV fire in 1966. "There's something very special about the fact that you're watching the same burning fireplace that someone else is," says Fred's son Mitch.