U.S.

Kheira Benkreira and Hasnia Bekkadja attend a vigil for the slain Chapel Hill victims in Washington, D.C., last week.

National

Some Thoughtful Words — And Many Unanswered Questions — After Chapel Hill

6:49pm February 17, 2015

by Kat Chow

Here are some of the many powerful essays we've come across in the aftermath of this tragedy.

The annual Courir de Mardi Gras in Mamou, La., in February 2008. In the Cajun country tradition, revelers go house to house, collecting ingredients for gumbo from local families. Here, the host tosses a live chicken from a rooftop for the participants to

Forget Beads: Cajun Mardi Gras Means A Grand, Drunken Chicken Chase

6:38pm February 17, 2015

by Eve Troeh

Courir de Mardi Gras is an old tradition in rural Louisiana. From early morning on, costumed revelers go house to house, drinking, singing and collecting ingredients for a big ole pot of gumbo.

A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction to President Obama's executive orders on immigration. Earlier this month, Obama met with young immigrants, known as DREAMers, in the Oval Office.

Federal Judge Blocks Obama's Executive Actions On Immigration

5:19pm February 17, 2015

by Bill Chappell

Two days before the first of President Obama's executive actions on immigration were to take effect, the new rules have been put on hold by a federal judge's ruling in South Texas.

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Drones are displayed at an event with the Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Coalition, last month. The FAA's proposed new rules for their commercial use require certified pilots to fly them and limit their speed, altitude and area of operation.

Commercial Drone Rules To Limit Their Weight, Speed And Altitude

3:59pm February 17, 2015

by Scott Neuman

The long-awaiting Federal Aviation Administration proposal could be a boon to some companies hoping to use unmanned aircraft, but they might complicate the picture for Amazon.

Kenyan runner Hyvon Ngetich didn't win the Austin Marathon — but she's being celebrated for the way she finished it.

Reduced To Her Knees, Marathoner Finishes Race In A Crawl

3:32pm February 17, 2015

by Bill Chappell

Kenyan runner Hyvon Ngetich didn't win the Austin Marathon, despite leading for most of the race. Now she's being celebrated for the way she crossed the finish line.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says middle and high schools shouldn't start before 8:30 a.m., so students can get enough sleep.

Many Parents Aren't Sold On Later School Start Times For Teens

3:07pm February 17, 2015

by Nancy Shute

Just half of parents say schools should start later so teenagers can get more sleep, a survey found. But most of the parents also weren't aware that pediatricians have called for a start of 8:30 a.m.

Aleida Ramirez must wait longer for an appointment to renew her expired driver's license because Colorado Republicans have blocked funding for licensing undocumented immigrants.

For Colorado's Undocumented, The Wait At The DMV Just Got Longer

1:23pm February 17, 2015

by Megan Verlee

Last year, the state became the 10th to offer driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. This year, Colorado Republicans made it virtually impossible for those immigrants to get a slot at the DMV.

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A New York Stock Exchange trader works on the floor on Dec. 17. Stocks rose nearly 300 points after the Federal Reserve announced it plans to begin raising interest rates next year.

Economy Weathers A Bad Winter And Other Storms To Finish 2014 Strong

1:09pm February 17, 2015

by John Ydstie

Early in 2014, the economy was floored by the polar vortex — plus, businesses and consumers were dazed by a government shutdown and debt limit fight. But it rebounded, and analysts are optimistic.

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Q&A: Exit Interview With A Nationally Known School Leader

12:49pm February 17, 2015

by Anya Kamenetz

The average tenure for large-district superintendents is 3 1/2 years. Joshua Starr hit it on the nose.

Robert Davies (standing) and the quartet during a performance of "The Crossroads Project." Musicians include (left to right) Robert Waters, Rebecca McFaul, Anne Francis Bayless and Bradley Ottesen.

Climate Scientist Tries Arts To Stir Hearts Regarding Earth's Fate

12:45pm February 17, 2015

by Joe Palca

Physicist Robert Davies worked with a classical quartet and two visual artists to create a musical performance about climate change. The music and images, he says, help the information take hold.

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