Search results for

The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, and happens when the Northern Hemisphere is pointing away from the sun.

Cuba's President Fidel Castro has resigned, saying he will not seek re-election after 49 years in power. NPR correspondent Tom Gjelten discusses the 81-year-old's reign as the world's longest ruling head of state, and the significance of his resignation.

It appears that Pakistan pulled off an election relatively free of violence and voting irregularities. Early results give opposition parties of former prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif a big victory. The results could further undermine the power and influence of President Pervez Musharraf.

Pakistanis dealt a crushing blow to President Pervez Musharraf in parliamentary elections Monday, raising questions about the future of the U.S. ally in the war on terror. Early returns indicate that the opposition parties of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif have won enough to command a majority.

An explosion on a train in India has killed at least 66 people. Authorities think a crude bomb started a fire as the train headed to Pakistan. India's railway minister says the explosion was aimed at undermining the peace process between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

A bomb explodes outside a police station in southwestern Baghdad, killing at least nine people and wounding dozens more. The bombing comes as Iraq's new interim government tries to work out differences with opposition groups and stem insurgent attacks. Hear NPR's Philip Reeves.

Political leaders in Pakistan are looking for a new president. Pervez Musharraf stepped down Monday to avoid being impeached. The Bush administration — which saw Musharraf as an important ally — is watching the search for a replacement closely. On the streets of Pakistan's cities, though, reaction to his departure is mixed.

Whether you plan to head out to the theater or binge from the couch, our critics have gathered together their favorite films and TV shows of the year. Happy watching!

NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks to Los Angeles foster parent Mohamed Bzeek. He takes care of terminally ill foster children and tends full-time to their medical needs.

Almost half a million veterans gained health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, cutting the number of uninsured vets by 40 percent.