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The nation's last coal-burning ferry, the SS Badger, sits on Lake Michigan in the port town of Ludington, Mich. The EPA permit that has long allowed the ship to dump coal ash into the lake is now under review.

Steamship Anchors A Community, But Its Days May Be Numbered

The nation's last coal-fired ferry has been traversing Lake Michigan from the town of Ludington, Mich., since 1953. An EPA permit allowing the Badger to dump several tons of coal ash into the lake daily is now under review, which could mean big changes for the small town's culture and economy.

Parents are being encouraged to keep their children from taking standardized tests in school.

Of Me I Sing: Americans Construct An Opt-Out Society

Individualism has always been a strong part of American life, but it's becoming more so these days. People are charting their own courses when it comes to education, the economy and health.

The shape of Asian eyes has been compared to almonds by Westerners for centuries.

Why Do We Describe Asian Eyes As 'Almond-Shaped'?

TV personality Julie Chen's recent revelation about getting plastic surgery to make her eyes look "less Chinese" has renewed a long-running discussion about how to describe an Asian person's eyes.

Closing a Zoo: Infractions Large and Small

Karl Mogensen, 76, has owned and operated the Natural Bridge Zoo for 42 years. But as of early March – the month he typically opens for the season -- the…

An Afghan man inspects a motorcycle used in a suicide attack in a parking lot holding dozens of trucks supplying the NATO-run Kandahar Air Base in June. Bombings and assassinations are on the rise in Kandahar. Last month, a suicide bomber struck the convoy of the provincial police chief, Gen. Abdul Raziq, who was severely injured.

Afghans Seek A Homegrown Plan For Security

American troops are leaving volatile Kandahar province by the thousands, handing security over to Afghan forces. But many Afghans don't trust Western forces or their own government to keep them safe. For the past two months, dozens of local leaders have been trying to come up with their own plan to revive Kandahar.

As the number of renters in Los Angeles increases, construction of new apartments isn't keeping pace with demand, resulting in rents higher than many can afford.

Home, Food Or Health Care: A Choice Many Renters Can't Afford

As of 2012, rentals made up 35 percent of American households. Their numbers are growing, but the demand isn't easing rental rates. Many renters now pay more than 50 percent of their income on rent.

Tracing The Origins Of The Islamic State

Host Renee Montagne talks with Washington Post reporter Joby Warrick about his new book, "Black Flags," on the origins of the Islamic State.

Sen. Ron Wyden On Gina Haspel And The CIA

President Trump's nomination to lead the CIA sits for hearings on Capitol Hill Wednesday. Sen. Ron Wyden tells Steve Inskeep about what questions he plans to ask Gina Haspel.

From left: Malebogo Molefhe, who uses a wheelchair because she was shot by her boyfriend, is a winner of the U.S. State Department's 2017 International Women of Courage award. Dr. Eqbal Dauqan, shown in a lab at University Kebangsaan Malaysia, won a scholarship for refugees. Mira Rai of Nepal, one of the world's top ultrarunners, was named Adventurer of the Year by National Geographic.

7 Global Women Show Why 'Feminism' Is The Word Of The Year

We profiled some extraordinary women on Goats and Soda this year. They did not let poverty, war or prejudice keep them from pursuing their goals.

This 'Gray Hat' Hacker Breaks Into Your Car — To Prove A Point

Everything from cars to thermostats is being connected to the Internet, raising security concerns. Samy Kamkar, who once hacked MySpace, hopes exposing vulnerabilities will make these things safer.

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