Archive for August 5th, 2012

Touchdown confirmed! Curiosity lands safely on Mars

10:37pm | By Sanden Totten

It would have been a sight to see: a car-sized rover using heat shields, a supersonic parachute and a jet powered hovercraft to safely land on the red dirt of Mars. A landing worthy of a medal, though no one was around to see it.

Watch video of Mars landing from NASA/JPL

Environment / Science | 9:26pm | By Sanden Totten

NASA reports that the Mars rover is completely on its own as it approaches the outermost of the planet's two moons.

Could 2012 be the year of the Asian voter?

Politics | 3:56pm | By NPR Staff | NPR

Asian-Americans make up the fastest growing segment of the population, notably in key swing states VA, NV and FL.

100,000 expected in LA for Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration

Local | 11:06am | By Ruxandra Guidi

Mexico’s Virgin of Guadalupe is typically celebrated in Dec., but today in L.A. is expected to be the biggest celebration outside of Mexico.

7 killed in shooting at Wisconsin Sikh temple

U.S./World | 10:29am | By Staff | AP

A shooting at a Sikh temple outside of Milwaukee has left 7 dead, including a suspected gunman.

Youth vote '12: Once again, with enthusiasm?

Politics | 10:14am | By Marissa Alioto | NPR

Young voters played a high profile role in the '08 presidential race but are showing a relatively tepid response in '12.

Bat calls make eerie comeback as techno-like beats

Music | 10:10am | By Charlotte Albright | Vermont Public Radio

Bats are disappearing, falling prey to a mysterious disease called white-nose syndrome. At a national park in VT, their sounds are celebrated in a new audio exhibit.

Scientists look to martian rocks for history of life

Environment / Science | 9:56am | By Joe Palca and Jessica Stoller-Conrad | NPR

Experiments to test the rocks and atmosphere of Mars will attempt to answer question no. 1: Was there life there?

Public health chief prepares for global warming threats

Health | 6:00am | By Kitty Felde

L.A. County's health department warns that the warming side effects of climate change could lead straight to an upswing in tropical disease across California.