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Scaling Afghanistan's tallest mountain will be difficult enough. But Afghan female climbers and their American guides also face civil war, red tape and cultural taboos.

Russia says its commitment there is limited, but some analysts are skeptical and warn Russia may find it increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain its Syrian operation.

NPR's Lourdes Garcia-Navarro donned an elaborate, colorful costume to samba her way through Rio's Carnival parade competition — and recovered quickly after forgetting to tie a crucial double knot.

With fondness and a Southern twang, Penelope Simmons remembers her mother, who was not one to hover. Your foot "could be hanging by a piece of skin," she says, "and Sug would go, 'Oh, baby, go get a Band-Aid. You'll be all right.' "

Abortion rights opponents want the district attorney in Houston to resign and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to appoint a special prosecutor to again investigate and indict Planned Parenthood in Houston.

A big part of being a bird is singing, often to attract other birds. Sometimes it's hard to do that amid all the noise in a city, so urban birds are changing their tune.

A Supreme Court ruling could threaten health insurance subsidies in about three dozen states. But many states aren't sharing contingency plans lest they be seen as supporting Obamacare.

Years of drought have taken a toll on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching. Now instead of too little water, there's too much. But the rains may revive pastures and allow rebuilding of herds.

For the Japanese, Christmastime means sponge cake. But a nationwide butter shortage has led to mandatory butter rationing, forcing cake bakers to seek out substitutes.

Harsh austerity measures, new taxes and the specter of a deep recession are keeping even wealthy Italians from indulging on Christmas this holiday season. Not only are high-end stores empty, but even fruit vendors and trinket stalls are desperate for customers.