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Investigations into sudden acceleration involving Toyota vehicles are shedding new light on black boxes in cars. As with black boxes on planes, they can reveal a lot about driver behavior and the car's performance.

The rising number of fires hamper decades of environmental efforts, and over 40% of Americans — more than 137 million people — live in places with poor air quality, a new report says.

Two officials familiar with the case tell NPR the possible suspect is a man of Pakistani descent, in his 20s or 30s, who recently returned from several months in Pakistan. He is a Connecticut resident and a naturalized citizen.

An independent scientist says the Gulf oil spill appears to be even larger than he previously thought. Steve Wereley of Purdue University told a House subcommittee that he estimates the well is gushing nearly 100,000 barrels a day; BP's official estimate is 5,000 barrels.

India recently passed a law providing children with the right to free education. But public schools are inadequate and child labor remains common. As a result, many parents turn to better-equipped -- but costly -- private schools. On the Grand Trunk Road that crosses South Asia, NPR explores the plight of young people in this series.

As Gen. David Petraeus takes command in Afghanistan, he inherits ongoing military operations in Marjah and Kandahar, and a political process that might bring old enemies to the table. But signs are emerging that in some areas, at least, life is returning to normal, and the government is regaining Afghans' trust.

John McCain's maverick moves of the past have ticked off some of his own conservative constituents. Enter congressman turned radio talk show host J.D. Hayworth, who appeals to the Tea Party crowd. This election, McCain might have some serious competition.

A proposed law would require convicted animal abusers to register with a statewide database similar to the national database for sex offenders. Many proponents of the registry believe animals have the same basic rights as humans.

U.S. Marines and their Afghan counterparts are tightening their hold on the Taliban stronghold of Marjah, in southern Afghanistan. But hundreds of deadly homemade bombs, or IEDs, remain behind.

Anti-smoking campaigns have had success reducing smoking, and since the 1990s smoking among youth has also declined. However, public health messages about exercise and healthy eating don't seem to be having an effect yet. Kids are developing adult diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.