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The 2013 finalists pose with Thelonious Monk Institute officials. Left to right: Godwin Louis, Melissa Aldana, institute honorary co-chair Billy Dee Williams, Tivon Pennicott, chairman T.S. Monk.

Educated Guesses At The 2013 Monk Competition

The annual jazz competition for young musicians, which featured saxophonists in 2013, was a bit predictable — at least in the semifinal round. But given the particular displays of talent on stage, is that necessarily a bad thing?

Pie Pops: Bite-sized 'Pocket Pies' On A Stick

Michel Martin talks with Andrea Smetona, author of the recipe book Easy as Pie Pops, about the bite-sized treats on a stick. For the Thanksgiving table, there's even a sweet potato pie pop.

Students calling for diversity protest outside the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on Oct 10, 2012.

Justices Seek 'Strict Scrutiny' In Affirmative Action Case

On Monday, the Supreme Court sent the University of Texas affirmative action case back to the lower courts, admonishing it to get it right — and make sure affirmative action programs are narrowly tailored.

Black, Latino Groups: It's Our Turn, Mr. President

After lifting President Obama to re-election, African-American and Hispanic advocacy groups want him to champion initiatives that will specifically benefit minorities.

Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer speaks in Houston on Nov. 9. Officials announced the arrest of dozens of alleged members of the white supremacist Aryan Brotherhood of Texas gang on federal racketeering and other charges.

Experts: Prison Gang Reach Increasingly Extends Into Streets

Two white supremacist prison gangs have fallen under suspicion in recent high-profile slayings in Colorado and Texas. Experts say prison gangs of all races and ethnicities have evolved in recent years to include more activity outside the walls.

Pre-K: Politics and Poverty

In his State of the Union address, President Obama called for universal pre-K.The President singled out Georgia and Oklahoma as states that have already

Karla Miller competed in the national bees of 1984, 1985 and 1986. Her best finish was 31st, when she went out on the word "dashiki." Today, Miller is a writer and editor. At right, a recent snapshot of Miller and her daughter.

What Happens To Spelling Bee Kids? Years Later, The Prize Is Perspective

NPR tracked down former top spellers to see how they're faring, decades after their early successes.

Miranda Lambert performing in April at the Academy of Country Music Awards, where she won best song, best record and best female vocalist for the fourth year in a row. The Lambert Effect has opened doors for many of the new hopefuls blending hard country sounds with feminist-aware attitudes.

Country Music's Year Of The Woman

Nashville the city, Nashville the TV show, close-harmony groups and two financially viable, independent-minded singers have shattered country music's glass ceiling — and the year's only half over.

Jennifer Lopez, Latin Music's Comeback Kid

Some of the hottest artists in Latin music descend on Miami for the annual Billboard Latin Music Conference and Awards. All week long, host Michel Martin checks in with Jasmine Garsd and Felix Contreras, co-hosts of NPR Music's Alt.Latino podcast. Today they discuss a surprising musical comeback for pop superstar Jennifer Lopez.

Syria's embattled President Bashar Assad still has supporters, particularly among his fellow Alawites, a minority who believe they will suffer if Assad is ousted. Here, Assad supporters rally Tuesday in the capital, Damascus.

Syrian Uprising Raises The Specter Of Sectarian War

A major factor in the Syrian revolt is the battle between sectarian groups. The Assad family and the minority Alawites have held the top jobs for decades, and feel they would be trampled if the majority Sunni Muslims come to power. These sectarian tensions are never far from the surface in the Middle Eastern nations going through upheavals.

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