An individual’s digital footprint literally and figuratively follows us wherever we go. One can use their phones to “check-in” to locations with applications like Four Square, email remotely, check their bank account, and update their Facebook status and blogs while “tweeting” their every thought throughout the day. 

As social media dominates our lives, it also has real consequences. Companies and new technologies are emerging to protect privacy and prevent the misuse of our data. However, this might not be enough to save the consumer from the unintended effects of their online trail. Being cognizant about one’s words and actions online seems to be the only truly effective solution. 

The Perils of One’s Digital Footprint

By NPR intern Stephannie Stokes. End music from film "The Intern," released in 2000.

The Sorrow And The Pity Of An Unpaid Intern

Rep. Pete Stark is the only open atheist in Congress. But that doesn’t mean he is alone in his convictions.  There are 26 congressional members who are keeping their atheist identities secret. 

Reported by Amber Kiwan. Produced by Alexandra Dukakis. Audio edited by Dan Raby.

Atheist Leaders Hope One Congressman's Godlessness Will Inspire Others To Admit Theirs

Educators are always talking about “critical thinking,” but how do you teach it? One school near D.C. thinks it has found a recipe for success in its unique “Humane Letters” class, which combines Socratic discussion with the close reading of classic texts. 

Reported by Josef Kuhn, produced by Natalie Jones, audio edited by Dan Raby.

High School Humanities Get a Facelift in Virginia

For more than a thousand years, Chinese artists have channeled their creative energy into images of birds and flowers. The careful brushstrokes and soft colors have now endured a metamorphosis in contemporary artist Lawrence Yun’s new series, Hybrid Romance. 

Reported and produced by Helen Zhao.

Hybrid Romance: The Metamorphosis of Chinese Birds-and-Flowers

After two years, D.C. residents are closer than ever to being able to purchase marijuana legally for medical purposes. However, there are some who are not too excited about their new neighbors' line of work. The new war over marijuana goes beyond just morality – instead, it unearths questions about safety and community development. 

Reported by Samuel Collins. Produced by Xavier Lacombe and Lauren Benichou.

Medical Marijuana Meets Mixed Reaction in D.C.

One man claims to offer every voter free ponies.  Another wishes to govern on the 1611 King James Bible. What do they have in common? They’re all officially running for president, and they have the campaign songs — boom boxes included —  to prove it.

Reported by Andrew Otis. Produced by Alexandra Dukakis. 

The Presidential Candidates You've Never Heard Of

The sport of lacrosse has broken out of its prep school image – all the way over in Los Angeles.

Reported and produced by Isabel Angell. Audio edited by Natalie Jones.

More Than a Team: Lacrosse in Downey, Calif.

When you hear the word “hollaback,” you might think of Gwen Stefani’s 2005 song “Hollaback Girl.” But for many women in D.C. and across the country, the word has become synonymous with the movement to end public sexual harassment. 

Reported by Mallory Yu. Produced by David Wagner. Audio edited by Ja'anai Delaney.

To Stop Sexual Harassment, Hollaback!

The Historical Society of Washington didn't exactly hit the ground running when it relocated to the Carnegie Library in 2001. Last May, after 10 years of financial trouble and few visitors, it finally closed its doors to the public. But Intern Edition's Caitlin Dickerson reports why this year, thanks to a resilient volunteer base and a very generous donation, this DC institution just might get a second chance.

Reporter and producer: Caitlin Dickerson. 

Devoted Washingtonians Win Back Their History

This ‘living museum’ in North Carolina was created from the remnants of a former thrift store, and their collection of seemingly invaluable items are now infused with artistic purpose – but not one of them is for sale.

Reported and produced by Jenna Strucko, audio engineered by Ja'anai Delaney.

Elsewhere: An Alternate Universe Of Value

Newly-minted attorney David Solan thought he was set for a job right out of law school. When the jobs did not come he turned to a friend for an unexpected opportunity. The Muslim Pakistani community of Baltimore, Maryland was in need of a lawyer but they would not accept just anyone.

Reported and produced by Jacob Madel and Ja'anai Delaney. 

Young Attorney Fills Void In Pakistani Community

Ari Shapiro is NPR’s White House Correspondent, but he is also one of the many NPR employees whose talents extend beyond the newsroom. He sat down with News Desk Intern Amber Kiwan to talk about how he became a singer on the side, the night he performed at The Hollywood Bowl and when he got “discovered” in the middle of the night during a group sing-along.

NPR’s Ari Shapiro Explains His Other, Not-So-Hidden Talent

The act of openly welcoming gay and lesbian members into the church has created years of conflict for a D.C. area Mennonite congregation. They were stripped of voting rights by their conference, but the future is looking up – conference leaders have decided it’s time to try and reconcile. 

Reported and produced by Natalie Jones. 

Seeds of Reconciliation Bring Hope to D.C. Area Church

From Charlemagne's Crusades to this year's Koran burning outside Kabul, history is full of episodes that begin with a misunderstanding…and end with conflict. But in South Bronx, New York, two congregations have found harmony in a shared meeting place, despite differing beliefs.

Reported and produced by Lauren Benichou, audio engineered by Dan Raby. 


The Mosque's Synagogue

Post-traumatic stress disorder has been getting a lot of attention recently as soldiers are returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. But PTSD can also affect civilians. William Edwards developed PTSD after witnessing a fatal shooting while on duty as a police officer in Camarillo, Calif. His life – and the lives of his family members – have never been the same since.

Reported by Isabel Angell, produced by Isabel Angell and Lauren Benichou. 

Everything Will Be Okay: One Family's Struggle With PTSD

'Tern It Up - Show Four

As interns, we know that finding a solid job in this economy isn’t easy. But some marginalized groups – like the District’s transgender community – face additional hurdles. 

Reported by Amanda Yeager, produced by Lauren Benichou, audio engineered by 

A Beacon for D.C.'s Transgender Residents

New York City launched its Restaurant Inspection & Grading System 18 month ago. Mayor Michael Bloomberg declares the program a phenomenal success. Restaurant operators beg to differ. 

Reported by Stephen Schaber, produced by Stephannie Stokes.


Restaurateurs Fight City Inspections

Bob Boilen Talks Contra Dance Music

Kristina Echols talks to her former classmate about his recent rise to hip-hop stardom.

Reporter: Kristina Echols
Producer: Tahsan Scott

A Conversation With Rockie Fresh

A pre-law program in Baltimore, Md., is revisiting racial divides with some new classmates.

Reporter: Madeline Tutman
Producer: Jolie A. Doggett

White Sheep: Tension Rise When Roles Reverse

Some Iranian-American bloggers are openly discussing sex and dating with some comedy to help break taboos.

Reporter: Sam Keyvan
Producer: Daniel Frohlich

Bridging the Gap: Iranian-Americans Use Social Media to Reconcile Two Cultures

Recent college graduates are turning to the military for financial stability than searching the job market.

Reporter: Michael Tomsic
Producer: Emily Parker

Change Of Plans: In Weak Economy, More College Grads Join Military

Online groups are tearing virtual walls by meeting outside of comment threads and building real relationships.

Reporter: Christopher Egusa
Producer: Daniel Frohlich

Away From Keyboard: Online Users Connect In Person

Hungry passerbys have helped some food trucks travel from the sidewalk to having their own storefront in D.C.

Reporter: Ryan Lindsay Arrendell
Producer: Daniel Frohlich

A Food Truck To Call Home: Profiling D.C.'s Mobile Restaurant Scene

Once a radio broadcast, this comic book character’s shadow may steal the spotlight with a new printing.

Reporter: Sam Stander
Producer: Tomas Hachard
Producer: Emily White

The Shadow Knows: An Obscure Hero Returns

The workers who transform barren fields overnight into bustling carnivals have a hidden story.

Reporter: Nadine Natour
Producer: Ebony Bailey

Fair Conditions: Long Hours and Low Wages for Immigrant Carnival Workers

Asian-American performers on YouTube are slowly becoming recognized stars from their large online following.

Reporter: Kaitlin Parker
Producer: Will Stone

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