News Explainer

A look at how Russia, U.S. still spy on each other

The Cold War is long over, but espionage is forever. Russian spies still operate in the U.S. and American ones in Russia. Last week, Russia's security services said they had caught a U.S. diplomat who they claim is a CIA official trying to recruit a Russian agent.

J. Everett Dutschke's journey to ricin suspect

In Tupelo, Miss., a town known for its laid-back style, J. Everett Dutschke stood out when he arrived in 2000.

Teen girls' relationship leads to legal nightmare in Florida

An 18-year-old Florida student's senior year has become a nightmare — all because she was in a same-sex relationship with a 15-year-old freshman.

Q&A: Why can't I find .22-caliber shells?

Ammo shortage and gun control

I have a permit and a licensed gun. I have been unable to find .22-caliber shells. Can you tell me why?

Q&A: Are there FCC guidelines on amount of commercials?

on commercials

Are there guidelines/limits for the amount of commercial time during TV shows? On Saturday, May 4, I was watching the movie The Expendables on Spike. From 9:01 to 10:02 PM there were 30 minutes of commercials and 31 minutes of movie. Fair or foul?

What would happen if a giant asteroid struck Earth

When the Russian asteroid became a fireball in the air over Chelyabinsk, destroying buildings and injuring hundreds, we were lucky it wasn't worse. What about when the next one hits? Just for fun, let's say a 10-kilometer-diameter asteroid - much larger than the one over Chelyabinsk but close to the size of one that hit …

Q&A: Nike 'swoosh' was 'least awful' choice

Swoosh was least 'awful design'

Can you give us a history of Nike and how the "swoosh" became associated with it? Is most of Nike equipment manufactured in China or other countries? Do leagues have contracts with Nike or individual teams?

Q&A: Woman hurt by flesh-eating bacteria looks to future

A year later, she has big plans

Can you give an update on Aimee Copeland, who lost parts of all four extremities after a fall into the water while zip lining about a year ago?

For Cleveland women, ordeal of recovery begins now

Year after year, the clock ticked by and the calendar marched forward, carrying the three women further from the real world and pulling them deeper into an isolated nightmare.

What's the worst thing a teacher ever said to you?

National Teacher Day was this week, and in honor of the occasion, the National Education Association and other groups encouraged people to thank educators. They suggested you update your Facebook profile to express your appreciation and use the hashtag #ThankATeacher on Twitter.