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Military families across the country celebrated Thanksgiving this week with loved ones who were home after being deployed to Iraq for the last time. For one Kentucky National Guardsman, his commitment to family is as strong as his desire to serve.

The nation's retailers are hoping consumers open their wallets and spend this holiday shopping season. Amid all the worries about the economy and high unemployment, there are some early indications that this year might be slightly better than last. NPR's Yuki Noguchi reports.

This year's historic drought killed thousands of evergreen trees in Texas and Oklahoma. Now Christmas tree farmers are scrambling to meet holiday demands. Host Scott Simon checks in with Karen Barfield, owner of Tinsel Time Christmas Tree Farm in New Caney, Texas.

In Russia's capital, hitchhiking is a part of life. To avoid the burden of finding a cab, most Muscovites just flag down a passing car and negotiate a price. Often the ride is an adventure, but that's about to change. NPR's David Greene goes hitchhiking in Moscow.

Wayman Tisdale was that rare human being: a great athlete who had a great second act. The former pro basketball player became a jazz bassist, yet his life ended in tragedy at the age of 44. Host Scott Simon Speaks with Brian Schodorf about his new documentary The Wayman Tisdale Story.

Host Rachel Martin talks with Doyle McManus, Washington editor of the Los Angeles Times, about the week's news, including the alleged NATO attack in Pakistan, continued protests in Egypt and the most recent GOP presidential debate.

When FBI agents arrive at the scene of a shooting or a terrorist attack, a representative from the FBI's Office for Victim Assistance is often there to help people who are affected. The FBI offers practical help as well as referrals for counseling.

The Texas congressman drew less than 8 percent of the vote in the state in 2008. But things could be significantly different this time as Paul reaches into new corners of the electorate: He's adding independents and registered Republicans to his base of young voters and hard-core libertarians.

Occupy demonstrators in Fairbanks, Alaska, are maintaining their encampment despite frigid temperatures. The local government wants the protesters to remove their tents, citing a no-camping law. Occupiers claim the tents are essential shelter, given the extreme cold.

Last year, the Supreme Court ruled that the conditions in California's overcrowded prisons violated the Eighth Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Host Audie Cornish hears more from Ohio State law professor Douglas Berman, who says the popular "tough on crime" mantra helps explain why so many American prisons are over-capacity.