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Guests who get an invitation to the annual State of the Union address tend to reflect the personal and political aims of the president. Some have won notice during important news events that define the times — like the Boston Marathon bombing.

One community has lost so many men that it's now called the Island of Widows. Researchers are struggling to figure out the cause of the disease. Some suspect a popular herbicide.

The granddaughter of a taxi driver, Letizia Ortiz is an ex-TV anchor and a divorcee, and will be the first commoner ever to grace the Spanish throne. She's also more popular than her in-laws.

Our new searchable database of commencement speeches brings you more than 300 of the best, tagged with the most enduring themes: Work hard. Change the world. And, of course, YOLO.

Cristina Negrut has read more than 1,000 commencement speeches over the past eight years. She lists the speeches she's most looking forward to in this year's roster.

The revelations by National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden has raised many complicated issues. NPR's national security correspondent Tom Gjelten answers questions submitted by NPR listeners and readers.

Banned during the Cultural Revolution, China's ancient funeral practices are re-emerging — but with new twists. One of China's most famous professional mourners creates modern funerals with Chinese characteristics — burning paper money, wailing and prostrating, karaoke eulogies and strobe lights.

Minnesota's first same-sex weddings will be performed just after midnight on Thursday. Outside the big cities, much of the state remains opposed to the whole idea.

British filmmaker Sally Potter gained worldwide attention with her 1992 film Orlando. Like all of her movies, it was unconventional in its story and structure. Her new film, Ginger & Rosa,is more realistic and direct.

As part of his investing adventure, NPR's Uri Berliner tries his hand at bulk buying. The idea: Stock up on goods now that you know you'll need later. It's a hedge against inflation. But figuring out what to buy and how much isn't so easy.