National

A Secret Service counter-sniper team looks out on the area as President Obama campaigns at a rally on Nov. 4, 2012, in Concord, N.H.

How Kennedy's Assassination Changed The Secret Service

10:45am November 08, 2013

by Brian Naylor

The Secret Service made some immediate changes after the president's death 50 years ago this month: Open limousines were out. And it began taking a more aggressive approach to its advance work. Over the years, the service has established counter-sniper units, assault teams and surveillance units.

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Hairdresser Lara Imler used to be an accountant. She doesn't miss her old job, except for the insurance.

Persistence Pays Off For Uninsured Alaskan

10:17am November 08, 2013

by Annie Feidt

A hairdresser in Alaska is one of the first people to get health insurance through HealthCare.gov. The 37-year-old woman has a chronic thyroid problem, so she's thrilled to find affordable coverage. Insurers are bracing for sick people like her to be among the first entering the market.

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National

Should TSA Agents Have Broader Law Enforcement Powers?

10:17am November 08, 2013

by Kirk Siegler

The shooting at Los Angeles International Airport is renewing debate over whether security at airports is tough enough. Some aviation security experts say the response at LAX went as well as it could have in this era of "random violence" in public areas.

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National

School Named For Former KKK Leader Reconsiders Its Legacy

8:41pm November 07, 2013

by Karen Feagins

Nathan Bedford Forrest High School in Jacksonville, Fla., was named decades ago for a Confederate hero — who was also the first grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. More than 160,000 people have signed a petition urging a name change, but the current name has also drawn passionate support.

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National

When It Comes To Public Opinion, More News Is Not Good News For NSA

6:51pm November 07, 2013

by Carrie Johnson

New public opinion polls show distaste for National Security Agency surveillance does not break cleanly across party lines. Despite the administration's attempts otherwise, one new study finds that the more people know about the NSA, the more they dislike it.

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A composite image shows part of the NPR/Center for Responsive Politics reporting team's whiteboard at NPR headquarters that was used to map out how Wellspring connects to other social welfare groups. (Click the enlarge button to see a full-size image.)

Secret Persuasion: How Big Campaign Donors Stay Anonymous

4:48pm November 07, 2013

Tax-exempt social welfare groups have become the vehicle of choice for big political contributions. NPR, in partnership with the Center for Responsive Politics, traces the money moving through a Washington, D.C., group, and the law that makes this activity possible.

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The Au Sable River in Michigan is a popular place for fly fishermen and the heart of a debate unexpectedly influenced by largely invisible social welfare organizations.

From Social Welfare Groups, A River Of Political Influence

11:38am November 07, 2013

The reversal of a conservation law court decision to protect Michigan's Au Sable River is an unintended outcome from large donations by anonymous funders funneled through tax-exempt organizations. Known as 501(c)(4)s, these groups are becoming a vehicle of choice for big donors to hide large political donations.

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Why Obama Shouldn't Worry About His Lousy Poll Numbers

11:06am November 07, 2013

by Ari Shapiro

It seems obvious to say that a high approval rating helps a president, while a low approval rating hurts him. But there are reasons to think Obama's weak standing in the polls isn't as troublesome as it sounds.

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National

Twitter Makes Market Debut

10:10am November 07, 2013

The New York Stock Exchange is at the center of attention Thursday morning as Twitter goes public at $26 per share. That means company is expected to raise almost $2 billion. For the latest on this highly anticipated IPO, NPR's Zoe Chace talks with host David Greene.

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In Washington state, dogs don't need to sniff out pot anymore, but troopers are keeping an eye out for high drivers.

National

There May Be A Green Light For Pot, But Not For Driving High

8:44pm November 06, 2013

by Martin Kaste

It's been a year since Washington state voted to legalize marijuana for recreational use. That's meant some big changes along Interstate 5, sometimes called the "Marijuana Highway." Police are phasing out pot-sniffing dogs, but are becoming more vigilant about what some call "green DUIs."

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