National

In the past year, the U.S. prison population fell by roughly 4,800, the first time in decades the number has gone down, according to the Justice Department. Attorney General Eric Holder discussed the findings in New York on Tuesday.

National

Crime Falls As U.S. Locks Up Fewer People, Attorney General Holder Says

6:20pm September 23, 2014

by Bill Chappell

For the first time in more than 40 years, both the overall crime rate and the overall incarceration rate have fallen by around 10 percent in a roughly five-year span, the attorney general says.

President Obama closes his eyes as a prayer is offered at the National Prayer Breakfast in February in Washington, D.C.

More Americans Favor Mixing Religion And Politics, Survey Says

6:14pm September 23, 2014

by Scott Neuman

The poll by Pew's Religion & Public Life Project also shows that three-quarters of survey participants believe religion's influence on American life is waning.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew has announced rules aimed at discouraging U.S. companies from moving their headquarters overseas to cut their tax bills.

Move To Curb U.S. Corporate Tax Dodges Could Delay Reform

5:48pm September 23, 2014

by Marilyn Geewax

Business and consumer groups say Congress needs to reform taxes, but few expect change soon. In fact, Treasury's tweaks to tax law may diminish the political will to address broader tax reform.

California Public Pension Fund Shifts To Clean Energy

5:20pm September 23, 2014

The California State Teachers' Retirement System is the second-largest public pension fund in the U.S., managing nearly $200 billion. Melissa Block talks to the fund's CEO, Jack Ehnes.

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Cheerleaders' Fair Wage Lawsuits Add To NFL's Problems

5:20pm September 23, 2014

by Emily Green

The NFL is facing public scrutiny about how its players treat women off the field, but the league's troubles also extend to on-field activities. Cheerleaders from five teams have brought fair wage lawsuits.

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Khorasan Group Composed Of Al-Qaida Veterans

5:20pm September 23, 2014

by Dina Temple-Raston

One of the targets in overnight airstrikes in Syria was a little known al-Qaida offshoot called the Khorasan group.

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President Obama speaks Tuesday about the participation of five Arab nations in airstrikes against militants in Syria.

Obama: Coalition Against ISIS Shows 'This Is Not America's Fight Alone'

4:33pm September 23, 2014

by Scott Neuman

The president praised the five Arab nations that joined in airstrikes against extremists in Syria and said it should be clear that there are "no safe havens" for those who threaten America.

President Obama speaks at the U.N. Climate Summit on Tuesday. Discussing America's past, Obama told the group, "We recognize our role in creating this problem."

Obama Calls For More Ambitious Approach To Climate Change In U.N. Speech

4:29pm September 23, 2014

by Bill Chappell

"There is such a thing as being too late," President Obama says in his address to the U.N. Climate Summit. The White House is touting tools to boost "global resilience" in the face of climate change.

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A photo released by the U.S. Navy shows the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea launching a Tomahawk cruise missile against Islamic State targets in Syria on Tuesday.

National

Airstrikes Move To Syria, Target More Than Just ISIS

4:13pm September 23, 2014

by Scott Neuman

The strikes, supported by five Arab nations, are a major escalation in the campaign and hit other extremist groups, including one that the Pentagon says is planning to attack U.S. interests.

In some parts of the U.S., Starbucks is testing a latte flavored with roasted-stout notes along with its seasonal autumn drinks such as the Pumpkin Spice Latte, seen here at front.

National

Stoutaccino? Starbucks Tests Coffee With Beer Flavors

1:26pm September 23, 2014

by Bill Chappell

Reports that Starbucks is testing a new coffee drink for autumn that incorporates "toasty stout flavors" has set off a debate over how such a concoction might taste, and whether it's a good idea.