National

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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I Applied For An Online Payday Loan. Here's What Happened Next

5:06pm November 06, 2013

by Pam Fessler

For months, NPR's Pam Fessler got calls from around the world offering her short-term loans. She had fallen into the world of online lead generation.

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C.J. Forza, a student in the I-BEST program in Washington state, repairs a car for class at Shoreline Community College.

How To Turn Adult Education Into Careers, Quickly

3:34pm November 06, 2013

by Kavitha Cardoza

A typical adult education program can take years for those who dropped out of high school. But a model that started in Washington state shortens that time and uses a combination of team teaching, internships and extra support to boost student skills and get them into the workforce.

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Millions of adults who grew up speaking a language other than English are still held back by their language skills.

What It Takes (And Means) To Learn English As An Adult

3:33pm November 06, 2013

by Kavitha Cardoza

The wait to gain entry to adult English-language classes can be long. Once you're in, balancing class with family and job obligations can be a challenge. But many immigrants are determined. Ana Perez says she tries to never miss a class: "A day of studying is sacred for me."

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National

Remembering Chef Charlie Trotter, Chicago Fine-Dining Visionary

2:55pm November 06, 2013

by Cheryl Corley

Charlie Trotter was one of the country's most influential chefs. His death comes just a year after he closed his namesake restaurant in Chicago. Authorities plan to conduct an autopsy on Wednesday.

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