National

Robert Ball, the man known as the father of Medicare, died this week at 93. Ball was the commissioner of Social Security under three U.S. presidents and an influential counselor on social issues to politicians of all political stripes. NPR's Joanne Silberner offers a remembrance of the man who masterminded hospital desegregation.

Robert Ball, the man known as the father of Medicare, died this week at 93. Ball was the commissioner of Social Security under three U.S. presidents and an influential counselor on social issues to politicians of all political stripes. NPR's Joanne Silberner offers a remembrance of the man who masterminded hospital desegregation.

President Bush delivers the final State of the Union speech of his two-term presidency Monday night. If similar speeches by Presidents Reagan and Clinton are any indication, Bush will highlight his accomplishments and set the agenda for his last year in office.

President Bush delivers the final State of the Union speech of his two-term presidency Monday night. If similar speeches by Presidents Reagan and Clinton are any indication, Bush will highlight his accomplishments and set the agenda for his last year in office.

While the future of Social Security may be uncertain, some who are retiring now are forgoing Southern beaches in favor of Western mountains. Reports in recent days have noted a new trend in baby boomer retirement: They're choosing to settle in the West.

While the future of Social Security may be uncertain, some who are retiring now are forgoing Southern beaches in favor of Western mountains. Reports in recent days have noted a new trend in baby boomer retirement: They're choosing to settle in the West.

The first of the baby boomers will turn 62 this year and become eligible to claim retirement benefits. But a "baby bust" means there are fewer workers paying into the Social Security system to support each retiree.

The first of the baby boomers will turn 62 this year and become eligible to claim retirement benefits. But a "baby bust" means there are fewer workers paying into the Social Security system to support each retiree.

At least 3,100 people have died in Bangladesh as a result of a cyclone that hit the south Asian nation on Nov. 15. A study shows that Bangladesh and its neighbor India are two of the top three hot spots for natural disasters.

Almost 80 million baby boomers will be eligible to receive Social Security benefits in the next 20 years, setting off fears that the Social Security system will be overwhelmed. But baby boomers are expected to bring a different approach to old age by working longer than prior generations.