National

Likely voters were asked, "Do you approve or disapprove of the job being done by Barack Obama as president?" and, "Do you approve or disapprove of the way (Named Incumbent) is handling his/her job as a member of the U.S. Senate?"

NPR Poll: Senate Battleground Tilts Republican, But Still Anybody's Game

3:17pm October 03, 2014

by Mara Liasson

A new NPR poll concentrates on the Senate battleground — the 12 states that will determine control of the Senate next year. It found an electorate where nobody likes anybody.

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Ben Bernanke stepped down as the chairman of the Federal Reserve in January. He told an audience in Chicago on Thursday that he has had trouble refinancing his home.

How Tough Is The Mortgage Market? Even Bernanke Can't Get Refinanced

1:51pm October 03, 2014

by Krishnadev Calamur

The former Fed chair told an audience in Chicago that he was unable to refinance his home loan, adding that lenders "may have gone a little bit too far on mortgage credit conditions."

Take The NPR Ed Visitor Survey

1:32pm October 03, 2014

by Steve Drummond

Here's your chance to tell us what's working and what isn't.

Construction workers build a commercial complex in July, in Springfield, Ill. On Friday, the government said the unemployment rate had fallen below 6 percent for the first time in more than six years.

Unemployment Falls To 5.9 Percent, Lowest In 6 Years

1:19pm October 03, 2014

by Scott Neuman

The U.S. economy also added 248,000 jobs last month, according to Bureau of labor Statistics data that were stronger than expected.

Muslims In Minnesota Weigh Whether To Expel Or Engage At-Risk Youth

11:39am October 03, 2014

by Gene Demby

After several young people left to join ISIS, leaders are considering which approach to take with marginalized youth. Boston's experience with the marathon bombing suspects may be instructive.

U.S. Manufacturing: A Remembrance And A Look Ahead

11:28am October 03, 2014

by Marilyn Geewax

A century ago, U.S. manufacturers were building a mountain of wealth that unskilled workers could climb. Today, economists see U.S. factories flourishing but say workers will see fewer opportunities.

Fueled By Outside Money, Alaska Candidates Struggle To Connect At Home

10:26pm October 02, 2014

by Martin Kaste

Millions of dollars worth of ads have been dumped into the state's small media market. But out in the state, you find out those ads are getting on people's nerves.

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Liberian-Americans Feel Effect Of Ebola From Abroad

8:55pm October 02, 2014

Rachel Martin talks to Bishop Nathan Kortu, who serves a Liberian congregation in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

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A man diagnosed with the Ebola virus this week is being treated at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. The patient recently traveled to Dallas from Liberia.

Officials: 100 'Potential Contacts' Linked To Dallas Ebola Patient

8:34pm October 02, 2014

by Scott Neuman

Texas health officials say that "out of an abundance of caution, we're starting with this very wide net," and that it's very unlikely that anyone on the list will develop Ebola.

A Mini-Stroke Called A TIA Can Spark Post-Traumatic Stress

8:28pm October 02, 2014

by Nancy Shute

Having a full-blown stroke can cause post-traumatic stress disorder, and that's also true for tiny strokes called TIAs, a study finds. Worry over future stroke risk may be a factor.