National

The Uncertain Nature Of Obama's Arab Coalition

3:21pm September 28, 2014

A coalition of Arab countries has joined in the U.S. fight against the Islamic State. NPR's Linda Wertheimer talks to Abderrahim Foukara of Al Jazeera about how effective the coalition can be.

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U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, shown speaking at the Congressional Black Caucus legislative conference on Friday, will be stepping down from his position as soon as a replacement is appointed.

With The End In Sight, Holder Reflects On His Legacy

3:21pm September 28, 2014

by Carrie Johnson

Attorney General Eric Holder tells NPR's Carrie Johnson that he's sorry his parents couldn't see Obama's tribute to him on Thursday — and that his greatest regret hit home on a visit to Newtown.

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A member of the Indian security force keeps watch over a launch vehicle carrying the Mars Orbiter probe at the Indian Space Research Organization facility, in Sriharikota, in 2013.

India Zooms To Mars Much More Cheaply, But With Trade-Offs

9:17am September 28, 2014

by Geoff Brumfiel

A U.S. probe cost $637 million to get to Mars; an Indian mission cost about a tenth as much. There are at least a few reasons why, both teams agree — starting with the differing shapes of each orbit.

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2 Ways To Think About Nothing, One Mo' Time

5:48am September 28, 2014

by Robert Krulwich

Let's compare two kinds of nothing: an empty patch of deep space and an empty piece of paper that was once beautiful. There's nothing to see in either. Or is there?

Travelers lined up Friday to reschedule flights at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport after the region's air traffic control was sabotaged. More flights are resuming Saturday, but hundreds were also canceled.

National

More Chicago Flights Canceled; Suspect Was Told Of Hawaii Transfer

5:06pm September 27, 2014

by Bill Chappell

One day after Chicago's air traffic system was crippled, some flights resume and details emerge about the man suspected of setting a fire inside a federal radar center.

Ai Weiwei's With Wind greets visitors to his exhibit, "@Large," on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco.

Confined In China, Ai Weiwei Directs Alcatraz Exhibit From Afar

5:03pm September 27, 2014

by Mina Kim

The dissident Chinese artist uses San Francisco's former island prison to contrast themes of freedom and restriction.

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A still from the Robert Krulwich video, The Animal That Wouldn't Die.

Everything Dies, Right? But Does Everything Have To Die? Here's A Surprise

3:05pm September 27, 2014

by Robert Krulwich

Meet two animals. Both are teeny. Both live in water. Both mature extra fast. But while one dies in about a week, the other — well, prepare to be amazed.

Michael Granillo and his wife Sonia await treatment at an emergency room in Northridge, Calif.

Avoid The Rush! Some ERs Are Taking Appointments

12:19pm September 27, 2014

by Anna Gorman

Nobody looks forward to sitting in the waiting room. So some hospitals are trying to improve customer satisfaction by offering online appointments. The pitch: "Wait for the ER from home."

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Progress In Nuclear Talks With Iran Is Still Glacial

11:07am September 27, 2014

by Peter Kenyon

One expert says that the negotiators in the room are inclined to move faster, but the deeply opposed domestic constituencies leave both sides skittish.

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Ground Forces Needed To Play A Role In Strategy Against ISIS

8:54pm September 26, 2014

Steve Inskeep talks to Michele Flournoy, a former Pentagon official during President Obama's first term, about the American-led strategy, and what will be needed to ensure success.

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