National

Hopes Dim For Long-Term Extension To Jobless Benefits

6:33pm January 14, 2014

The Senate is still struggling to find a way to pay for an extension of unemployment benefits for those out of work for 26 weeks or more. Majority leader Harry Reid agreed to bring up five Democratic and five Republican amendments in hopes to winning enough Republicans over to get to the 60 votes needed for passage.

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Students in Central High School walk through the hallways between classes.

Nearly Six Decades Later, Integration Remains A Work In Progress

1:30pm January 14, 2014

by Debbie Elliott

In Little Rock, Ark., a federal judge approved a settlement that brings an end to a landmark school desegregation case. The case dates back to 1957, when nine black students integrated Central High School, which up until that point was all-white. But after 60 years of desegregation efforts, are the classes really integrated?

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The Big Impact Of A Little-Known Chemical In W.Va. Spill

10:06am January 14, 2014

by Elizabeth Shogren

At the time of the accident, the CDC didn't have a standard for how much of the coal-cleaning chemical is safe in drinking water. So the agency had to come up with one.

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Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) in the U.S. Capitol building May 14, 2013. Groups are creating ads in New Hampshire to attack Shaheen 10 months before the midterm congressional elections.

Political Groups Aim Early Attacks At New Hampshire Senator

7:32am January 14, 2014

by Peter Overby

The midterm congressional elections are 10 months away. But some political and ideological organizations are already buying ads to criticize incumbents they hope to take down in November, like Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.

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Homeless women sit amid their belongings in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday. Democrats and Republicans say income inequality is a problem, but they disagree over a solution.

The War Over Poverty: A Deep Divide On How To Help

6:51pm January 13, 2014

by David Welna

On the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson's "War on Poverty" speech, the clash between Republicans and Democrats on how to alleviate poverty has come front and center. Republicans insist that anti-poverty programs have failed; Democrats say they have worked and should be expanded.

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National

Supreme Court Declines To Consider Arizona Abortion Law

12:19pm January 13, 2014

The high court declined the state's request to review a lower court ruling that struck down its ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. That effectively blocks the law permanently, since the appeals court found it unconstitutional.

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Balance Of Power At Stake In High Court Case

12:18pm January 13, 2014

by Nina Totenberg

At issue in the Supreme Court on Monday is whether the president's power to make temporary appointments during the Senate recess can be curtailed by the use of pro forma Senate sessions during which no business is conducted.

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Minister Ryan Bell has decided to "try on" atheism for a year. The former Seventh-day Adventist pastor was asked to leave his congregation in March.

Former Pastor Decides To Spend A Year Without God

6:50pm January 12, 2014

by NPR Staff

Ryan Bell was asked to step down from his Seventh-day Adventist congregation in March, after questioning his faith. For his New Year's resolution, Bell has decided to "try on" atheism and put his role as a religious leader — and follower — on hold.

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Will The Colts Run Out Of Luck Against Patriots?

12:53pm January 11, 2014

Saturday's NFL playoffs pits Tom Brady's Patriots against the Colts and the Seahawks against the Saints. Over on the other side of the world, will Serena serve herself into history — again? NPR's Scott Simon talks with Howard Bryant of ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine, about the sports stories of the week and sports to come.

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Ross Miner skates during the men's short program at the 2013 Skate Canada International last year. He hopes to qualify for the upcoming Winter Olympics.

A Story Of The Boston Marathon Bombing, As Told On Skates

7:48pm January 10, 2014

by Tovia Smith

Figure skater Ross Miner hopes to qualify for the Winter Olympics, and the final competition starts Friday night in Boston, where Miner will perform his experience of last year's bombing, through moves and music.

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