Supreme Court to hear school disability discrimination case
At issue is a case testing the reach of federal laws that promise special help for children with disabilities in public schools. Specifically: What do parents have to prove in order to get that specialized help?
Va. Governor's Race May Be Proxy For Broader National Debate
The partial government shutdown could deliver its first political victim in Tuesday's elections. Republican Ken Cuccinelli is trailing in the Virginia governor's race. Opponents have tried to tar Cuccinelli with the shutdown and other unpopular Tea Party policies. Cuccinelli is linking Democratic opponent Terry McAuliffe to the troubled rollout of Obamacare.
Will Hard-Line Critics Scuttle Iranian Talks?
The resurgence of diplomacy in the Iranian nuclear standoff has generated hope in the West for a peaceful solution to the long-running crisis, and hope in Iran for the lifting of painful economic sanctions. But the new opening has also invigorated hard-line opponents in Israel, Washington and Tehran. Analysts say pressure from these conservative critics could derail the talks as they enter a particularly difficult phase.
Hallmark Under Fire For Dropping 'Gay' From Christmas Lyric
A Hallmark Christmas ornament has drawn criticism from people who accuse the greeting card company of political correctness and anti-gay bias. The ornament — a tiny sweater — is decorated with the words "Don we now our FUN apparel!" "Fun" replaces the word "gay" from the line in the Christmas song "Deck the Halls." Hallmark says it was trying to avoid misinterpretation and should never have made the change.
Iranian Hard-Liners Plan 'Grand Day Of Death To America'
Some hard-liners in Iran are planning a "Grand Day of Death to America" on Monday — the anniversary of the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in 1979. Revolutionary Guards commanders promise the slogan will "echo across the nation."
Barneys Lawsuit Puts Spotlight On Race And Branding
Steve Inskeep talks to freelance writer Johnnie Roberts and NPR's Gene Demby about the branding of high-end products — and the implications when companies specifically court, or exclude, consumers based on race.
Obama's Nominations Blocked Again In Senate
Senate Republicans have once again blocked President Obama's nominees. Despite a deal in July to let several of the president's picks go through, the rancor has returned with a fresh batch of appointments. Two nominations failed within less than an hour on Thursday, and Democrats may once again threaten to change Senate rules so Republicans can't easily derail another nomination.
Halloween Brings The End Of 'Thriller' Season
Lots of businesses are winding down now that Halloween is over. One of the more unusual ones: Michael Jackson tribute artists and choreographers who do "Thriller" performances.