Around the Nation

Whit Hiler (left) and Griffin VanMeter are spearheading the campaign to change Kentucky's slogan from Unbridled Spirit to Kentucky Kicks Ass.

National

Unbridled Kentuckians Decide It's Time For A Kick-Ass New Slogan

6:23pm January 28, 2013

by Brenna Angel

A couple of advertising professionals want to spruce up their home state's image by ditching the slogan Unbridled Spirit for a new one: Kentucky Kicks Ass. The new slogan has garnered fans as far away as Japan and England, but will state officials sign off on it?

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Senators Propose Principles For Immigration Reform

3:13pm January 28, 2013

A bipartisan group of senators is released a proposal for immigration reform. The plan specifically addresses creating a path to citizenship, employment verification systems and worker recruitment programs and raises many questions about potential changes for immigrants and employers.

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Google Explains How It Handles Police Requests For Users' Data

10:11am January 28, 2013

by Martin Kaste

For the first time, Google has posted its policies for when it gives up users' information to the government. It's part of a broader company strategy to push for tougher privacy laws.

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Corporate Naming Rights For Buildings Proposed

10:11am January 28, 2013

A lawmaker in Washington State has proposed a way to make extra money: sell corporate naming rights to public buildings. It already happens with sports venues: the Mariners play at Safeco Field.

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Happy National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

10:11am January 28, 2013

Tissue, shredded paper and pressed packing material have not inspired the kind of adoration that leads to a fan base. But then, none offer the delicious sound and sensation of popping.

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Mike Williams (left) was homeless and broke in Sacramento, Calif., when he met Dr. Jong Chen. Now the two men are working together to develop a portable housing pod for the homeless.

National

A Doctor's Kindness Gives Homeless Inventor A Second Chance

6:34pm January 27, 2013

by NPR Staff

After inventor Mike Williams lost his business and his marriage, he ended up homeless. Then he found himself in the hospital after he was attacked and beaten in a California park. Dr. Jong Chen helped Williams back to health and back on his feet. Now they're working together on another invention.

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National

The Changing Nature of American Diplomacy

9:18am January 27, 2013

Confirmation hearings begin on Thursday for President Obama's pick to replace Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Nominee Sen. John Kerry told a Senate committee that he would come to the job at a moment when the world is "complicated and ever more dangerous."

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Alicia McCoy holds a photo of her husband, Sgt. Brandon McCoy. Despite taking part in basewide suicide prevention efforts at Fort Campbell in 2009, Sgt. McCoy took his own life in 2012.

National

To Combat Suicides, Army Focuses On The Homefront

7:32pm January 25, 2013

by Blake Farmer

Military suicides hit a record high in 2012, and the Army has been the hardest-hit branch. Its prevention efforts have included everything from a buddy system to 24-hour hotlines. Now, the Army is deploying psychiatrists and counselors to the places where soldiers live and work.

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Bryan Wilmoth (right) reunited with his brother Michael years after their parents kicked Bryan out for being gay. All six of their siblings either ran away or were kicked out of their family's home over the years.

National

After Years Of Estrangement, Eight Siblings Become A Family

9:14am January 25, 2013

by NPR Staff

Bryan Wilmoth grew up in a strict, religious household where all of his siblings either ran away or were kicked out. He was the first to go, after his father discovered he was gay. Years later, Wilmoth tried piecing the family back together and assuming the big brother role once again.

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Super Bowl Forces Nancy Pelosi To Pick A Team

9:14am January 25, 2013

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi had to make one of the toughest decisions of her political career: Who to root for in the Super Bowl — the Baltimore Ravens or the San Francisco 49ers. Pelosi was born in Baltimore. Her late father was the mayor. But she represents San Franciscans in Congress.

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