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Former KGB Agents On What They Think Happened With Russia In The 2016 Election

10:53pm November 09, 2017

by Lucian Kim

The U.S. intelligence community believes there was direct Russian interference in the 2016 election; the Kremlin steadfastly denies it. Two former KGB agents tell NPR what they think really happened.

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A task force found that hundreds of households are still living in emergency housing five months after the fire at London's Grenfell Tower.

5 Months After Grenfell Blaze, 320 Households Are Still In Emergency Housing

5:36pm November 09, 2017

by Laurel Wamsley

An independent task force called the pace of rehousing residents after the fire "painfully slow." More than 200 children are among those who still need a permanent home.

In his weekly audience, Pope Francis called for followers to put down their cellphones during Mass, and be more engaged in the Eucharist. The pontiff is pictured here arriving in the Vatican's St. Peter's Square last year.

A Request From The Pope: Lift Up Your Hearts, Put Down Your Phones

3:17pm November 09, 2017

by Laurel Wamsley

"It pains me greatly, when I celebrate Mass here in the square or in the basilica, to see so many cellphones raised," said the pontiff. He noted that priests and bishops do it, too.

Former National Intelligence Director James Clapper testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, before the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism hearing: "Russian Interference in the 2016 United States Election," in May.

Ex-U.S. Intel Chiefs Criticize CIA For Entertaining Russian Hack Conspiracy

8:19am November 09, 2017

by Scott Neuman

Former CIA Director Michael Hayden and James Clapper, a former director of National Intelligence, have been critical of a meeting between current CIA Director Mike Pompeo and an NSA whistleblower.

Waterloo Residents Protest Abba-Theme Restaurant

6:51am November 09, 2017

"Waterloo" was a big Abba hit. A former band member wants to put a restaurant in that London district. But Waterloo residents are fighting the idea saying they don't want Abba fans everywhere.

Twitter Is Changing Its Character Limit And Germans Are Pleased

6:39am November 09, 2017

Twitter is increasing the limit for almost all users of the messaging service from 140 to 280 characters. Since there are really long words in German, many are celebrating.

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Germany's top court has ruled that parliament must legally recognize a third gender from birth. A complaint was brought by a person identified only as Vanja, pictured here in 2014, who is intersex.

High Court Says Germany's Birth Registry Must Allow Third Gender Option

5:45pm November 08, 2017

by Laurel Wamsley

Lawmakers must create new rules either creating a third gender option or dispensing with gender in civil status. An advocacy group called the decision "a small revolution in the area of gender."

World News

Border Tensions Between Ireland And Northern Ireland Could Rise As U.K. Leaves E.U.

4:31pm November 08, 2017

by Frank Langfitt

The border dividing Ireland and Northern Ireland has been peaceful and practically invisible for years. But as the United Kingdom prepares to leave the European Union, there are fears that situation might change.

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One of many vineyards in the French wine making region of Bordeaux. Chinese investment in the region is changing wine production and exports.

World News

Chinese Lovers Of French Wine Are Snapping Up Bordeaux Vineyards

4:31pm November 08, 2017

by Eleanor Beardsley

China's wine consumption has exploded in recent years. The Chinese are now the biggest foreign investors in Bordeaux, France's vaunted winemaking region. That's made some local residents uneasy.

As part of a general strike Wednesday, protesters block a major highway in Borrassa, a municipality in Catalonia. The scene was just one of several miles-long traffic jams caused by demonstrators gathering on the region's streets and railways.

World News

As Protesters Clog Catalonia, Court Snuffs Out Declaration Of Independence

2:39pm November 08, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

In Barcelona and other cities, protesters demanded Madrid release eight lawmakers and respect the regional decision to secede. Meanwhile, in Madrid, Spain's Constitutional Court annulled the decision.