News

Customers line up at an electronics store in Moscow on Monday. With the value of Russia's ruble declining rapidly, prices are expected to soar, and many shoppers are frantically spending their money on electronics, furniture and even cars.

World News

Has Vladimir Putin Just Overplayed His Hand?

1:16pm December 16, 2014

by Greg Myre

The Russia leader was riding high at home this year with the successful Winter Olympics and his annexation of Crimea. Now he's staring at a recession and has alienated Western nations that could help.

National

Lawyers Say Sony Can't Keep Media From Reporting Hacked Details

1:06pm December 16, 2014

NPR's David Folkenflik talks with Melissa Block about the discussion within media circles about the legality and propriety of publishing information stolen in the hack attack against Sony Pictures.

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Gov. Bill Haslam announces his proposal to expand Medicaid in Tennessee at the state Capitol in Nashville Monday.

Tennessee Governor Moves To Expand Medicaid Coverage

12:45pm December 16, 2014

by Bill Chappell

Following the lead of two other Republican governors, Tennessee's Gov. Bill Haslam is moving to expand Medicaid in his state, using federal funds from the Affordable Care Act.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush talks to supporters after speaking at the U.S. Cuba Democracy PAC's annual luncheon in Coral Gables, Fla., on Dec. 2.

Jeb Bush Announces He Will 'Actively Explore' Presidential Run

12:06pm December 16, 2014

by Eyder Peralta

Bush, a GOP favorite, said he would establish a political action committee in January to "facilitate conversations with citizens across America."

FIFA Dismisses U.S. Lawyer's Appeal On Handling Of World Cup Report

11:41am December 16, 2014

by Krishnadev Calamur

Michael Garcia had filed an appeal against how his report into the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 soccer World Cup was handled. FIFA said his appeal is inadmissible.

There's No Place Like A Dorm Room For The Holidays

10:52am December 16, 2014

by Jennifer Guerra

When holiday break comes, college kids start packing up and heading for home. But for former foster students, there's no home to go to.

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Prime Minister Tony Abbott and his wife, Margie, pay their respects at the Martin Place memorial site on Tuesday in Sydney, Australia.

Thousands Lay Flowers At The Site Of Hostage Siege In Sydney

10:32am December 16, 2014

by Eyder Peralta

A day after two people plus a gunman were killed, thousands of Australians left bouquets of flowers at a makeshift shrine. Prime Minister Tony Abbott and his wife visited and signed a condolence book.

As part of their annual remembrance, descendants of massacre survivors erected teepees at the historic site over the weekend of Dec. 13. Some were for public visitors, while others were used in closed ceremonies.

National

150 Years Later, A Formal Apology For The Sand Creek Massacre

10:16am December 16, 2014

by Megan Verlee

The Sand Creek Massacre of December 1864 left nearly 200 people dead. Now, hundreds of Cheyenne and Arapaho are returning to the Colorado site to mark the 150th anniversary of the tragedy.

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World News

Russia's Rate Increase Fails To Stop Currency's Steep Decline

9:42am December 16, 2014

by Eyder Peralta

The ruble plunged to a record low against the dollar today despite efforts by the Russian central bank to stabilize it.

Billie Joe Armstrong (left) and Mike Dirnt of Green Day play the Reading Festival. Green Day and five other acts will join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year.

2015 Rock Hall Of Fame Class Includes Lou Reed, Joan Jett, Green Day

8:49am December 16, 2014

by Bill Chappell

The Smiths and N.W.A. were left off of the list of inductees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as Hall voters opted for acts such as Bill Withers and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.