NPR Headlines
Un-Natural Selection: Human Evolution's Next Steps
Millions of years ago, the natural environment was shaping us into the species we are now and humans evolved by natural selection. But as humans continue to evolve, we've turned the notion of natural selection on its head. Nature isn't the only force that picks the genes. Humans are doing it too.
Wind Power Wanes With Fading Federal Incentives
Wind power, one of the largest segments of the renewable energy market, will experience a sharp decline in growth this year. The slowdown comes as a surprise because the stimulus bill included $43 billion for energy projects -- a big boost for renewable forms of electricity.
U.N. Nuke Agency Warns Monitoring Of Iran Hampered
The complaint follows Iran's recent decision to strip two experienced inspectors of the right to monitor Tehran's nuclear activities after the two reported undeclared nuclear experiments. The Islamic Republic says the reporting by the two was inaccurate.
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U.S. Expects To Subsidize Afghan Training For Years
The previously undisclosed estimates of U.S. spending through 2015, detailed in a NATO training mission document, are an acknowledgment that Afghanistan will remain largely dependent on the United States for its security.
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A Treacherous Trip On Afghanistan's Ring Road
U.S. taxpayer money paid for paving much of Highway 1 in Afghanistan, the road that links Afghans and their economy across a mountainous country. But roadside bombs and huge craters make for a difficult obstacle course in the cross-country trek.
Running Scared: Afghan Candidates Risk Their Lives
Any American politician will tell you that campaigning is vital to winning an election. But in Afghanistan, candidates say campaigning is likely to get you killed. As a result, many of the candidates in the upcoming Afghan elections are finding it difficult to get their message out.
Hermine Comes Ashore In Mexico As Tropical Storm
The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Hermine'scenter first touched land Monday night about 40 miles southof Brownsville, Texas. It's expected to move into south Texas. Hermine has maximum sustained winds of about 65 mph.
Obama Seeking $50 Billion For Infrastructure
The investments in the nation's roads, railways and runways are part of a package of targeted proposals that must be approved by Congress, which is highly uncertain at a time when many legislators and voters are worried about adding to federal deficits.
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2010 Elections: Which Party's Going To Win?
Make your forecast: Will Republicans take control of the House and Senate? Or just one chamber? Or will Democrats hold on to their majorities in both? The fall campaign kicks off in earnest today. Put your pundit hat on and do some prognosticating.
Why Aren't Employers Hiring?
The unemployment rate rose to 9.6 percent last month, with big political implications ahead of November elections. If the job market is ever to improve, employers will have to start feeling a lot more confident about where the economy is going. So what will it take for them to create jobs?
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Suicide Attack In Northwest Pakistan Kills 17
A suicide bomber detonated a car in an alley behind a police station in a strategically vital town in northwest Pakistan on Monday, killing at least 17 police and civilians in an explosion that shattered the station and neighboring homes, police said.
As Clock Ticks, Lawmakers Revisit Bush Tax Cuts
The debate over President Bush's 2001 and 2003 tax cuts heats up this fall as Congress considers the marginal rate reductions, estate tax relief and lower rates on investment income set to expire Jan. 1. At stake: trillions of dollars and tax-cutting reputations heading into the midterm elections.
Unions Try To Combat Lopsided Election Spending
Organized labor, one of the most powerful forces in American politics, is facing a new reality. The Supreme Court ruled in January that corporations and unions may spend unlimited amounts in political campaigns. Even before that ruling, business outspent labor.
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Chinese Experiment Seeks Secrets To Happiness
Survey results on happiness in China seem to be entirely contradictory -- ranging from among the happiest people in the world to among the least. Now psychologists, as well as an entire Chinese town, are trying to answer the question of how China can become a happier place.
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Chile: Frustration Grows Over Slow Quake Recovery
Six months after a devastating earthquake and tsunami hit southern Chile, many survivors are still homeless, and some towns and villages remain rubble-filled. With so many living in temporary camps, the speed of the government's recovery efforts has become the subject of controversy.
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Evolving Culture: Where Do We Go From Here?
Humans are still evolving, but cultural evolution is far outpacing genetic evolution. Our environment and technology are changing so rapidly that genetic adaptations can't keep up. So we're adapting by learning new things and passing that knowledge onto the next generation.
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Camp For Alzheimer's Patients Isn't About Memories
An unusual sleepover camp brings together about 20 people who have dementia for a weekend of music, dance, reminiscing and other activities that emphasize strengths instead of losses. While the campers typically won't remember details of the retreat, it lifts their mood, camp staffers say.
Series Overview: Bush Tax Cuts And Beyond
The clock is ticking on one of President Bush's most controversial legacies. The tax cut packages enacted in 2001 and 2003 will soon expire. In a new series, NPR lays out the policy and politics behind the debate to extend them, and looks at how taxes affect individuals, corporations and states.
Mideast Crisis Looms Over Israeli Settlements
Israel hinted Sunday it will ease restrictions on building in West Bank settlements, while the Palestinian president warned he'll quit the talks if Israel resumes construction.
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Next Up For The Economy: Small-Business Tax Cuts?
This is an unsettled time in the American economy. Last week, the stock market rose, but so did the unemployment rate. The nation lost jobs overall, but the number of private-sector jobs was up. One thing everyone can agree on, though: The recovery has slowed. And this week, President Obama will unveil a new economic package including tax cuts for small businesses. The price tag: as high as $300 billion.