NPR Headlines
Century Farms: A Slice Of History, Threatened
American Century Farms have been owned and farmed by the same family for more than 100 years. In East Tennessee, farm heirs reflect on the land's history, keeping the farms going despite development and a tough economy -- and dreading the day they may have to sell.
The Battle For The Senate: A GOP Majority Is Within Reach
It's been two months since our last review of the 37 Senate races at stake, and the news is less favorable for the Democrats. And if the trends continue, the Republicans have a legitimate shot at capturing a majority; they need a net of 10.
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Hating On The President: A Great American Pastime
Is there anything a president can do to escape widespread criticism? Get another job, perhaps. Historians say it's in Americans' DNA to turn on whoever is in the White House. We've been doing it since the beginning.
Green Building: A Real Estate Revolution?
Green building now accounts for close to one-third of new U.S. construction. That's up from 2 percent in 2005, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, which tracks the industry. The U.S. Green Building Council, and its LEED rating system, have changed construction practice -- and policy -- around the country.
Renew The Tax Cuts: Good Politics, Bad Economics?
There's a way to dramatically cut the deficit -- by simply letting the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts expire. But President Obama has vowed not to raise taxes on most Americans, a pledge that would add billions to the deficit every year. And, fiscal watchdogs note, the "Bush tax cuts" would then become Obama's.
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Hallucinogen Shows Promise In Helping Cancer Patients Cope
A small study of the active ingredient in "magic mushroom" found the drug helped relieve anxiety and improve the mood of some patients with advanced cancer. Though preliminary, the results support further research, the scientists say.
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Transit Strikes Gum Up Commutes In France, London
Millions of tourists and commuters bore the brunt of discontent over government austerity measures. Service was cut on trains, planes, buses and subways in France, while much of London's subway system was closed in the first of several 24-hour strikes planned for this fall.
In Afghanistan, The Civil Service 'Surge' That Isn't
There's a critical shortage of Afghan civil service workers in southern Afghanistan. In dangerous regions such as Helmand and Kandahar, the insurgency has gained strength because the Afghan government is either corrupt -- or not around.
Voters To The Parties: It’s A Date, Not A Marriage
Every time power shifts between the major parties in Washington, pundits and prognosticators say there's been a sea change. But in truth, voters can and often do change their minds quickly about who should be in charge.
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Turks Hope For Lasting Cease-Fire With Kurds
The summer has been marked by violent attacks and reprisals between Kurdish separatist rebels and security forces. But a Ramadan cease-fire has some Turks hoping that the two sides can return the long-running conflict to a nonviolent path.
Australian Labor Party Wins Enough Support To Rule
Prime Minister Julia Gillard's center-left Labor Party will form a minority government to rule Australia for a second three-year term, after two independent lawmakers joined her coalition Tuesday in the interest of stable government.
Official: Obama To Back More Business Tax Breaks
The president will call on Congress to pass new tax breaks that would allow businesses to write off 100 percent of their new capital investments through 2011
Google's Logo Turns To Bouncing Balls For Anniversary
Google has revamped its logo for yet another special occasion -- this time, its name is made out of a flock of colored balls that bounce away from the cursor when a visitor comes to the Google search page.
Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon Raises $58.9 Million
Lewis said the funds will allow the MDA to continue funding worldwide research to find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy and related diseases.
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Oracle Names Ex-HP CEO Mark Hurd Co-President
Oracle Corp. has announced that former Hewlett-Packard Co. CEO Mark Hurd is joining the database software maker as co-president. Oracle said in a statement Monday that Hurd will also serve as a member of the board of directors. He will report to CEO Larry Ellison.
Tropical Storm Hermine Crosses Into Texas
Tropical Storm Hermine rolled into south Texas early Tuesday, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to an area battered by Hurricane Alex earlier this summer. Hermine made landfall in northeastern Mexico late Monday and crossed into Texas within hours, bringing with it winds of up to 65 mph.
ABC News President David Westin Steps Down
ABC News President David Westin, the longest-reigning network news division chief, with more than 13 tumultuous years on the job, told his staff Monday that he is resigning and will leave by the end of the year.
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Money Can Buy Happiness
People's emotional well-being -- happiness -- increases along with their income up to about $75,000, researchers report in Tuesday's edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
In Young Kids, Lack Of Sleep Linked To Obesity Later
Infants and preschoolers who don't get enough nighttime sleep have higher odds of being obese as they grow up. And napping isn't a substitute. Over the past three decades, obesity rates have doubled among children age 2 to 5, and tripled among 6- to 11-year-olds.
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Afghan Expatriates Weigh A Return Home
In the years after the U.S. invasion, a steady stream of Afghans living abroad came home to help rebuild their country. Then, security started to get worse. There were more suicide attacks and a general feeling of unease. Now, many Afghans living abroad wonder: Is it worth it?
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