NPR News

Pages

Around the Nation
5:21 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

Arizona, Southern California Fight Off Frost And Frozen Vegetables

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 6:33 pm

Cold has descended on an area of the country that is known for its near-perfect weather this time of year.

For several nights in a row, subfreezing temperatures have sent homeless people in Arizona to warming centers, while farmers in Southern California are preparing for a possible crop freeze.

It's Cold Outside

Toni Eskeli tries to keep warm, wrapped in a scarf and a peacoat near downtown Phoenix. She and her boyfriend huddle around a picnic table, rolling cigarettes, doing what they can to stay warm.

Read more
The Salt
5:21 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

Women With A Berry Snacking Habit May Have Healthier Hearts

Credit Maggie Starbard / NPR
Regular consumption of blueberries, such as these found at Butler's Orchard in Maryland, may prevent heart attacks in middle-aged women.

Originally published on Tue January 15, 2013 10:08 am

When it comes to supernutritious foods, the blueberry has long had a health halo floating over it.

Going back to Colonial times when Native Americans and English settlers ground up blueberries and added them to porridge, in both dried and fresh forms, there have been hints of health-promoting effects.

Read more
'Radio Diaries'
5:21 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

'Segregation Forever': A Fiery Pledge Forgiven, But Not Forgotten

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 8:17 pm

It was just a single line in a speech given 50 years ago today. But that one phrase, "segregation now, segregation tomorrow and segregation forever," is remembered as one of the most vehement rallying cries against racial equality in American history.

The year was 1963. Civil rights activists were fighting for equal access to schools and the voting booth, and the federal government was preparing to intervene in many Southern states.

And on Jan. 14, in Montgomery, Ala., newly elected Gov. George Wallace, a Democrat, stepped up to a podium to deliver his inaugural address.

Read more
NPR Story
4:53 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

Obama Warns Of Dangerous Consequences If Debt Limit Isn't Raised

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 5:21 pm

Transcript

AUDIE CORNISH, HOST:

From NPR News, this is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. I'm Audie Cornish.

We begin this hour with the end of President Obama's first term. He's got less than a week before next Monday's inauguration. This morning, he capped things off with an hour-long news conference in the White House East Room. As NPR's Ari Shapiro reports, most of the focus was on a rash of recent financial crises that Washington itself has created.

Read more
NPR Story
4:53 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

47 States Report Widespread Influenza Outbreaks

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 5:21 pm

Transcript

AUDIE CORNISH, HOST:

From NPR News, this is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. I'm Audie Cornish.

The influenza virus is on a lot of minds today. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 47 states are reporting widespread outbreaks. The flu was even mentioned several times during last night's Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills. Here's comedian Amy Poehler joking about one star who stayed home.

AMY POEHLER: Meryl Streep is not here tonight. She has the flu. And I hear she's amazing in it.

(LAUGHTER)

Read more
NPR Story
4:53 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

Military Suicides Hit Record High In 2012

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 5:21 pm

Transcript

AUDIE CORNISH, HOST:

The war in Afghanistan may be winding down, but the toll on soldiers and Marines back home is not. The military has tallied suicides among active duty troops last year, and the number is at a record level. NPR's Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman joins us now. And, Tom, suicides were up again among troops in 2012?

Read more
Politics
4:38 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

Dear Mr. President: What Do You Want Obama To Remember?

Credit Becky Lettenberger / NPR

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 4:55 pm

President Obama will soon be sworn into office, and whether you voted for him or not, he's everybody's president. What do you want him to remember in his second term?

Share your thoughts at http://inauguration2013.tumblr.com/

Read more
The Two-Way
4:15 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

Couple Whose Bike Was Stolen, And Returned, Will Donate It

Credit Kimberlee Turner
Courtney Forbes, 21, stands with the tandem bicycle that she and her husband, Harly relied on for transportation before it was stolen last week. They plan to donate the bike, which has since been returned, to the Washington School for the Blind.

Originally published on Tue January 15, 2013 6:47 am

The Two-Way
2:56 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

Reports: Lance Armstrong Has Told Livestrong Staff He's Sorry

Credit Nathalie Magniez / AFP/Getty Images
Lance Armstrong in 2010.

Cycling superstar Lance Armstrong, who has been stripped of his many victories because anti-doping authorities say he used performance enhancing drugs throughout his career, has reportedly told the staff at his Livestrong cancer charity that he's sorry. But it's not clear at this hour exactly what it is he's supposedly apologized for.

Read more
The Salt
2:46 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

The Cost Of Being A Nation Of 'Soul Food Junkies'

Originally published on Thu January 17, 2013 10:27 am

The Two-Way
2:45 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

Java Security Flaw Is Repaired; Experts Still Recommend Disabling It

Originally published on Tue January 15, 2013 6:46 am

Days after the Department of Homeland Security said computer users should remove the latest versions of its Java software, Oracle Corp. says it has fixed the flaw, in a new update released Monday. As we reported Friday, hacking groups included the Java 7 vulnerability in new "exploit kits" this year.

Read more
Movie Interviews
2:37 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

In 'Barbara,' A New Look At Life Behind The Wall

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 5:21 pm

The historical drama is a staple of the film awards season, and the tortured history of modern Germany — with its echoes of the brutal Third Reich and war — has played a central role in many an award-winning film. But the new film Barbara, which was Germany's official entry to this year's Oscars, is a nuanced portrait of the more recent history of a newly reunited East and West.

Read more
Shots - Health News
2:07 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

After The Knee Is Fixed, How Long Before The Player Returns?

Credit Richard Lipski / AP
Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III lays on the field after injuring his knee during an NFL playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks on January 6. Griffin had knee surgery two days later.

Originally published on Tue January 15, 2013 5:24 pm

One week after the brilliant young quarterback Robert Griffin III blew out his right knee in an NFL playoff game, fans' questions have morphed from "How could this have happened?" to "When do we get him back?"

But figuring out when an athlete with damaged knee ligaments can get back in action is an inexact art at best, because medicine has yet to come up with a solid way to fix a knee.

Read more
The Two-Way
1:54 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

Elder President Bush Released From Hospital

Credit Michael Loccisano / Getty Images for HBO
Former President George H.W. Bush in June.

After nearly two months in a Houston hospital, where he spent some of the time in intensive care for treatment of complications related to bronchitis, an infection and a stubborn fever, former President George H.W. Bush was sent home today.

Read more
Politics
1:51 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

The Accomplishments, Shortcomings Of Obama's First Term

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 3:00 pm

President Obama will be officially sworn in and begin his second term as the 44th President of the United States on Jan. 20. As Washington gears up for Inauguration Day, people across the country and the world are reflecting on what was gained and lost during Obama's first term.

Environment
1:49 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

Florida's Python Problem: Snakes Reshape The Everglades

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 4:01 pm

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission launched its first ever "Python Challenge." More than 800 hunters have registered for the month-long competition aimed at harvesting Burmese pythons. University of Florida professor Frank Mazzotti talks about the threat they present to the ecosystem of the Everglades.

Opinion
1:43 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

The Big Picture: The Takeaway From 'Django Unchained'

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 2:58 pm

Quentin Tarantino's latest film is proving to be one of his most controversial. Django Unchained has drawn admiration and condemnation from critics, and has sparked debates about history, race and violence. NPR's Celeste Headlee reads from a variey of opinion pieces about the film.

Author Interviews
1:16 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

Retired Bishop Gene Robinson On Being Gay And Loving God

Credit BProud Photography / Knopf
Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church, has retired. He'll start working with the Center for American Progress, a progressive research and policy organization, on issues of faith and gay rights.

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 2:25 pm

For many years, it didn't occur to Bishop Gene Robinson — the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church — that he might retire before age 72, the mandatory retirement age for Episcopal bishops. But then, in 2010, Mary Glasspool, who is also openly gay, was elected bishop suffragan in the Diocese of Los Angeles and, for the first time, Robinson reconsidered his retirement plans.

Read more
Around the Nation
12:54 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

The Great American Signature Fades Away

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 3:04 pm

Much has been made recently of the loopy signature of Jack Lew, the Treasury secretary nominee whose name — if he is confirmed — will appear on new U.S. currency.

Read more
Middle East
12:29 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

Saudi King Invites Women To Join The Debate ... From Another Room

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 1:45 pm

King Abdullah kept a promise to Saudi Arabia's women last week, when he appointed 30 of them to four-year terms in the new Consultative Assembly, the pseudo-legislature that advises the monarch on laws and regulations.

As usual with such developments in Saudi Arabia, there is a catch: The women will have to meet in a room separate from the men.

Read more
U.S.
12:26 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

In News Conference, Obama Calls For Raising Debt Ceiling

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 3:27 pm

Transcript

DAVID GREENE, HOST:

I'm David Greene. We'll begin NPR's business news with a warning from President Obama.

(SOUNDBITE OF PRESS CONFERENCE)

Read more
Pop Culture
12:14 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

'Hillary Clinton's Husband' And The Golden Globes

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 4:56 pm

Transcript

MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:

Finally, yesterday was a big award tonight for Hollywood - "Les Miserables" and "Argo" took home top movie prizes at the 70th annual Golden Globes. And there are a few speeches that people are still talking about.

Here to catch us up and also look ahead with Oscar picks is Sheila Marikar. She is an entertainment reporter and producer with ABC News.com. Sheila, welcome back. Thanks for joining us once again.

SHEILA MARIKAR: Thanks for having me, Michel.

Read more
Africa
12:14 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

New Ground For Peace Corps

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 4:56 pm

Transcript

MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:

I'm Michel Martin and this is TELL ME MORE from NPR News. Coming up, the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta sorority just celebrated their 100th year. We'll find out just how and why an organization founded by 22 young women on a single college campus a century ago now has a presence around the world.

Read more
Latin America
12:14 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

Guantanamo Bay Still Unresolved

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 4:56 pm

Transcript

MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:

This is TELL ME MORE from NPR News. I'm Michel Martin.

Coming up, we'll talk about why the Peace Corps is stepping up its efforts to recruit doctors and nurses to its ranks of people serving in developing countries. That's ahead.

But first, President Barack Obama is just about a week away from being sworn into his second term in office. So we have been looking at some of the unresolved issues from his first four years. Last week, we talk about housing, particularly the foreclosure crisis.

Read more
Movies
12:14 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

Are We A Nation Of 'Soul Food Junkies?'

Fried chicken, mac and cheese, and sweet potato pie! Soul food has drawn Americans to the table for generations. But is the greasy goodness doing more harm than good? Byron Hurt tackles the question in his new documentary 'Soul Food Junkies.'

Race
12:14 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

Crimson And Cream: Delta Ladies Cheer Centennial

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 4:56 pm

Transcript

MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:

Now, we want to talk about a different kind of service. If you were in Washington, D.C. over the weekend, then you probably saw a sea of ladies wearing red and white - or rather crimson and cream. Those are the colors of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. The organization celebrated its centennial over the weekend.

It was founded by students at Howard University in 1913 and the group now has some 900 chapters all over the U.S. and in countries around the world, including Germany, Japan and Korea.

Read more
The Two-Way
11:19 am
Mon January 14, 2013

Grieving Families, Community Launch 'Sandy Hook Promise'

Credit SandyHookPromise.org

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 3:05 pm

Pledging to do all they can "to encourage and support common sense solutions that make my community and our country safer from similar acts of violence," parents, family and friends of the 20 children and six educators killed in the Dec. 14 mass shooting at a school in Newtown, Conn., just launched Sandy Hook Promise.

Read more
Commentary
11:19 am
Mon January 14, 2013

"The Whole Nine Yards" Of What?

Credit iStockPhoto
There are those who say the phrase "the whole nine yards" comes from a joke about a prodigiously well-endowed Scotsman who gets his kilt caught in a door.

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 2:25 pm

Where does the phrase "the whole nine yards" come from? In 1982, William Safire called that "one of the great etymological mysteries of our time."

He thought the phrase originally referred to the capacity of a cement truck in cubic yards. But there are plenty of other theories.

Read more
Book Reviews
11:03 am
Mon January 14, 2013

Of The People: Sonia Sotomayor's Amazing Rise

Credit Kainaz Amaria / NPR
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor spoke with NPR in December at the Supreme Court.

Originally published on Mon January 14, 2013 4:36 pm

Since her appointment to the Supreme Court in 2009, Sonia Sotomayor has stood out. The nation's first Latina justice is also its most extroverted; not only does she ask far more questions during oral arguments than her predecessor, David Souter, but she also has refused to indulge the court's pose of Olympian detachment. William Rehnquist never threw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium, and I don't remember Antonin Scalia making an appearance on Sesame Street.

Read more
The Two-Way
9:41 am
Mon January 14, 2013

Lawmaker Plans Bill To Lift Immunity For Gun Manufacturers And Dealers

Credit Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer /Landov
Handgun barrels on the assembly line of Hi-Point Firearms in Mansfield, Ohio.

Add this to the list of proposals to overhaul the gun industry: Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., says he will introduce legislation this week to roll back legal immunity for gun manufacturers and dealers.

Schiff tells NPR there's no need for the 2005 law called the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to remain on the books. That law gave gun makers, gun dealers and trade groups immunity from most negligence and product liability lawsuits. "Good gun companies don't need special protection from the law," Schiff says, "Bad companies don't deserve it."

Read more

Pages