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NPR News
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Updated: 39 min 14 sec ago Charges Of 'Re-Segregation' At N.C. High SchoolA high school in Wayne County, N.C., has a student population that is poor and 99 percent black. That's not the case at other public high schools in the same county. The disparity has prompted a civil rights inquiry — and complaints about what one leader calls "re-segregation." Christian Group's Members Share Health Care CostsThe nonprofit Samaritan Ministries transfers money among its members to pay each household's health care costs. Benefits to members include lower monthly payments and faith-based policies, but there's no guarantee their bills will be covered. New Jersey Man Held In Yemen After Al-Qaida SweepSharif Mobley was arrested in a roundup of suspected al-Qaida members and was being treated at a hospital in San'a when he got into a shootout with guards during an escape attempt, killing one and wounding another, an official said. Acquaintances said the former nuclear plant worker had strong religious views and had become increasingly radical. NYC Reaches $657M Deal With Ground Zero WorkersThe city has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits filed by rescue and response workers who say they became sick due to dust and debris from the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. The money would come from a $1 billion FEMA grant. The deal must be approved by a judge. Strong Quakes Torment Chile As President Sworn InA massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake capable of tremendous damage struck central Chile early Saturday, shaking the capital for a minute and a half and setting off a tsunami. Sen. Reid's Wife, Daughter Seriously Hurt In CrashThe Senate majority leader's wife, Landra, suffered a broken back and neck after the minivan she was riding in with her daughter, Lana Barringer, was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer truck on a highway in suburban Virginia. Neither woman's injuries appeared to be life-threatening, Reid's aides said. We Bought A Toxic Asset; You Can Watch It DieRemember those complicated bonds full of home mortgages? The ones that almost brought down the economy? A team of NPR reporters used $1,000 of their own money to buy a tiny piece of one — and plan to track it until it dies. » E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us Club Settles In Child's Uzi Death At Gun FairA Massachusetts sporting club is donating $10,000 to children's charities as part of a deal settling criminal charges in the death of an 8-year-old boy who accidentally shot himself in the head with an Uzi during a gun fair. Export Growth Likely To Remain Bright Spot For USThe U.S. trade deficit unexpectedly shrank in January, reflecting a big drop in imports of oil and foreign cars. American exports also fell, a potential blow to hopes that the economic recovery will be aided this year by U.S. sales abroad. » E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us N.Y. Attorney General Steps Aside In Governor ProbeAndrew Cuomo said he has appointed an independent counsel to probe whether Gov. David Paterson illegally took World Series tickets or had improper contact with a woman who accused an aide of domestic violence. He said he is being cautious because of heated politics that have raised concerns about a conflict of interest when he says none exists. NY Gov. David Paterson To Be Probed By Independent CounselNPR's Russell Lewis tells us that in a Thursday afternoon teleconference, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo "says according to his preliminary findings, there are 'credible issues to review in a probe' of the governor. He has recused himself and appointed former Chief Judge Judith Kaye to oversee that review as an independent counsel." Football Legend, TV Star Merlin Olsen DiesThe Hall of Fame defensive lineman went on to a successful career in sports broadcasting and commercials, as well as a continuing role on Little House on the Prairie. He was 69 and had been suffering from cancer. Computers One Step Closer To Reading Your MindClairvoyant computers may be nearer to reality than you'd think. In a new study, a computer program that analyzes brain scans was able to detect participants' thoughts — or at least their memories of a short film they were thinking about. » E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us Genetically Determined Dieting? Maybe Not YetThere's a personal genetic test that claims to predict whether a low-carb or low-fat diet is your best choice. While the science is intriguing, you might want to hold off before shelling out $149 for the results. Schools Across U.S. Grapple With ClosuresKansas City, Mo., has just approved one of the largest school closures in the nation's history. All over the U.S., the number of districts shutting schools is growing rapidly in the face of declines in both revenue and enrollment. Costs Threaten Upkeep Of John Brown's Burial SiteShutting down a park at the New York farm where the abolitionist's body lies would save taxpayers about $40,000 a year, a tiny chunk of the state's $8 billion deficit. Historians say that's not enough of a savings to warrant the loss of a landmark. New Music Emerges From Elkhart's Instrument PastDozens of band instrument makers used to be part of the local economy in Elkhart, Ind. But since the city was battered by the economy, only three major companies remain. One says it will manufacture instruments only in the U.S. — and it will hire new workers to grow the business and regain market share. GOP Targets Democrats On Ethics, EarmarksHouse Republicans have launched a full-blown ethics offensive against the Democratic majority. The issues are ethics violations and spending earmarks, two lines of attack Democrats employed when they won control of Congress four years ago. Advocates Aim To Revive Immigration OverhaulPresident Obama met Thursday with senators who are trying to craft a bipartisan immigration bill. The meeting comes less than two weeks before immigrant rights activists are planning a march on Washington to draw attention to their cause, but so far the White House has been reluctant to put the issue on the front burner. Afghan Troops Earn Kudos, But Questions RemainNATO commanders in southern Afghanistan are sharing credit for the success of last month's offensive in Marjah with their Afghan counterparts. But there are still concerns about the Afghans' tactics and ability to coordinate with foreign troops on the battlefield. » E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us |
