NPR Topics: News
NPR news, audio, and podcasts. Coverage of breaking stories, national and world news, politics, business, science, technology, and extended coverage of major national and world events.

Districts Across U.S. Grapple With School Closures
11 Mar 2010 at 3:12pm
Kansas City 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.
Budget Woes Could Close Abolitionist's Burial Site
11 Mar 2010 at 3:10pm
A budget crisis could lead New York to close the farm where John Brown is buried. Closing the burial site would save taxpayers about $40,000 a year, a tiny chunk of the state's $8 billion deficit. Historians say that's not enough to warrant the loss.
More Quakes Hit Chile As New President Takes Over
11 Mar 2010 at 2:43pm
A 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.
Ex-New Orleans Cop Pleads In Shooting Cover-Up
11 Mar 2010 at 1:49pm
A judge called the plot to hide the shooting of unarmed residents crossing a bridge a "despicable" scheme that immeasurably compounded Hurricane Katrina's damage. Jeffrey Lehrmann pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony, meaning he knew about the crime and didn't report it. He faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Panel Recommends Rethink On Repeat Cesareans
11 Mar 2010 at 1:25pm
Most women who give birth by cesarean section should have the option for vaginal delivery of subsequent children, experts recommended. Existing medical guidelines would have to be changed to make that approach more common.
Cities Find New Ways To Reach Into Your Wallet
11 Mar 2010 at 11:50am
Across the country, cash-strapped cities are coming up with novel ideas for raising money — imposing new charges on everything from sodas and plastic bags to library late fees and emergency-response services. With at least two more years of bad budgets ahead, look for cities to turn to niche taxes.
Dodd Says He'll Go It Alone On Financial Regulation
11 Mar 2010 at 11:12am
The Senate Banking Committee chairman plans to offer his own financial regulation bill without GOP support after a month of talks with Republican Sen. Bob Corker found some common ground but didn't yield agreement on consumer protections and other sticking points.
Afghanistan Welcomes Pakistani Role In Peace Talks
11 Mar 2010 at 11:02am
Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Thursday that Pakistan has a key role to play in peace talks with the Taliban, a possible attempt to quash speculation that his government was trying to sideline its neighbor.
Huge Aftershock Hits Chile On Inauguration Day
11 Mar 2010 at 10:10am
A series of strong aftershocks from last month's devastating quake rocked Chile on Thursday as a new president was sworn into office and immediately urged coastal residents to move to higher ground in case of a tsunami.
Greece Roiled By General Strike Over Austerity Plan
11 Mar 2010 at 9:30am
Greek police fired tear gas to disperse protesters throwing rocks and firebombs outside Parliament as tens of thousands of people marched through Athens to protest measures to cut the country's debt. The strike grounded all flights and brought public transport to a halt.
Trade Deficit Shrinks As Auto And Oil Imports Drop
11 Mar 2010 at 9:28am
The 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.
Early Election Results Show Tight Race In Iraq
11 Mar 2010 at 9:04am
Preliminary election results show Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki leading in the mainly Shiite provinces of Babil and Najaf, while a coalition led by his top secular rival, former Premier Ayad Allawi, was ahead in the former Sunni insurgent strongholds of Diyala and Salahuddin. But the chaotic vote count was marred by accusations of fraud.
First-Time Weekly Jobless Claims Decrease Slightly
11 Mar 2010 at 8:45am
The number of newly laid-off workers requesting unemployment benefits slipped by 6,000 last week. But the four-week average of claims climbed, reflecting a sharp increase in claims last month.
Biden Tries To Wrangle Israel, Palestinans To Table
11 Mar 2010 at 8:19am
Wrapping up a three-day visit, the U.S. vice president urges both sides to get past the uproar sparked by an Israeli plan for new settlement construction in disputed east Jerusalem and focus on U.S.-mediated peace talks. "If each waits stubbornly ... this will go on for an eternity," Biden says.
Foreclosures Slow Considerably In February
11 Mar 2010 at 7:50am
Fears remain about the hundreds of thousands of homeowners who are still being evaluated for help under loan modification programs. Many analysts say most of those borrowers will eventually lose their homes, sparking a new round of foreclosures later this year.