NPR Headline News
3 U.S. Troops Die In Deadliest Month Of Afghan War
Three U.S. service members have been killed in Afghanistan, bringing the toll for July to at least 63 and making it the deadliest month for American forces in the nearly 9-year war.
U.S. Is A Spicier Nation (Literally) Since 1970s
Americans' spice consumption has grown almost three times as fast as the population in recent decades. Much of that growth is due to the country's changing demographics. Now, flavors that were once exotic and rare are found on the shelves in many groceries.
Optimism Revs Up At GM, Chrysler Plants
President Obama visits GM and Chrysler auto plants in Detroit on Friday to call attention to the successes -- so far -- of the bailed-out companies. A White House report says the industry has added 55,000 jobs, GM will stay open during its usual two-week summer shutdown and Chrysler added another production shift.
Just Buy It: Impulsiveness Tied To Brain Chemical
From proposing to a loved one to going on a shopping spree, many of life's decisions are guided by the brain chemical dopamine. Scientists now say dopamine might explain why some people are more impulsive than others when it comes to planning and thinking.
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New York Launches Probe Of Life Insurance Industry
The attorney general's office is investigating whether insurers are profiting off of grieving families by placing funds from life insurance policies into potentially risky accounts that they control. Andrew Cuomo said his office had served subpoenas on Prudential Financial Inc. and MetLife Inc. as part of the probe.
U.S. Closes Consulate In Mexico's Ciudad Juarez
The U.S. Embassy said it was closing the consulate pending a security review, but did not elaborate. Ciudad Juarez, across the river from El Paso, Texas, is at the center of Mexico's war on drug gangs.
Alleged Mexican Drug Lord Killed In Shootout
An official said an army raid was closing in one of Ignacio "Nacho" Coronel's safe houses in Guadalajara when he opened fire on soldiers. Coronel is believed to be one of the top three leaders of Mexico's most powerful drug cartel, the Sinaloa.
DeGeneres Leaving 'Idol,' Says It Was Bad Fit
The comedian-talk show host said she realized that while she "loved discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings." Her departure leaves two vacancies on Fox's hit show.
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After A Son's Injury, A New Life Begins
Tom Davis grew up in Pensacola, Fla., enjoying everything the seaside town has to offer. But in the summer of 2000, when he was 21, a surfing accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. Tom recently sat down with his parents, Connie and Robert, to talk about his injury -- and their life together.
Everyone Under Pressure In Rangel Case
The last thing the Democrats want as they head into the fall elections is for the GOP to be able to use the "culture of corruption" charge, which brought the Dems to power in 2006, against them. And so they wish the Rangel case would go away.
Police: Ex-NBA Player Wright Shot To Death
Police delayed confirmation, awaiting an autopsy that confirmed the identity based on dental records.
Al-Qaida Plants Flag In Baghdad After Killing 16
The militants burned some of the bodies of the security officials in a brazen afternoon attack. Across the country, 23 Iraqi soldiers, police officers and other security forces were killed in shootings and roadside bombings.
Citigroup Paying $75M To Settle Civil Charges
The bank settles charges that it misled investors about its potential losses from subprime mortgages as the housing bust hit in 2007.
Senators Call On FDA To Rule On Alcoholic Energy Drinks
Eight months ago, the Food and Drug Administration asked makers of beverages containing alcohol and caffeine to prove the drinks are safe. So far, nothing's been made public.
Costly New Prostate Cancer Drug Works In Mysterious Ways
A new prostate cancer treatment that uses a patient's own white blood cells to effectively create a personalized vaccine has been approved. But no one really knows how it works.
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Kwame Kilpatrick's Woes Tinge Mother's Campaign
There's an anti-incumbent mood among many voters nationwide, and seven-term Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D) is struggling to retain her seat. But her biggest obstacle is her name. In Detroit, thanks to her son, Kwame -- the former mayor -- the name Kilpatrick has been connected to courtrooms and scandal.
Army Vice Chief Peter Chiarelli Addresses Soldier Suicides, Drug Abuse
After a 15-month study of mental health issues in the U.S. Army, it released a report on drug abuse, suicides, and other problems. Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli goes over the report with NPR's Robert Siegel.
Budget Crunch Hits Atlantic City Hard
State and local governments have cut 242,000 jobs since the summer of 2008, and that number is expected to grow as many states face massive deficits. Atlantic City is trying to shore up its finances by firing cops and city workers. Nationwide, these layoffs are causing a drag on the economy.
Broken Michigan Oil Pipeline To Stay Shut For Now
Federal officials say a pipeline that spewed up to 1 million gallons of crude oil into a river in southern Michigan earlier this week must remain closed for the time being. Enbridge Energy Partners had hoped to fix the leak and restart the pipeline in a few days. But Transportation Department officials say that can't happen until it is thoroughly inspected and tested.
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Pentagon Slams Leak Of Afghan War Reports
WikiLeaks' publishing of secret intelligence reports has done severe damage, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday, noting that his department would aggressively investigate how it happened. Adm. Mike Mullen said the group's founder may already have the blood of a soldier or Afghan family on his hands.