Morning Edition
Obama Moves Aggressively Into Damage Control Mode
President Obama is in the middle of a series of scandals. But are they serious enough to undermine his second term? Veterans of past Washington scandals assess the potential for political peril, and what the president can do about it.
A Gift Of Life And Friendship After A Family's Loss
In February 2007, Rick Bounds was diagnosed with a serious liver disease and given eight months to live.
» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Why Is There An Ammunition Shortage In The U.S.?
Demand increased recently, leading to widespread shortages. An economics textbook would say should have raised prices rather than have empty shelves. Why haven't prices gone up?
AP Case Adds To Obama Team's Tough Record On Leaks
His administration has prosecuted six people for giving reporters information about secret national security operations — twice as many cases as all previous presidents combined. Amid criticism from First Amendment advocates, the White House insists it values both press freedoms and national security.
» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
LA Mayor Candidates Try To Persuade Voters To Pay Attention
City Councilman Eric Garcetti and City Controller Wendy Greuel are in an all-out blitz for votes ahead of Tuesday's election to replace the term-limited Antonio Villaraigosa. But observers say the race hasn't garnered much interest — even though Greuel could become the first female mayor.
Are Buddhist Monks Involved In Myanmar's Violence?
When tightly controlled societies open up, long-suppressed sectarian tensions can flare. That's been happening in Myanmar. And the twist is that Buddhist monks, widely viewed as pacifists, are part of this rising Buddhist nationalism.
Sam Amidon: Reshaping An American Folk Tradition
Shape-note singing is a communal form of music that began in New England 200 years ago, mostly from townsfolk without any musical training. Sam Amidon says the melodies of shape-note hymns are some of the "deepest-seeded for me."
New York Cat Is Finally Reunited With Owner
Luna ended up stuck in a tree. A New York City police officer who came to the rescue got stuck in the tree too. Cat and man were rescued by the fire department.
Some Leaders In Saudi Arabia Condemn Twitter
Religious authorities responded after Saudis used Twitter to show images of human rights activists on trial. The BBC reports the kingdom's most senior cleric called Twitter users "fools." The head of the religious police says any social media user will lose the afterlife.
» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Wrestlers Grapple To Save Sport From Olympic Chopping Block
In New York's Grand Central Terminal Wednesday, wrestlers from Iran, Russia and the United States faced off in what was dubbed "Rumble on the Rails." This meet was more than just a show of diplomacy and sportsmanship. The athletes want to rally support for their sport which could be excluded from upcoming Olympic games.
Yen's Drop In Value Could Fuel Curency War
Japan has embarked on a massive effort to stimulate its economy. Both the government and the central bank are collaborating to end a long period of stagnation and deflation. But the effects are also being felt outside Japan.
Focus On Women, Families Propels New York's Sen. Gillibrand
Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand is introducing legislation with other lawmakers Thursday that would change the way the military prosecutes sexual assault cases. It's the latest high-publicity move for a senator who was almost unknown four years ago when she was appointed to fill Hillary Clinton's seat.
South Dakota Officials Miss Historic Meeting With Tribes
Federal officials met with South Dakota's nine Sioux tribes on Wednesday for a historic summit in Rapid City. A year in the making, it was an effort to address long standing concerns over the high number of Native American children the state places in white foster homes. State officials, however, didn't show up for the meeting.
» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Is TV's Traditional Business Model Broken?
The broadcast networks are in New York this week pitching their fall TV shows to advertisers. David Greene talks with reporter Kim Masters, of The Hollywood Reporter, about the new shows and indications the industry is in decline. Masters also hosts The Business on member station KCRW.
Obama, Erdogan To Discuss Syrian Conflict Moving Into Turkey
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets President Obama at the White House on Thursday. Their talks will focus on the Syrian conflict. Erdogan has been pushing the U.S. to do more to resolve a conflict.
Space Station Astronauts Get Dibs At New 'Star Trek' Movie
NASA has announced that the three astronauts on the International Space Station were first to watch Star Trek Into Darkness. It opens in theaters on earth Thursday.
Tina Brown's Must-Reads: On Luck, Good And Bad
In the latest edition of Word of Mouth on Morning Edition, Steve Inskeep talks to Newsweek editor Tina Brown to get her reading recommendations.
Sequestration May Make Hurricane Season Stormier Than Usual
The Atlantic Hurricane season starts in just a few weeks. With sequestration, the National Weather Service has ordered furloughs and a hiring freeze that have left vacancies throughout the agency, including the National Hurricane Center. Florida's governor and others are wondering if that will affect the state's ability to prepare and respond to a storm.
You Know It When You Hear It, Film Honors New York's Accent
Steve Inskeep and David Greene report on a documentary film exploring the New York accent. If These Knishes Could Talk: The Story of the New York Accent premieres Thursday night at the Art of Brooklyn Film Festival.
