National

After losing his bid for re-election in 2010, Democrat Alan Grayson of Florida is back in Congress after winning a safer district.

Outspoken Alan Grayson Gets Another Chance In Congress

9:24am January 04, 2013

by Greg Allen

The Florida Democrat known for his biting comments targeting Republicans was among the House freshmen sworn in this week. He started serving in Congress four years ago but lost a bid for re-election. Now he's back and shows no signs of softening his tone.

Queue Listen Now

From left, bird-watchers John Williamson, Donna Quinn, Bruce Hill and Frances Raskin try to spot as many different species as possible during this season's bird count in Loudoun County, Va.

From Canada To Latin America, The Christmas Bird Count Is On

8:46am January 04, 2013

by Veronique LaCapra

Since 1900, citizen scientists across the Americas have braved bad weather and lack of sleep to participate in the yearly count — essentially, a bird-watching marathon. In the process, these birds have created the world's longest-running database in ornithology and given scientists a great tool for assessing the health of bird populations.

Queue Listen Now

A compromise bill that passed the Congress at the last minute included provisions that will reverberate through the nation's health care system.

Bargain Over Fiscal Cliff Brings Changes To Health Care

8:46am January 04, 2013

by Julie Rovner

Health care has been a major focus in recent budget battles. New legislation provides a temporary fix in payments for doctors, but it will be paid for by a decade of cuts to hospitals. And a program for long-term-care insurance won't ever get off the ground.

Queue Listen Now

Catfish swim in a tub outside the Osage Catfisheries office.

National

Drought Puts The Squeeze On Already Struggling Fish Farms

6:10pm January 03, 2013

by Kristofor Husted

The year's dry, hot weather forced aquaculturists to spend a lot more to keep their fish healthy and fed. For US catfish farmers, though, already suffering from competition with Asia, the drought has been an especially hard blow.

Queue Listen Now

Tamara Burney's kindergartners eat lunch in the Hillview Elementary cafeteria in Jefferson County, Ala.

For Many Kids, Winter Break Means Hungry Holidays

6:10pm January 03, 2013

by Dan Carsen

Most kids look forward to their school's winter break. But millions of students in the U.S. get free or reduced-price meals at school, and when school is closed, many of those children eat less until classes are back in session.

Queue Listen Now

Officers Carol Mitchell and John Hill investigate the death of a disabled teen who was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in Los Angeles.

National

Hit-And-Run Deaths Increase, But Culprits Hard To Capture

6:10pm January 03, 2013

by Gloria Hillard

In Los Angeles, where the car is the major mode of transportation, hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians occur almost daily. But these crimes can be the most difficult for law enforcement to investigate and solve.

Queue Listen Now

Wind Industry Secures Tax Credit, But Damage May Be Done

6:10pm January 03, 2013

by Sabri Ben-Achour

Uncertainty over the credit had lingered for a while, causing the industry to put off long-term planning. So while the now-approved tax credit revives prospects for an industry facing tens of thousands of layoffs, don't expect to see many new turbines coming up soon.

Queue Listen Now

'Stand Your Ground' Linked To Increase In Homicides

10:54am January 03, 2013

A controversial self-defense statute appears to produce more killings, according to a new study. Advocates for the law say it's working as designed. But researchers have different explanations about what might be happening.

Queue Listen Now

The day after their neighborhood was flooded, the Hardys returned to their house to start bagging up the garbage. The contents of the fridge were spread all over the kitchen floor and even outside. There were sausages in the street. The kitchen floor was

National

Superstorm Sandy Brings One Family Closer

8:26am January 03, 2013

by Marianne McCune

The Hardy family goes back generations in a tiny neighborhood called Gerritsen Beach in Brooklyn. For them, Superstorm Sandy has created an extended family reunion. Not only is their small, barely livable home bursting with family members — the storm brought an emotional change, as well.

Queue Listen Now

Pete Sampras returns a forehand against Russia's Marat Safin during an exhibition tennis match at the L.A. Tennis Open tournament in 2009. The tournament, which has been around for decades, is now relocating to Colombia as America's dominance in the sport

Game, Set And Match: U.S. Tennis Tournaments Move Abroad

7:16am January 03, 2013

by Ben Bergman

At its height, American tennis consistently fielded the world's top male players. Now that American dominance is gone, so too are many of the top U.S. men's tournaments. They're moving overseas, snapped up by groups offering more lucrative payouts in a sport enjoying huge global appeal.

Queue Listen Now