National

Several dozen recreation centers offer aftercare and summer camp for children in the city's poorest neighborhoods. But they also give kids the family stability and structure that so many of them lack.

As part of its anti-corruption blitz, China is working to repatriate corrupt officials who have gone overseas with billions of dollars in state funds. These officials live in affluent U.S. neighborhoods, unbeknownst to their neighbors. Chinese state media say several corrupt officials have been repatriated. The U.S. is willing to help, but the two countries have no extradition treaty. The two sides appear to be cooperating by repatriating fugitives who have violated U.S. immigration laws.

It is expected to announce changes to the policy on paying ransom for hostages kidnapped by militant groups. It will no longer bar a hostage's family from dealing with and paying ransom to captors.

While the Obama administration maintains it will not negotiate with terrorists, it will allow families to negotiate on their own for release of loved ones.

The Senate cleared a big hurdle Tuesday in an elaborate plan crafted by Republican leaders to get President Obama what he wants on trade, despite significant opposition from Democrats.

Music can energize, soothe or relax us. And it can also help reduce pain. Researchers found that listening to a favorite song or story helped children manage pain after major surgery.

While the Pentagon acknowledged years ago that it used American servicemen in World War II mustard gas experiments, NPR found new details about tests that grouped subjects by the color of their skin.