National

7 Solutions That Would Improve Graduation Rates

1:26pm June 29, 2015

by Anya Kamenetz

High school graduation rates are improving; an investigation into the numbers shows some of that is due to quick fixes. Policy experts respond with their suggestions for meaningful change.

Flowers line the sidewalk in front of the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C.

How Well Do Hate Crime Laws Really Work?

1:14pm June 29, 2015

by James Doubek

Proponents of hate crime laws say tough punishments modify behavior and show society's intolerance of hate. But trying to measure the deterrent effect of hate crime laws is difficult.

Stuart Kinlough/Getty Images/Ikon Images

Vaccine Against Meningitis B Gets A Boost From CDC

12:22pm June 29, 2015

by Patti Neighmond

A federal health advisory committee now says everyone aged 16 to 23 should talk to a doctor about whether they need to get immunized against a rare but dangerous strain of meningitis.

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National

Supreme Court Wraps Up Big Term With Death Penalty, Redistricting And More

12:22pm June 29, 2015

The high court ended its term Monday with rulings on redistricting powers and a lethal injection drug. For details on the court's decisions this term, Renee Montagne talks with NPR's Nina Totenberg.

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New York State Police Superintendent Joseph D'Amico (left) speaks during a news conference Sunday evening as Gov. Andrew Cuomo looks on. At the press conference, both men detailed the capture of fugitive David Sweat earlier that day in Malone, N.Y.

National

Police Capture Prison Escapee David Sweat, Ending Weeks-Long Manhunt

9:57am June 29, 2015

by Scott Neuman

Police say the convicted murderer who escaped from a prison in New York earlier this month, has been shot but captured alive. Just days ago, his accomplice, Richard Matt, was fatally shot by police.

Officers search for convicted murderer David Sweat on Friday in upstate New York, after his accomplice, Richard Matt, was fatally shot by authorities.

National

After Escaped Convict Is Shot In New York, Police Hunt For Accomplice

9:56am June 29, 2015

by Scott Neuman

Authorities said that they "verbally challenged" Richard Matt, but the escapee was shot when he did not respond. David Sweat, who escaped the prison along with Matt, is still at large.

Sara Solovitch plays the piano in the Terminal B baggage claim area at San Jose International Airport.

To Master Stage Fright, Practice Makes Imperfect OK

9:47am June 29, 2015

by Chloe Veltman

Most people suffer stage fright when speaking or performing in front of a group. One pianist found she could manage the anxiety if she practiced often for an audience, even at the airport.

President Obama and Vice President Biden shake hands after the president spoke in the White House's Rose Garden Thursday about the Supreme Court decision in favor of Obamacare.

5 Challenges Still Facing Obamacare

9:47am June 29, 2015

The Supreme Court ruling affirming the legality of insurance subsidies for all eligible low-income Americans regardless of where they live clears up one big question. But there are others.

National

An Oil Rig Arrives In Alaska, On Its Way To The Arctic

5:52pm June 28, 2015

by Emily Schwing

The rig is scheduled to head into the Arctic later this summer as part of an exploratory offshore drilling operation. That drilling is controversial — at least in the lower 48 states.

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The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft breaks apart shortly after liftoff Sunday at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Breaks Up On Liftoff

4:58pm June 28, 2015

by Scott Neuman

The unmanned resupply mission had been intended to deliver much-needed supplies to the International Space Station.