National

National

Fatal Shooting By Toddler Brings Attention To Concealed Weapons

6:48pm December 31, 2014

A Blackfoot, Idaho, mother was fatally shot Tuesday by her two-year-old son. Robert Siegel talks to Blackfoot mayor Paul Loomis about the community's response and gun culture in the state.

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Long-Awaited College Football Playoff Finally Here

6:48pm December 31, 2014

In one semifinal, top-ranked Alabama is pitted against Ohio State. In the other, defending champion and undefeated Florida State takes on Oregon. Robert Siegel talks to Grantland's Holly Anderson.

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National

Governor To Commute Sentences Of Maryland's Remaining Death Row Inmates

6:41pm December 31, 2014

by Eyder Peralta

Martin O'Malley said it didn't make sense to allow the issue play out in the judiciary when the Legislature already had decided to outlaw the death penalty.

General Motors CEO Mary Barra testifies before a Senate panel July 17 at a hearing about auto safety recalls.

National

Massive Recalls Give The Auto Industry An Unwanted Record

5:58pm December 31, 2014

by Sonari Glinton

More than 60 million vehicles were recalled in the U.S. this year. But analysts say those recalls say more about the way the industry has restructured than about overall car safety.

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6 Reasons Steve Scalise Will Survive His Speech Scandal

5:26pm December 31, 2014

by Ron Elving

The House majority whip's protestations of innocence about EURO and its views have strained credulity, both in Washington and in Louisiana. But it's not nearly enough to bring him down.

National

2014 Stories At The Intersection Of Race And Sports

4:24pm December 31, 2014

by Kat Chow

As the year winds down, Code Switch is taking a step back to pay tribute to some important — but perhaps forgotten — stories about race and sports.

Using Both Quit Lines And Websites Helps Smokers Stop

1:50pm December 31, 2014

by Nancy Shute

Every state offers quit lines and other aids to help smokers end the habit. Using both telephone and online aids works best, a study finds.

The app-based car service Uber has had a big year for business -- and controversy.

As Uber Expands, It Asks Cities For Forgiveness Instead Of Permission

12:18pm December 31, 2014

by Aarti Shahani

In 2014, Uber became one of the most valuable privately held companies on Earth. It expanded to more than 200 cities, but criticism and legal battles have ballooned in parallel with its revenues.

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Thomas O'Donnell reads about Twiggle the Turtle to his kindergartners at Matthew Henson Elementary School in Baltimore.

Why Emotional Learning May Be As Important As The ABCs

11:03am December 31, 2014

by Maanvi Singh

A growing body of research suggests that teaching really young kids how to recognize and express their feelings can help them into their adult lives.

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Texted Reminders Help Parents Get Kids In For Flu Shots

9:29am December 31, 2014

by Maanvi Singh

It's hard enough to get kids in for one flu shot, let alone two. But when parents got texts that explained why the child needed a second dose, they were much more likely to get the job done.