National

President Obama meets with speechwriter Jon Favreau in the Oval Office in 2009.

Presents From The President: What Obama Gives His Friends

9:59pm June 22, 2013

by Ari Shapiro

President Obama has gotten mixed reviews in his gift-giving to foreign leaders. But those gifts are chosen by a staffer. When it comes to personal gifts to members of his inner circle, the president sets a very high bar.

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Political Fight Jeopardizes Medicaid In Mississippi

7:11pm June 22, 2013

by Jeffrey Hess

Medicaid in Mississippi provides insurance to 1 in 5 residents. But funding could stop July 1 if politicians don't act. The Legislature has brought the program to the brink over a debate about expanding it under the Affordable Care Act.

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Family-planning clinics would be pushed down the list of health services receiving funding from the state if a budget bill moving through the Ohio Legislature is signed into law.

Ohio Family-Planning Services At Mercy Of Budget Bill

6:53pm June 22, 2013

by NPR Staff

The bill would put family-planning clinics at the bottom of the list for funding. Even those clinics that do not perform abortions but offer referrals expect a major financial blow. Proponents of the measure are clear in their goal: end abortions. But how will it affect other women's health services?

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Tawny Crazy Ants Invade Southern States

10:59am June 22, 2013

Tawny crazy ants are invading ecosystems and homes in states including Texas and Florida, wiping out other ant species and overwhelming homeowners. Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon talks to Texas A&M research scientist Robert Puckett, who says the ants are "ecological steamrollers" that reproduce so fast they are nearly impossible to get rid of.

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National

The Pioneer Of Parking Dies At 91

10:59am June 22, 2013

Herb Citrin, the man known as "Mr. Valet," died this past week at the age of 91. Citrin pioneered valet parking in Los Angeles more than 60 years ago.

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National

How To Keep Your Smartphone Secure

10:59am June 22, 2013

In light of all the snooping by the government on individuals, it seems that it's not that difficult for anyone with the know-how to find out what you're doing. Bill Supernor, CTO of security company Koolspan, speaks to Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon about how to keep your smartphone safe.

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National

Keeping Track Of The 'Security-Industrial Complex'

10:59am June 22, 2013

Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon talks with Washington Post investigative reporter Robert O'Harrow about the merging of public and private surveillance and the growth of the "security-industrial complex" in the U.S.

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Did IRS Targeting Harm Tea Party Groups?

10:59am June 22, 2013

Congress continues its hearings into the IRS flagging of Tea Party groups that applied for tax-exempt status. Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon talks to NPR's Shirish Date.

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National

U.S. Charges NSA Leaker Snowden With Espionage

7:23pm June 21, 2013

The U.S. Justice Department has prepared the documents to formally charge Edward Snowden with espionage. Snowden is the former contractor who has publicized details about U.S. surveillance programs

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The Mermaid Parade at Coney Island draws hundreds of thousands of revelers each June. After sustaining significant damage during Superstorm Sandy, the nonprofit that runs the parade was almost unable to host this year's event, scheduled for Saturday.

National

At Coney Island, The (Mermaid) Show Must Go On

7:11pm June 21, 2013

by Joel Rose

Brooklyn's annual Mermaid Parade draws thousands of wacky, colorfully costumed revelers. The 2013 event was almost canceled after the parade's nonprofit sustained severe damage during Superstorm Sandy. But after a successful fundraising campaign, Coney Island's signature event has its sea legs back.

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