Around the Nation

A man who breaks a wrist after age 50 is more likely to die prematurely than a woman with the same injury.

Have You Broken A Wrist? Men Are At Risk Of Osteoporosis, Too

5:45pm November 06, 2014

by Nancy Shute

A broken wrist may not seem like much, but it can be the first sign that you're headed for a broken hip or spinal fracture. Men often don't realize they are at risk of osteoporosis as they age.

In 49 U.S. states, spotting the squished disc in this spinal MRI is still much easier than learning the price of the MRI in advance.

How Much Is That MRI, Really? Massachusetts Shines A Light

5:45pm November 06, 2014

by Martha Bebinger

A state law now requires insurers to reveal prices of their medical tests, and the variation is amazing, bargain hunters say. An MRI of the back is $614 at one place, $1,800 at another.

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Homeless advocate Arnold Abbott, 90, director of the nonprofit group Love Thy Neighbor Inc., prepares a salad Wednesday in the kitchen of The Sanctuary Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Abbott was recently arrested, along with two pastors, for feeding the h

National

Florida Activists Arrested For Serving Food To Homeless

3:12pm November 06, 2014

by Eliza Barclay

Activists in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., were arrested twice this week for giving out food to the homeless in a park. Arnold Abbott, 90, says he will continue to serve the food even if he's arrested again.

BJ Leiderman is the composer of the theme music heard on NPR's Morning Edition, Weekend Edition and Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!

National

The Man Behind The 'Morning Edition' Theme Music. Also, Lyrics!

2:26pm November 06, 2014

by NPR Staff

Composer BJ Leiderman talks about writing the show's theme music and sings some of the lyrics that accompany that catchy tune.

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National

Lt. Alonzo Cushing, Hero Of Gettysburg, Awarded Medal Of Honor

1:51pm November 06, 2014

by Scott Neuman

President Obama bestowed the nation's highest honor for battlefield bravery to the Union officer, who was killed defending a key ridge against Pickett's charge.

The March of Dimes gives the United States an overall "C" grade in preventing preterm births.

Fewer Babies Are Born Prematurely, But Many Still Suffer

12:31pm November 06, 2014

by Nancy Shute

The rate of premature births in the United States has dropped to 11 percent, showing continued progress in preventing the risks of prematurity. But there are big disparities among the states.

Republican Sweep Highlights Climate Change Politics In Alaska

11:15am November 06, 2014

by Martin Kaste

GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska is set to head the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. It can be easier for her oil-reliant state to adapt to the changing climate rather than address its causes.

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Politics & Government

D.C.'s Marijuana Vote Faces Congressional Review

11:15am November 06, 2014

by Jennifer Ludden

Voters in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday approved the legal use of marijuana for recreational purposes. Some residents say decriminalizing pot will lead to more illegal activity in their neighborhood.

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Mom Of 6 Brings New Meaning To The Phrase: Making A Beer Run

11:15am November 06, 2014

Chris Kimbrough set a women's record running the beer mile. You run four laps around a track, stopping before each lap to drink a beer. Video shows her, at age 44, finishing in 6:28.6.

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The Strange Dating Games Of 1914

11:14am November 06, 2014

by Linton Weeks

Courting-and-sparking practices in America have been very weird for a very long time.