News

Former Vice President Joe Biden (left) and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., greet one another before they participate in a Democratic presidential primary debate.

Politics & Government

4 Takeaways From The Biden-Sanders Debate During The Coronavirus Crisis

12:23pm March 16, 2020

by Domenico Montanaro

The first one-on-one debate between the two men was supposed to be in Arizona, one of four states voting in the Democratic presidential primaries Tuesday. But it took place in a TV studio instead.

In normal times the pubs and cafes of Piazza Trilussa are the heart of Roman nightlife. Now all is shuttered; the rental bike stand is full and the only sound is the waterfall in the fountain.

World News

Reporter's Notebook: What Life Is Like In Rome Under Coronavirus Lockdown

12:21pm March 16, 2020

by Sylvia Poggioli

Life in Rome is turned upside down, writes NPR's Sylvia Poggioli: "Even for someone who has reported from war zones, it's unnerving ... like being suspended between the Dark Ages and a sci-fi future."

Queue Listen Now

A Michigan voter uses hand sanitizer that the polling place provided after casting his ballot at Warren Woods Baptist Church in Warren, Mich., last week.

Voting Amid Coronavirus: What You Need To Know

11:58am March 16, 2020

by Miles Parks

Louisiana and Georgia have postponed their presidential primaries, but the four states scheduled to vote on Tuesday say they are moving forward. Here's what they're doing to keep voters safe.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, right, elbow bumps Michele Engelbach, left. Engelbach runs a senior living facility in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, which is no longer a voting location because of the coronavirus outbreak.

As Coronavirus Spreads, States Scramble To Reassure Public That Voting Is Safe

11:09am March 16, 2020

by Andy Chow

Voting sites have been relocated away from senior living facilities, new cleaning protocols for election equipment are in place and absentee voting is strongly encouraged.

The Pentagon funded research into the social sciences as part of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Now as those wars wind down, it's bringing one program to an end.

As The War On Terror Winds Down, The Pentagon Cuts Social Science

8:03am March 16, 2020

by Geoff Brumfiel

The Pentagon is ending a controversial program to fund social science research. It's part of a shift from asking for academic advice toward building new weapons systems.

Queue Listen Now

Hairless Hare Brewery in Vandalia, Ohio., before Gov. Mike DeWine ordered a mandatory shutdown of all bars and restaurants starting at 9 p.m. on Sunday.

CDC Recommends Against Gatherings Of 50 Or More, As States Close Bars And Restaurants

11:04pm March 15, 2020

by Emma Bowman

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it is warning against events like "conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies."

President Trump speaks during a press briefing about the coronavirus alongside Vice President Pence and members of the Coronavirus Task Force at the White House on Sunday.

White House Says More Drive-Through Coronavirus Test Sites To Open This Week

8:41pm March 15, 2020

by Roberta Rampton

The Trump administration said Sunday that first responders, medical providers and the elderly will be given priority as officials strive to dramatically expand the availability of testing.

Simone Biles has made clear that she will not stop asking for accountability surrounding the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal. Biles responded to a birthday wish from USA Gymnastics furthering her request for an independent investigation into the matter.

Sports

Simone Biles Marks Her Birthday With A Request For USA Gymnastics

8:22pm March 15, 2020

by Wynne Davis

The decorated gymnast responded to a birthday wish from USA Gymnastics with her wish for them to have an independent investigation into the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has been a frequent target of President Trump, who has urged the central bank to slash interest rates more aggressively.

Economy

Fed Cuts Rates To Near Zero As Coronavirus Rips Through Economy

7:51pm March 15, 2020

by Avie Schneider

The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate to near zero — a dramatic move not seen since the depths of the 2008 financial crisis. President Trump — who has slammed the Fed — praised the move.

Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden will be the only candidates onstage for Sunday's Democratic presidential debate.

Politics & Government

Biden And Sanders Debate Sunday In D.C. Here's What You Need To Know

7:35pm March 15, 2020

by Elena Moore

As the coronavirus pandemic spreads across the country, former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders will debate Sunday night in Washington with no live audience.