U.S.

Next Afghan War Commander To Re-Evaluate U.S. Response

6:46pm January 28, 2016

by Tom Bowman

The war in Afghanistan is getting a new commander even as events there are not going well. The Taliban control the most territory since the U.S. invasion, and Afghan government casualties continue to mount. NPR takes a look at how American forces might respond.

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Freed Journalist Jason Rezaian Thanks Colleagues At 'Washington Post'

6:45pm January 28, 2016

by Michele Kelemen

Now out of an Iranian prison, Washington Post correspondent Jason Rezaian thanked his colleagues on Thursday for working for his freedom.

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GOP Presidential Candidates To Hold Final Debate Before Iowa Caucuses

6:44pm January 28, 2016

The Republican presidential candidates meet in Des Moines, Iowa, Thursday night for their final debate before the Iowa caucuses. Donald Trump will not be there, amid a feud with debate host Fox News.

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National

Militants In Oregon Occupation Ask Supporters To Join The Cause

6:10pm January 28, 2016

To find out what other militias and patriot groups are saying about the occupation, Steve Inskeep talks to Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center which tracks extremist groups in the U.S.

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Sen. Grassley: Lawmakers Must 'Compromise' On Criminal Justice Reform

5:47pm January 28, 2016

NPR's Audie Cornish talks with Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley about how his position on reform has changed and how lawmakers will have to come to a compromise on mandatory minimum sentences.

The Planned Parenthood undercover videos helped intensify calls around the country for states to cut the organization's funding.

Planned Parenthood Investigations Find No Fetal Tissue Sales

5:25pm January 28, 2016

by Danielle Kurtzleben

On Monday, a grand jury indicted two anti-abortion activists who made videos purporting to show the organization illegally sells fetal body parts. The videos prompted a wave of state investigations.

More than 300,000 students took the Advanced Placement calculus exam last year. Only 12 earned perfect scores.

Immigrants' Son Is 1 Of 12 Students Worldwide To Ace AP Calculus Exam

5:07pm January 28, 2016

by Laura Wagner

Of the 302,532 students who took the Advanced Placement Calculus exam, Cedrick Argueta, the son of a Salvadoran maintenance worker and a Filipina nurse, was one of 12 to earn every single point.

Crystal balls can't help you tell the future. Nothing can, as Southern California Gas Co. knows.

National

Gas Company's Business Disclaimer Might Inspire Existential Dread*

4:45pm January 28, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

*Or it might not. After reading Southern California Gas Co.'s 618-word disclaimer on its leaking-gas-well updates, all we know for sure is that the future is a complete mystery.

Veterans Criticize Empty Pledges Of Support By Republican Candidates

4:32pm January 28, 2016

NPR's Audie Cornish talks to Tim Hsia, an Army veteran and co-founder of Service 2 School, who says the candidates are using veterans for political gain without substantively addressing the issues.

Vincent 'Buddy' Cianci, Longtime Mayor Of Providence, R.I., Dies

4:32pm January 28, 2016

by Ian Donnis

The former mayor of Providence, R.I., has died after a bout with cancer. Vincent "Buddy" Cianci was a longtime colorful figure in local politics having served two stints as mayor. He was known for his unpredictable behavior, temper and love for his city.