World News

Hockey's Ovechkin Helps Move Olympic Torch From Olympia

6:35am October 01, 2013

Hockey superstar Alex Ovechkin was among the first torch bearers for the 2014 Olympics that will be held in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. David Greene talks to Ovechkin about the various challenges ahead for the Winter Games, as well as the upcoming hockey season.

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Forum Discusses Arctic Oil And Gas Searches

2:52pm September 30, 2013

by Corey Flintoff

A protest in the Russian Arctic has dramatized growing problems with oil drilling there. Every country has a stake in the enormously lucrative search for oil and gas in the Arctic, says professor Lawton Brigham. But pollution from reckless attempts at development are evident on an island near the Polar circle.

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A traffic guard goes through the motions in the capital of Pyongyang, though streets are almost empty of cars.

World News

Truth Or Propaganda? Finding Real Stories In North Korea

12:21pm September 30, 2013

by NPR Staff

Some stories from the isolated nation are stranger than government-sponsored fiction. AP Asia correspondent Tim Sullivan brings us unexpected tales, like the North Korean love affair with Gone with the Wind.

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World News

Greece Cracks Down On Violent Golden Dawn Party

7:44am September 30, 2013

by Joanna Kakissis

Greek police have arrested about two dozen leaders — including members of parliament — from the Golden Dawn party, one of Europe's most violent political parties. Its anti-establishment, nationalist rhetoric has been blamed for inciting violence, especially against immigrants.

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Syria's Move To Join Chemical Treaty Puts Pressure On Israel

8:24am September 29, 2013

by Emily Harris

World leaders meeting at the United Nations in New York this week face potentially dramatic changes to arms control in the Middle East. Syria may give up chemical weapons. Iran is signaling it could negotiate with the West over its nuclear plans. How might this affect Israel, and its own weapons programs?

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Cuban Athletes Can Finally Go Pro (Outside Of Cuba)

5:17pm September 27, 2013

For the first time in over 50 years, Cuba is letting its athletes sign professional contracts in other countries. Sportswriter Stefan Fatsis talks to Robert Siegel about the historic announcement.

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Half Marathoner: Bad At Directions, Good At Distance Running

7:38am September 27, 2013

Meredith Fitzmaurice, 34, signed up for a half marathon in Ontario, Canada. Somewhere on the route, she took a wrong turn, landing on the full marathon course. She kept going — becoming the first woman to cross the finish line and was 10th overall. And, she qualified for the Boston Marathon.

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Journalists In Egypt Face 'Unprecedented Pressures'

6:54am September 27, 2013

by Leila Fadel

As the military-backed government in Cairo continues its offensive against the Muslim Brotherhood, there is also a widening crackdown on the media. Army officers now call the shorts at State TV, and independent journalists are under increasing pressure to toe the line.

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Toronto Blue Jays Fan Disrupts Game

7:30am September 26, 2013

The official report says the Blue Jays were "surprisingly winning" at the time of the incident. The fan's transgression "can only be described as an attempt to inject some kind of spark" into the Blue Jays, and relieve fans from their "season long agony."

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Oracle Team USA Defeats New Zealand To Win America's Cup

5:28am September 26, 2013

by Richard Gonzales

Oracle Team USA completed a remarkable comeback to win the America's Cup regatta, winning eight straight races. The American team, backed by Silicon Valley billionaire Larry Ellison, beat Emirates Team New Zealand. Just a few days ago, the American team trailed the Kiwis, and were on the brink of being eliminated from the competition.

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