NPR Topics: Nation

Catching Up With Tracktown, USA

The U.S. Olympic Track and Field trials are finishing up in Eugene, Ore., this weekend, making the town worthy of its nickname: Track Town USA. Eugene has a long history in this sport: the first Nike running shoe was created in Eugene and former track super star Steve Prefontaine is from the town.

Economy Often Leads Us Down Wrong Path

The spate of bad economic news has changed the way we make economic decisions. NPR's Yuki Noguchi visits a used car dealership where drivers are trying to unload their gas guzzlers. Then, economist Dan Ariely discusses why so many of us make economic decisions that are so wrong.

'Great Match Ups' Wimbeldon's Draw

Wimbledon final between the Williams sisters and the upcoming men's finals is what the sport needs, ESPN's Howard Bryant tells Linda Wertheimer.

Businesses Use Economy As Sales Gimmick

Many businesses are using the economic crunch as a marketing tool. But will people spend money if you keep reminding them how tight things are? Seth Stevenson, ad critic for the online magazine Slate, talks about what ads we're watching and what it means.

Retail Changes Key To Starbucks Closings

Starbucks announced this week that it's closing about 600 stores, but it's not the only chain slimming down to meet hard economic times. Retail consultant Howard Davidowitz says consumers are going to get so scared they will start saving and spend less.

Irish, S. African Leaders Share Lessons With Iraqis

Sunni and Shiite leaders will meet in Iraq with Martin McGuinne, the deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland and former IRA leader, and Cyril Ramaphosa, the South African negotiator who helped end apartheid. They have been meeting privately with Iraq's politicians for two years to try and hammer out an agreement on reconciliation.

Clarke: Negotiate With Pakistan To Staunch Al-Qaida

June was the deadliest month for U.S. troops since the war in Afghanistan began in 2001. Much of the spike in violence is attributed to a resurgent Taliban and al-Qaida. Richard Clarke, a top counterterrorism adviser, talks about how the United States could reduce the threat from these groups.

Salmonella Outbreaks Hard To Source

Over the past several months an outbreak of salmonella has sickened hundreds and sparked an investigation in to its origin. Tomatoes are thought to be the culprit, but tracing bacteria back to its source is difficult. Inspection alone will not solve the problem, former deputy commissioner at the Food and Drug Administration, Michael Taylor tells Linda Werthheimer.

Liberal, Conservative Groups Vie For Vets' Interests

Vote Vets on the left and Vets for Freedom on the right are competing to deliver the political message for those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. They're both endorsing candidates for Congress — not the same names, of course — and they debate regularly on talk TV. How effective will they be?

FBI Surveillance Team Reveals Tricks Of The Trade

The members of the FBI's Special Surveillance Group team, or SSGs, operate just below the radar — and that is where they are most effective.