NPR Topics: News

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.

Sibling Rivalry At Center Court

Venus Williams beats her younger sister Serena at Wimbledon on Saturday. On Sunday, Roger Federer faces Rafael Nadal on the men's singles side. Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated talks about the tournament.

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.

Helms, Betencourt And Mugabe

NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr weighs in on the week's news: the rescue of former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt; Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's re-election; Barack Obama's comments about "refining" his Iraq policy; the shake-up in John McCain's camp; and the death of former Sen. Jesse Helms.

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.

Africa's Oldest National Park In Crisis

Virunga National Park in Central Africa is located in what has become a war zone. Its trees are being cut down to support a lucrative, militia-controlled charcoal trade. If the destruction continues unchecked, most of the trees in southern Virunga will be gone in a decade.

Ambitions, Tragedy Collide In 'America America'

After a seven-year absence, author Ethan Canin returns with America America, a novel that explores power and influence in politics past.