Search results for

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates today Wednesday the first time in more than three years. The central bank is trying to curb stubborn inflation, which was rekindled by the war with Iran.

Chunks of concrete from the Berlin Wall are sold as memorabilia. Germany's parliament recently gave one chunk as a gift to the United Nations. But the artist who painted it says he deserves to be compensated for his artwork. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

The venerable New York investment firm Goldman Sachs has a long track record for producing political bigwigs. Treasury Secretary-nominee Henry M. Paulson Jr. has served as both chairman and CEO since 1999. The company boasts a return on equity of upwards of 40 percent.

The man British authorities charged with poisoning former KGB officer Alexander Litvinenko has responded with his own accusations. Andrei Lugovoi, another former KGB officer, says Litvinenko was a British agent trying to get compromising materials about Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Julianne Shepherd of The Fader discusses this week's new music releases, including albums by Sigur Ros, Three 6 Mafia, Hercules and Love Affair, and Ry Cooder.

Each year on Memorial Day weekend, West Virginia's best storytellers compete for the prestigious title of "Biggest Liar," in a tall- tale contest that draws large crowds. Two contest judges, including a five-time champion, spin a couple of whoppers.

Each year, the Americana Music Association honors distinguished members of the music community.

Lori Anne Madison is the youngest-ever competitor in the National Spelling Bee, which is being held in Washington, D.C., this week. She might also be the only competitor who often studies while swinging upside down.

Alistair Campbell, British Prime Minister Tony Blair's top media strategist, steps down amid accusations that he helped exaggerate evidence on Iraq's weapons programs. The British media had dubbed Campbell the "real deputy prime minister." Campbell cites family reasons for his resignation. Hear NPR's Guy Raz.

Even as it loses its chief executive, the CIA's recently retired third-ranking official is under investigation for possible improper relations with a defense contractor, says Newsweek magazine correspondent Michael Isikoff. Federal investigators are investigating CIA Executive Director Kyle "Dusty" Foggo.

Foreign ministers from Germany, Great Britain and France meet in Berlin and decide to ask the International Atomic Energy Agency to refer Iran to the U.N. Security Council. The United Nations could impose sanctions on Iran for reactivating its nuclear program earlier this week.

A day after the third and final presidential debate, both President Bush and Sen. John Kerry visit Nevada. Public opinion polls gave Senator Kerry the advantage in each of the three debates, but they also show a very close race. Hear NPR's Scott Horsley and NPR's Don Gonyea.