Search results for

Democratic presidential hopefuls are already competing to command the largest share of the black vote in 2004, and to increase the turnout at polls. White candidates must contend with the Rev. Al Sharpton, and possibly former Illinois senator Carol Moseley-Braun. NPR's Mara Liasson reports.

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney threatens to crack down on same-sex couples coming into the state to marry, citing a 91-year-old law against licensing couples who would not be allowed to marry in their own state. Romney has vowed to take action against clerks who issue licenses to out-of-town couples. NPR's Tovia Smith reports.

The NFL's Washington Redskins ask Virginia lawmakers to exclude players injured on the field from workers' compensation benefits. The NFL Players Union is fighting the move. NPR's Adam Hochberg reports.

Federal prosecutors submit evidence they say merits a life sentence for Richard Reid, who pleaded guilty to attempting to blow up a jumbo jet with explosives hidden in his shoes. Before that could take place Reid was subdued by passengers and crew members aboard an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami. Sentencing is Jan. 30. Alex Ashlock reports.

Gulf War veteran Louis Jones, Jr., admits he kidnapped, raped and killed a young soldier. He was sentenced to death for the crime in 1995. He says chemical exposure during the war caused organic brain damage, and he wants President Bush to grant him executive clemency. NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Jones' lawyer, Timothy Floyd.

Songwriter Felice Bryant dies at age 77 at home in Gatlinburg, Tenn. She collaborated with her husband to pen some of the best-known tunes in country music and early rock 'n' roll. Her songs Bye Bye Love and Wake Up Little Susie were Everly Brothers standards, just as Rocky Top became a country standard. NPR's Melissa Block offers a remembrance.

Writer and reviewer Will Hermes shares his favorite albums of the past year. Hermes is a frequent contributor to NPR's 'All Things Considered' and writes for 'Spin' magazine, 'The New York Times' and 'Entertainment Weekly.' He's also the co-editor of 'Spin: 20 Years of Alternative Music.'

South Korea offers to mediate the standoff between the United States and North Korea over North Korea's plan to restart a nuclear weapons program. South Korea has dispatched envoys to Russia and China in an effort to resolve the dispute through diplomacy. NPR's Eric Weiner reports.

Human embryonic stem-cell research could revolutionize medicine, but controversy surrounds the work and support varies among governments. President Bush has grudgingly approved limited study in the United States. By contrast, Prime Minister Tony Blair has vowed that Great Britain will become the leader in the field. In a three-part series, NPR's Joe Palca takes a looks at Britain's approach to stem-cell research.

Cincinnati-based WGUC plays classical music 24 hours a day, reaching out to the genre's newcomers and longtime aficionados alike. WGUC music director Kent Teeters compiled this list of the 10 best classical CD discoveries of 2006.

British forces capture an Iraqi general in the southern city of Basra. A spokesperson says the general is the highest-ranking Iraqi prisoner of war thus far. Meanwhile, U.S.-led warplanes strike facilities in Baghdad, including a presidential palace, a military intelligence complex and the barracks of a paramilitary training center. Hear NPR News.

Republicans digest a Friday apology from Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS) over remarks that seemed to endorse America's segregated past. Lott has declined to step down from his post as Senate Republican leader. Republicans must decide if he can remain effective. Hear from NPR's Jacki Lyden and NPR's Juan Williams.