Top Stories
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Top Stories for May 17, 2013
A criminal probe of the IRS is launched after allegations emerged that the agency targeted conservative groups, soccer superstar David Beckham retires, and Angelina Jolie announces her double mastectomy - that's just some of this week's Top Stories.
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1. Criminal Probe Ordered for IRS
The U.S. Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether the Internal Revenue Service targeted conservative groups applying for federal tax exempt status. An inspector general's report found that beginning in early 2010 the IRS followed a faulty policy to determine whether the applicants were engaged in political activities. (Morning Edition, NPR, 5/14/13)
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2. David Beckham Retires
David Beckham announced his decision to retire from football at the end of the season, at the age of 38. (Radio AU, ABC, 5/17/13)
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3. France Returns to Recession
France, which is Europe's second-largest economy, has entered a second recession in just four years after the economy shrank by 0.2% in the first quarter of the year. (The World Today, ABC, 5/16/13)
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4. Angelina Jolie Announces Double Mastectomy
Following Angelina Jolie's op-ed in the New York Times revealing her double mastectomy, Audie Cornish talks with Sue Friedman, founder and executive director of FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, about access to genetic testing and preventive surgery. (All Things Considered, NPR, 5/15/13)
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5. Nawaz Sharif Prepares to Lead Pakistan
Nawaz Sharif, expected winner of Pakistan's elections, is preparing to form a central government for a third time. According to unofficial results from Saturday, Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League was significantly ahead with more than 115 of the chamber's 272 directly elected seats. (PM, ABC, 5/13/13)
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* Eat More Insects
Fancy a wafer of weevil, or a stir fry of grasshopper? A report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation is urging Western nations to think of insects as an important food source. (AM, ABC)
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Obama and Turkey's Prime Minister Discuss Syrian Crisis
President Barack Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Erdoğan discussed the urgency to resolve Syria's two-year crisis, following international efforts to bring the Assad regime and the Syrian opposition together at a conference in June. During a news conference at The White House, President Obama announced that the only resolution was for President Bashar al-Assad to step down. (NewsHour, PBS, 5/16/13)
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IRS Chief Resigns Over Conservative Tax Scrutiny
President Barak Obama announced that the head of the Internal Revenue Service, Steven Miller, has resigned after it emerged his staff singled out conservative groups for extra scrutiny. Obama labeled the IRS’s actions “inexcusable." (NewsHour, PBS, 5/15/13)
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Seizure of AP Phone Records
The Associated Press describes the US Justice Department's secret seizure of its journalists' telephone records as a "massive and unprecedented intrusion". The Obama Administration's role in the scandal is called into question. (PM, ABC, 5/15/13)
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Nearly 200 Killed After Boat Capsizes Off Myanmar
The UN reports that boats carrying up to 200 Rohingya Muslims capsized off Myanmar's coast. The group was trying to escape Cyclone Mahasen, which the UN warns could lead to "life-threatening conditions". (Radio AU ABC, 5/14/13)
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U.S. Abortion Doctor Found Guilty of Murder
U.S. abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell was convicted of three counts of first-degree murder in Philadelphia. 72-year-old Gosnell was accused of killing live babies by using scissors to cut their spinal cords. The verdict ends a trial that rocked the nation. (NewsHour, PBS, 5/13/13)
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Guatemala's Rios Montt Found Guilty of Genocide
A court found Gen. Efrain Rios Montt, a former Guatemalan dictator, guilty of genocide. Rios Montt denies he ordered the massacre of indigenous people during his 1982-1983 regime. (All Things Considered, NPR, 5/13/13)
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Turkey Accuses Syria of Car Bombings
Two car bombs exploded in a Turkish town near the Syrian border on Saturday. At least 46 people were killed. Turkish police report that nine people have been arrested in connection with the attacks. Turkey's deputy prime minister, Bulent Arinc, claims the attacks are linked to Syrian intelligence. (Morning Report, RNZ, 5/13/13)
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New Orleans Mother's Day Shooting
At least 19 people were reported injured in a shooting during a Mother's Day parade in New Orleans, Louisiana. Police witnessed three suspects flee from the scene. (Morning Report, RNZ, 5/13/13)
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Top Stories for May 10, 2013
Three missing women found alive after ten years, trouble continues in Syria, and British soccer's most successful manager retires after 26 years - that's just some of this week's Top Stories.
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1. Three Missing Women Found Alive
Police have found three women who had been missing for ten years in a house in Cleveland, OH. Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry, and Gina DeJesus were in their teens when they disappeared. Three men have been taken into custody. (Morning Edition, NPR, 5/7/13)
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2. Violence in Lead Up to Pakistan Elections
A series of attacks by the Taliban have shaken Pakistan over the past week. The violence is thought to be aimed at disrupting the upcoming general elections. (The Takeaway, APM, 5/8/13)
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3. Manchester United's Alex Ferguson Retires
The most succesful manager in British football, Alex Ferguson, has announced his retirement after 26 years. Ferguson has won 38 trophies during his time at Manchester United and will stay on as club ambassador. (AM, ABC, 5/9/13)
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4. Israel Reportedly Bombs Syria
Over the weekend Israel reportedly attacked a Syrian military research center. Israel has not confirmed the attack, but a senior official said it was aimed at stopping Hezbollah from accessing more weapons. (Weekend Edition Sunday, NPR, 5/5/13)
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5. Dozens Arrested Over Diamond Heist
More than 30 suspects across Europe have been arrested in the $50 million diamond heist case. The robbery was carried out with Hollywood-like precision at Brussels Airport earlier this year. (All Things Considered, NPR, 5/9/13)
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* Google Wants To Hang With Worker's Parents
Google has a twist on the traditional Bring Your Child To Work Day - it's suggesting that workers bring their parents instead. (Marketplace, APM, 5/9/13)
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Eight Men Charged with $45 Million Cyberattack
Eight men are accused of committing a $45 million ATM cyberattack. Experts say it is one of the biggest bank heists in history. (PM, ABC, 5/10/13)
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Cleveland Man Charged with Kidnapping and Rape
The Cleveland, Ohio man accused of imprisoning three women for around ten years has been charged with several counts of kidnapping and rape. The charges were announced as two of the three women returned to their homes. (WCPN, 5/9/13)
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Benghazi Whistleblowers Testify
More details have emerged about the attack on the U.S. mission in Bengahzi, Libya, that killed four American diplomats. A House hearing on the attacks heard that the Obama administration knew it was a terrorist attack from the start. (NewsHour, PBS, 5/8/13)
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South Carolina Elects Mark Sanford
Former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford has won the tight race for a place in Congress. He defeated Democratic candidate Elizabeth Colbert Busch, despite having left office amid scandal. (The Takeaway, APM, 5/8/13)
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Pakistani Politician Injured at Rally
Leading Pakistani politician Imran Khan has sustained a head injury after falling from a platform during a rally ahead of the country's upcoming election. Meanwhile there has been increased tensions and continued violence across the country. (PM, ABC, 5/8/13)
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Conflicting Accounts of Chemical Weapons in Syria
A member of the United Nations commission on Syria says it was Syrian rebels, not the al-Assad regime, that used the chemical weapon Sarin against citizens. (AM, ABC, 5/7/13)
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Top Stories for May 3, 2013
Guantanamo Bay back in the news, more suspects arrested in the Boston bombings case, and the first NBA star to come out as gay - that's just some of this week's Top Stories.
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1. Hunger Strike Escalates at Guantanamo Bay
Extra medical staff have been sent to Guantanamo Bay to help treat the 100 prisoners who are refusing to eat. Two thirds of the inmates at the jail are staging the hunger strike, many of whom have never been charged with a crime. (The World Today, ABC, 4/30/13)
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2. More Boston Suspects Arrested
Three more men have been arrested and charged in the Boston bombing case. The men are college friends of the main suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, and are suspected of discarding evidence after the crime. (NewsHour, PBS, 5/1/13)
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3. Queen of Holland Steps Down
Queen Beatrix of Holland has abdicated the throne, allowing her son Willem-Alexander to become the country's first king in more than 120 years. (Morning Report, RNZ, 4/28/13)
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4. First NBA Star Comes Out as Gay
Professional basketball player Jason Collins has become the first active player to come out as homosexual. Reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, including praise from President Obama. (All Things Considered, NPR, 4/29/13)
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5. Wildfires Burn in California
High winds are fueling fast moving wildfires in Southern California, where almost 1000 firefighters are battling the blaze. (KPCC, 5/2/13)
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* Rare Fish Bladder Smuggling Ring Uncovered
Forget drugs - the latest contraband item being smuggled between the U.S. and Mexico is a rare fish's bladder. The totoaba fish in endangered, but it's bladder can fetch as much as $10,000 on the black market. (Take Two, KPCC, 4/29/13)
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Strong U.S. Jobs Report Sends Dow Up
The U.S. unemployment rate has fallen to 7.5% - the lowest level since 2008. The unexpected news helped the Dow hit an all time high, leveling out at 15,000. (Marketplace, APM, 5/3/13)
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Obama Visits Mexico
President Barack Obama has made a trip to Mexico to meet with new president, Enrique Peña Nieto. Obama is in the country to shore up ecconomic relations between the two nations. (Morning Edition, NPR 5/3/13)
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New Ricin Suspect Charged
A new suspect, James Dutschke, has been charged in the case relating to ricin-laced letters that were sent to President Obama, a senator and a judge. The original suspect was cleared late last week. (WAMU, 4/29/13)
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Top Stories for April 26, 2013
Developments in the Boston bombing case, a building collapse in Bangladesh, and a twitter hack sends stock markets plummeting - that's just some of this week's Top Stories.
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1. Boston Suspect Charged
The surviving suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, has been charged in his hospital bed with using a weapon of mass destruction - a charge that carries the death penalty. (News Hour, PBS, 4/23/13)
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2. Building Collapse in Bangladesh Kills Hundreds
The death toll is thought to be as high as 200 people in an eight story building collapse in Bangladesh. Rescue workers continued to search through the rubble for survivors. (Vatican Radio, 4/24/13)
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3. Syria's Use of Chemical Weapons Confirmed
The U.S. has said it believes Syria has used chemical weapons against rebels fighting Bashar Al-Assad's regime. (The Takeaway, WNYC/PRI, 4/26/13)
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4. France Legalizes Same Sex Marriage
In a vote that has divided the nation, French parliament has made France the most recent nation to legalize same sex marriage. Supporters and opponents have protested in their thousands over the past few weeks. (AM, ABC, 4/24/13)
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5. Fake AP Tweet Spooks Markets
Hackers infiltrated the Associated Press twitter account and sent a fake tweet about a White House attack. The tweet spurred an immediate drop in the sharemarket, but stocks recovered by the end of the day. (Marketplace, APM, 4/24/13)
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* What Does Your Selfie Say About You?
Everywhere you look, people are taking and posting self portrait photographs, or selfies, but what about the history behind the selfie? And what does your selfie say about you? (Word of Mouth, NHPR, 4/24/13)
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Boston Suspects Were Headed to Attack NYC
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the surviving suspect in the Boston bombings, has told the FBI that he was headed to New York City to bomb Times Square. (News Hour, PBS, 4/25/13)
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Suspect in Poisoned Letters Released
Investigators have dropped charges against Paul Kevin Curtis, who was accused of sending ricin laced letters to President Barack Obama and a senator. An FBI has now turned their attention to another Mississippi man. (MPB News, 4/23/13)
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Apple Earnings Drop
Apple has announced a drop in it's quarterly earnings, although the decrease was not as much as some analysts had predicted. (All Things Considered, NPR, 4/23/13)
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Terrorist Plot Foiled in Canada
Two people in Canada have been arrested on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack on a passenger train. Police say the two suspects have links to al-Qaida in Iran. (Morning Report, RNZ, 4/23/13)
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Boston Bombing Suspect in Custody
After a tense week, a massive manhunt, and a gunfight, Boston police have a suspect in custody. 19 year old Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is accused, along with his brother, of carrying out the Boston marathon bombings. (Weekend Edition, NPR, 4/20/13)
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Earthquake in China
An earthquake has hit Sichuan province in south west China. The death toll has passed 200 and over 11,000 people are reported to have been injured. (The World Today, ABC, 4/21/13)
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Top Stories for April 19, 2013
A shocking week in Boston, a controversial gun control bill fails in the Senate, and the man who owns the moon - that's just some of this week's Top Stories.
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1. One Boston Suspect Dead, One On The Run
An unprecedented manhunt is underway for the remaining suspect in the Boston marathon attack. Overnight one of the suspects was killed, and one remains at large - leaving Boston on lockdown.
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2. Deadly Explosion at Texas Fertilizer Plant
A massive explosion at a fertilizer plant in the small town of West, Texas has killed several and injured many more. It's not clear yet how many are dead. (KUT, 4/18/13)
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3. Gun Control Bill Fails
A controversial gun control bill that aimed to tighten laws on background checks and the so called gun-show loophole has been voted down by the Senate. (The Takeaway, WNYC/PRI, 4/18/13)
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5. Poison Letter Sent to President
A man in Mississippi has been arrested on suspicion of sending letters that tested positive for the poison ricin to President Obama and other lawmakers in Washington D.C. (All Things Considered, NPR, 4/17/13)
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* The Man Who Owns the Moon
The man who says he owns the moon has been taking advantage of an obscure international treaty loophole since 1980, selling off lunar property, and declaring himself the President of the Galactic Government. Sound like a joke? It's not. (Word of Mouth, NHPR, 4/17/13)
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Boston Authorities Have Image of Suspect
There's been a possible breakthrough in the Boston marathon attacks. Authorities say they have identified a possible suspect from images collected of the event. (Radio Boston, WBUR, 4/17/13)
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Still No Answers in Boston
Investigators in Boston are still unable to answer several key questions about the twin explosions that rocked the Boston marathon this week. The death toll has risen to three, with 170 injured. (Morning Edition, NPR, 4/17/13)
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New Zealand Approves Gay Marriage
New Zealand has become one of only 13 countries in the world - and the first in the Asia-Pacific region - to legalize gay marriage. (Checkpoint, RNZ, 4/17/13)
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Explosions Rock Boston Marathon
Two bombs exploded in the U.S. city of Boston, at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Three people are confirmed dead, and up to 160 people injured. No one has claimed responsibility, and President Obama has called the attacks an act of terrorism. (Newshour, PBS, 4/15/13)
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Supreme Court Hears Case on Gene Ownership
The U.S. Supreme Court has heard arguments on patenting a human gene. Myriad Genetics, a biotech company, wants to patent a gene associated with ovarian and breast cancer. (Fox News Radio, 4/15/13)
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Chavez Succesor Narrowly Wins Election in Venezuela
Nicolas Maduro has narrowly won Venezuela's presidential election, which was called after Hugo Chavez died while in office. Maduro is seen as the obvious heir to Chavez's socialist policies, but with a total vote of just 50.7%, it's likely there will be a recount. (Morning Edition, NPR, 4/15/13)
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Top Stories for April 12, 2013
Controversial former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher dies, the U.S. moves towards gun control legislation, and the many uses of fish snot - that's just some of this week's Top Stories.
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2. Gun Control Debate Begins
The U.S. Senate will officially debate the issue of gun control for the first time in two decades, after defeating an attempt at a Republican fillibuster. The controversial debate is expected to last several weeks, and will include votes on amendments to a gun control bill. (NewsHour, PBS, 4/11/13)
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3. North Korea Warns Foreigners
North Korea has again escalated its threats of nuclear war, pulling workers out of an industrial complex it shares with South Korea and warning foreigners to evacuate South Korea. (AM, ABC, 4/9/13)
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4. Louisville Takes Home NCAA Title
In a thrilling game, the Louisville Cardinals came back from 12 points down to beat the Michigan Wolverines and win the NCAA mens basketball tournament. (Morning Edition, NPR, 4/9/13)
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5. Bird Flu Appears in China
There have been 24 confirmed cases of bird flu in China. Poultry markets have been shut down in three cities and authorities have disinfected schools across the eastern part of the country. (Radio Australia, 4/8/13)
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* The Many Uses of Fish Snot
Researchers have discovered that the mucus from a rare type of fish can be used to create durable fabric that could be used for bullet proof vests. (Correspondents Report, ABC, 4/6/13)
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Obama Puts Forward 2014 Budget
President Barack Obama has proposed a budget for 2014 that includes cuts to social programs and tax increases on the wealthy. It has little chance of passing. (All Things Considered, NPR, 4/10/13)
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Sectarian Violence Erupts in Egypt
Violent clashes between Muslims and Christians in Egypt have left five dead and almost 100 injured. President Mohamed Morsi has condemed the attacks on Coptic Christians and launched an investigation. (The World Today, ABC, 4/8/13)
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NCAA Finalists Decided
Louisville and Michigan have defeated their opponents, Wichita State and Syracuse, to advance to the finals of the NCAA basketball tournament. (Weekend Edition Sunday, NPR, 4/7/13)
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Top Stories for April 5, 2013
North Korea becomes more agressive, the U.N. passes a massive arms control treaty, and popular film critic Roger Ebert dies - that's just some of this week's Top Stories.
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1. North Korea Continues to Move Towards War
North Korea has continued to expand its threats and provocation against South Korea and the United States. The country has reportedly moved missiles to the South Korean border. Meanwhile, the U.S. has sent a missile defence system to its base in Guam. (NewsHour, PBS, 4/4/13)
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2. UN Passes Historic Weapons Treaty
The United Nations has adopted a global arms control treaty - the first to regulate the conventional arms trade. (The Takeaway, WNYC/PRI, 4/3/13)
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3. Texas DA and Wife Killed
District Attorney Mike McLelland and his wife have been shot dead in their home - the second killing of a prosecutor in Kauffman County, TX, over the past two months. Authorities are focusing their investigation on white supremacist groups. (KERA, 3/31/13)
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4. Film Critic Roger Ebert Dies
Roger Ebert, the film critic best known as half of the popular duo Siskel and Ebert, has dies at the age of 70. He had been fighting cancer for several years. (NewsHour, PBS, 4/4/13)
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5. Jobs Report Sends Stocks Lower
Stocks have dropped sharply after news of the most recent U.S. jobs report reached Wall Street. Hiring was much slower than expected in March, with the economy adding 88,000 jobs. (Marketplace, APM, 4/5/13)
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* Ending Nightmares Forever
Japanese scientists have created a machine that can predict your dreams. They hope their research will uncover a way to prevent or remove nightmares. (AM, ABC, 4/5/13)
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US Moves to Defend Itself Against North Korea
The United States has announced it is preparing to send a missile defence system to the U.S. territory of Guam in response to continued threats from North Korea. (All Things Considered, NPR, 4/3/13)
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Unemployment Reaches New High in Eurozone
The unemployment rate in the eurozone has reached 12 percent - a record high. Ongoing ecconomic crises have left more than 19 million people unemployed in the region. (The World Today, ABC, 4/3/13)
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Nelson Mandela Back in Hospital
South Africa's former president and anti-apartheid hero, Nelson Mandeela, has been admitted to hospital for the third time since December. The 95 year old is said to be suffering from pneumonia. (Morning Edition, NPR, 4/1/13)
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NCAA's Final Four Decided
The final four teams have been decided for The National Collegiate Athletic Association's annual basketball championship. Louisville will face off against Wichita State, while Michigan will play Syracuse. (Morning Edition, NPR, 4/1/13)
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South Korea Responds to North's Threats
North Korea has announced that they are on a "war footing" with South Korea, although it's unclear what that means. Tensions have been on the rise since South Korea and the United States began conducting military exercises. (AM, ABC, 4/1/13)
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Top Stories for March 29, 2013
Same-sex marriage's big week, North Korea's nuclear threats, and an attack on the entire Internet - that's just some of this week's Top Stories.
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1. Supreme Court Hears Same Sex Marriage Appeals
America's Supreme Court has heard a case against the ban on same-sex marriage known as Proposition 8. The findings will not be known for months, but many analysts think that the judges will find in favor of same-sex marriage. (All Things Considered, NPR, 3/26/13)
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2. North Korea Increases Nuclear Threats
North Korea has ramped up it's threat to take military action against South Korea and the United States. South Korea is promising it will respond to any attack, and the U.S. - who are conducting military operations in South Korea - may be forced to respond too. (Morning Edition, NPR, 3/29/13)
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3. Cyprus Strikes E.U. Deal
Cyprus has struck a last-minute bailout deal in order to avoid bankruptcy for the country. The European Union agreement is aimed at staving off collapse of the nation's banks. (NewsHour, PBS, 3/25/13)
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4. Massive Internet Attack Slows Access Worldwide
A squabble between two Internet companies has left millions of users with slow or stalled Internet access. Experts say it is one of the biggest cyberattacks ever seen. (Marketplace, APM, 3/28/13)
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5. S&P Closes at Record High
The Standard & Poor's 500 stock index closed at an all time high - beating the record setin October, 2007. (MarketWatch Update, WSJ, 3/29/13)
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* Calling Off The Wedding - And Selling It
A company in Los Angeles has begun selling off canceled weddings, allowing couples to buy a wedding that someone else calls off at the last minute. (Take Two, KPCC, 3/27/13)
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John Kerry Visits Afghanistan
The new U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, has visited Afghanistan after the U.S. military handed over control of the largest jail in Afghanistan. (The World Today, ABC, 3/26/13)
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Violence Spreading in Myanmar
Violence against Muslim communities in Myanmar is intensifying, and curfews are in place in several areas. The victims are blaming Buddhist extremists and there are reports that police are not intervening. (World News Australia, SBS, 3/26/13)
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Amanda Knox To Be Re-Tried
An Italian high court has ordered a re-trial for American Amanda Knox over the murder of her ex-roommate, Meredith Kercher. Knox and her then-boyfriend had their murder convictions overturned in 2011. (The Takeaway, WNYC/PRI, 3/26/13)
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Cyprus Averts Bankruptcy with $13 Billion Bailout
With Cypriot banks on the verge of collapse after a turbulent week, eurozone finance ministers agreed on a deal to them out. (Marketplace, 3/25/2013)
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Shift In Gay Marriage Support Mirrors A Changing America
With the Supreme Court set to hear oral arguments on two cases on the issue, the latest polls show that the majority of Americans now support gay marriage. (Morning Edition, 3/25/2013)
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Top Stories for March 22, 2013
This week President Obama visited Israel and brokered the end of a ongoing dispute between Israel and Turkey. Also, this week: Cyprus's banks face collapse in the absence of a bailout, Africa's most famous writer died, and college basketball's national championship got underway. Let the madness begin.
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1. Obama Visits Israel
Barack Obama has made his first visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories as president. He and Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, have a historically frosty relationship but will meet to discuss the relationship between the two countries. (Morning Edition, NPR, 3/20/13)
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2. Cyprus Rejects Bailout
Cyprus has strongly rejected the controversial bailout deal proposed by the European Union. At issue was the stipulation that would have imposed a tax on bank deposits that sent Cypriots running to the bank to withdrawl their savings. (The World Today, ABC, 3/19/13)
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3. Syria Accused of Using Chemical Weapons
Rebel forces and the Syrian Government have accused each other of launching a chemical weapons attack in Northern Syria, where 25 people have died. (Morning Ireland, RTE, 3/20/13)
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4. Chinua Achebe Dies at 82
Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe died Thursday in Boston. His first novel, Things Fall Apart was published in 1958 and is still the most widely-read piece of African literature. (All Things Considered, 3/22/2013)
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5. March Madness Gets Underway
The N.C.A.A. men's college basketball tournament began without an obvious favorite. The first day of action saw Harvard win its first tournament game ever, but no major upsets. (All Things Considered, NPR, 3/21/2013)
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*Scratch and Sniff Marijuana Cards
In an effort to combat urban marijuana cultivation, a UK-based organization is sending out over 200,000 scratch and sniff marijuana cards in an attempt to educate the public on identifying pot growers. Those looking to get high from the cards will be out of luck, however. They only smell like marijuana. (PM, 3/20/3013)
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Pope Francis Formally Takes Office
The new pope has been officially installed in the Vatican. Pope Francis held the inaugural mass in front of tens of thousands of onlookers, including delegations sent from around the world. (The Takeaway, WNYC/PRI, 3/19/13)
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Steubenville Rape Case Guilty Verdict
Two U.S. high school football players in the small Ohio town of Steubenville have been found guilty of raping a fellow student in a case made famous on social media. Authorities say further charges may be brought against other people involved in the incident. (WKSU, 3/17/13)
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Cyprus Bail Out Sparks Panic
The European Union has offered to bail out the troubled country of Cyprus with $13 billion - provided Cypriots with money in their bank accounts chip in too. This has sparked a weekend of panic as Cypriots ran to the banks to withdraw their money. (PM, ABC, 3/18/13)
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Top Stories for March 15, 2013
Catholics have a new pope, North Korea nullifies the truce that ended the Korean war, and how to get sued by calling someone an Australian - that's just some of the stories in this week's Top Stories.
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1. A New Pope Is Chosen
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, from Argentina, has been elected as the new pope and will take the name Francis I. He is the first pope to be chosen from South America. (AM, ABC, 3/14/13)
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2. North Korea Nullifies War Truce
North Korea has invalidated the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War in 1953. The move came after South Korea began a joint military training operation with the United States today. (Morning Edition, NPR, 3/11/13)
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3. Dow On Record Streak
The Dow extended gains for a ninth straight day - making this the longest positive streak since November 1996, but some analysts say it won't last long. (Marketplace, APM, 3/13/13)
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4. Obama on Charm Offensive
U.S. president Barack Obama is turning on the charm as he tries to win over Republicans in an effort to strike a deal on the budget. In the past week he's met with select Republicans and Democrats to talk. (The Takeaway, WNYC/PRI, 3/15/13)
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5. Rover Finds Life Could Have Survived on Mars
Rocks and dust drilled by NASA's Curiosity rover have shown scientists that water once did exist on Mars, and could have supported life. (Morning Edition, NPR, 3/13/13)
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* Kiwi Sues Over Being Called 'Australian'
A woman from New Zealand has sued her neighbor for calling her an Australian. The ruling was overturned however, with the judge finding that it was not a racist slur. (PM, ABC, 3/11/13)
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Papal Conclave Begins in Rome
Roman Catholic cardinals from around the world have entered the locked-down Sistine Chapel to begin the process to elect a new pope. Vatican watchers are waiting for a plume of white smoke, which will signal that the new pope has been elected. (AM, ABC, 3/12/13)
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Cardinals Gather to Choose New Pope
The official papal conclave begins in Rome tomorrow - that's where cardinals have gathered to choose the new Pope. (The Takeaway, WNYC/PRI, 3/11/13)
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Top Stories for March 8, 2013
Venezuela's President dies, The Dow hits a record high, and Kenya goes to the polls to choose a new President - that's just some of the stories in this week's Top Stories.
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1. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Dies
Hugo Chavez, the popular but controversial president of Venezuela, has died in office at the age of 58. He had been fighting cancer for two years, and had been out of public view for more than three months. (World News, SBS, 3/6/13)
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2. Dow Hits Record High
The Dow Jones industrial average closed with a gain of more than 125 points, surpassing the previous record close of 14,164.53 in 2007 - before the global financial crisis decimated the ecconomy in many countries. (Marketplace, APM, 3/5/13)
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3. North Korea Issues Nuclear Threat Against U.S.
North Korea has issued a threat against the United States, saying it will respond to recent sanctions with a nuclear strike. The threat came after the UN passed a resolution imposing tougher sanctions on North Korea for carrying out nuclear testing last month. (NewsHour, PBS, 3/7/13)
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4. Rand Paul Stages 13 Hour Filibuster
Senator Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, staged a filibuster to talk about drone warfare - speaking for 13 hours straight. (The Takeaway, WNYC/PRI, 3/7/13)
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5. Kenyans Go To The Polls
Kenyans have gone to the polls for the first time since deadly violence broke out during the elections there five years ago. There are two favorites in the race - one of whom, Uhuru Kenyatta, has been charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court. (The World Today, ABC, 3/5/13)
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* Why California Dreaming Should be California's State...
Like almost every song, there's a story behind 'California Dreamin,' by the Mamas and the Papas but this one is pretty unique. (Take Two, KPCC, 3/5/13)
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Bin Laden's Son in Law Captured and Brought To U.S
Osama bin Laden's son-in-law, who has served as an Al-Qaeda spokesman, has been captured and brought to the United States to face charges of conspiring to kill U.S. citizens. (Morning Edition, NPR, 3/8/13)
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Baby Born With HIV Cured
Doctors have succesfully cured a baby born with HIV for the first time. If confirmed, this is the second documented case of a cure, the first being the 'Berlin patient' who was given a bone-marrow transplant. (All Things Considered, NPR, 3/4/13)
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Queen Admitted to Hospital
Queen Elizabeth has been admitted to - and then released from - hospital with a stomach bug. The 86 year old monarch is said to be in good spirits, and was only admitted for precautionary reasons. (Morning Report, RNZ, 3/5/13)
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Top Stories March 1, 2013
The Pope bids farewell, America offers non-lethal aid to Syrian rebels, and the Titanic is to be rebuilt - that's just some of the stories in this week's Top Stories.
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1. Pope Bids Farewell
Tens of thousands of people have gathered at the Vatican to farewell Pope Benedict XVI at his final public audience. The emotional pontiff thanked the crowd for their support and prayers. He will retire on Thursday, becoming the first Pope in over 400 years to resign. (AM, ABC, 2/28/13)
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2. Sequester Takes Effect
The United States' federal budget is about to be slashed by $85 billion across the board in what is known as sequestration. The cuts come into effect because Democrats and Republicans have been unable to reach a deal over deficit reduction. (Marketplace, APM, 2/28/13)
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3. Italian Elections End in Deadlock
Elections in Italy have ended in deadlock, and lead to fears of continued instability in the eurozone's third-largest economy. A major factor in the unclear result was the astonishing tally of comidian turned political leader Beppe Grillo. (World News, SBS, 2/26/13)
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4. U.S. to Provide Aid to Syrian Rebels
The United States has agreed to aid the Syrian rebels in their fight against Bashar al-Assad's regime. New Secretary of State John Kerry said the U.S. would provide $60 million in non-lethal aid such as medical care and food. (Morning Edition, NPR, 2/28/13)
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5. 'Argo' and 'Life of Pi' Sweep Oscars
The annual Academy Awards have celebrated the film industry by awarding 'Argo', Jennifer Lawrence, 'Life of Pie', and Daniel Day-Lewis with the top gongs. First Lady Michelle Obama made an appearance, and presenter Seth McFarlane stirred up controversy in his role as host. (Morning Edition, NPR, 2/25/13)
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* Billionaire Plans to Build Titanic Replica
An eccentric Australian billionaire have unveiled plans to build an exact replica of the Titanic. He says he will travel in steerage, and that the ship will have plenty of life rafts. (AM, ABC, 2/27/13)
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Chuck Hagel Finally Takes Post
Chuck Hagel has taken his post as the new Secretary of Defense, after the Senate finally confirmed his position. The vote ended a long battle between members of Congress and the White House. (NewsHour, PBS, 2/26/13)
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Hot Air Baloon Explodes in Egypt
Eighteen foreign tourists have been killed after their hot-air balloon exploded and crashed near the ancient Egyptian city of Luxor. According to Egyptian officials, the balloon caught fire and fell about 1,000 feet from the sky. (Morning Ireland, RTE, 2/16/13)
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Top Stories for February 22, 2013
An Olympian on trial for murder, a bomb blast in Damascus, and a Hollywood-style diamond heist - that's just some of the stories in this week's Top Stories.
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1. Pistorius Appears in Court
Oscar Pistorius, the double amputee Olympian charged with his girlfriend's murder, has appeared in court to seek bail. Pistorius says he thought Reeva Steenkamp was an intruder but prosecutors are painting a very different picture. (Morning Edition, NPR, 3/20/13)
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2. Bomb Blast Rocks Damascus
A co-ordinated car bombing assault in the capital city of Syria, Damascus, has killed dozens and injured hundreds of others. No one has taken responsibility for the attack, but it has been widely attributed to the jihadi wing of anti-government rebels. (The Takeaway, WNYC/PRI, 2/21/13)
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3. Mid-West Hammered By Winter Storm
A large winter storm is making it's way north from the mid-west, where it has dumped several feet of snow. The storm has closed roads and resulted in cancelled flights. (Morning Edition, NPR, 2/22/13)
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4. Chavez Returns To Venezuela
Venezuela's President, Hugo Chavez, has returned to his home country after months in Cuba to receive treatment for cancer. To quash rumors that he had died, he posted a message on Twitter. (NewsHour, PBS, 2/19/13)
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5. Hollywood Style Diamond Heist Shocks Belguim
In a story lifted from a hollywood film script, masked gunman drove on to the tarmac at Brussels international airport and made off with about $50 million worth of diamonds. (RN Breakfast, ABC, 2/20/13)
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* 'Science Idol' Winner
It was only a matter of time before science adopted the talent quest format to find and name their own 'Science Idol'. Meet America's next top scientist. (Take Two, KPCC)
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Gas Explosion in Kansas City
A gas explosion in Kansas City, Missouri has injured at least 16 people and several others are still missing. The blast, which happened at a popular restaurant downtown, shattered glass several blocks away. (KCUR, 2/19/13)
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Asteroid Misses Earth - Just
A large asteroid has passed relatively near to the Earth - the closest passing in recorded history. NASA monitored the fly-by, and said all went according to plan. (AM, ABC, 2/16/13)
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Top Stories for February 15 2013
An Olympic hero charged with murder, the Pope resigns, and a meteor injures hundreds in Russia - that's just some of the stories in this week's Top Stories.
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1. Olympic Runner Oscar Psistorius Charged With Murder
Paralympic runner Oscar Pistorius has been charged with the shooting murder of his girlfirend at their home in South Africa. Nicknamed Bladerunner, he rose to fame when he competed as a double amputee in the London Olympics. (NewsHour, PBS, 2/14/13)
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2. Obama Delivers State of the Union Speech
U.S. President Barack Obama has delivered his annual State of the Union Address to congress. He outlined several key issues, including gun control, bi-partisanship, and immigration. (Morning Edition, NPR, 2/13/13)
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3. Pope Benedict XVI Resigns
Pope Benedict XVI has announced his sudden resignation. He will become the first Pope to resign in 600 years. He cited his age and failing health in his announcement. Roman Catholics around the world have reacted in shock to the unexpected news. (Vatican Radio, 2/11/13)
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4. Massive Manhunt Comes to Dramatic End
The largest manhunt in the history of the LAPD has come to a dramatic end, after a gunfight between police and the accused, Christopher Dorner. Ex-policeman Dorner had been on the run for almost a week, and is now thought to be dead after a fire in the cabin he was hiding in. Authorities are yet to confirm. (Take Two, KPCC, 2/13/13)
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5. Meteor Injures Hundreds in Russia
A meteor streaked across the sky in Russia's Ural Valley, and it's explosion produced a powerful shockwave that shattered windows. Hundreds were injured by the blast, which affected six cities. (The Takeaway, WNYC/PRI 2/15/13)
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* Horse Meat Scandal Causes Outrage in UK
Thousands of British meat eaters have been disgusted to find out that they have been eating horses. The scandal has been blamed on a French supplier who sold the meat as beef. (The Takeaway, WNYC/PRI, 2/15/13)
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'Cruise From Hell' Finally Returns to Port
A crippled cruiseship that was stranded for days off the Mexican coast after an engine room fire has finally returned to port. The more than 4000 passengers aboard complained of appalling conditions after five days without power. (News 92, 2/13/13)
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American and US Airlines to Merge
American Airlines and U.S. Airways have announced they will merge - becoming the nation's largest airline. It will be renamed American and will be based in Dallas Fort-Worth, Texas. (Marketplace, APM, 2/14/13)
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Wrestling Dropped from Olympics
The wrestling community is in outrage after the International Olympic Commity agreed to drop the sport from the Olympics, starting in 2020. No decision has been reached about what to replace it with. (The World Today, ABC, 2/12/13)
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North Korea Conducts Nuclear Test
North Korea has angered the international community again by conducting another nuclear test. This is the biggest test so far - producing an explosion that measured around 5 on the Richter scale. (PM, ABC, 2/13/13)
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Storm Dumps Record Snowfall on Northeast
A powerful blizzard hit the Northeast of America this weekend, blanketing states from New York to Maine with up to three feet of snow. So far, five deaths have been blamed on the storm. (Weekend Edition, NPR, 2/10/13)
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Top Stories for Feburary 8 2013
A shocking political assassination in Tunisia, a major storm barrels towards the Northeast U.S., and Monopoly drops the iron token - that's just some of the stories in this week's Top Stories.
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1. Tunisian Opposition Leader Assasinated
Tunisia's Prime Minister has disolved the parliament in the wake of the assasination of one of the country's leading opposition politicians, Chokri Belaid. It is the first political assassination in Tunisia since the Arab Spring uprising in the country two years ago. (World News, SBS, 2/7/13)
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2. 'Historic' Storm Headed for Northeast
Major U.S. airlines have canceled almost 3,000 flights ahead of what could be a historic blizzard in the Northeast. States from New York to Maine are preparing for up to 2 feet of snow, with many schools closed and trains halted in advance. (WBUR, 02/08/13)
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3. Postal Service Will End Saturday Delivery
The embattled U.S. Postal Service has announced an end to Saturday deliveries, due to financial difficulties. Home and business mail will halt, although packages will still be delievered. (NewsHour, PBS, 2/6/13)
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4. Massive Soccer Match Fixing Circle Uncovered
A global investigation has uncovered a sophisticated soccer matching-fixing ring. Investigators say more than 650 matches are under review, including World Cup and European Championship games. (AM, ABC, 2/5/13)
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5. UK Parliament Approves Gay Marriage
British MPs have voted in favor of gay marriage, despite a conservative government in power. Prime Minister David Cameron announced his support for gay marriage, but still faced opposition from those inside his party. (World News, SBS, 2/6/13)
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* Monopoly Set Looses Iron, Gains Cat Piece
The classic boardgame, Monopoly, has lost the iron token. After a fierce online campaign, voters decided the iron piece should be replaced with a new token - the cat. Many Monopoly fans are outraged, although some welcome the change. (All Things Considered, NPR, 2/6/13)
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Solomon Islands Hit With Tsunami
An 8.0 magnitude earthquake has caused a tsunami in the South Pacific's Solomon Islands. The low lying coastal villages on many islands have been inundated and the remote location means it's difficult to get assistance. (Morning Report, RNZ, 2/7/13)
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King Richard III's Remains Found
Archeologists have located the skeleton of King Richard III in a carpark in England. Researchers and scientists are delighted, and now hope that the King's reputation will be restored. (Take Two, KPCC, 2/4/13)
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S&P Faces Fraud Charges
The Justice Department has announced it will sue credit rating agency Standard & Poors for fraud over mortgage back securities. The suit alleges that S&P gave top ratings to the risky securities in the years leading up to the financial crisis. (Marketplace, APM, 2/5/13)
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Baltimore Ravens Win Superbowl
The Baltimore Ravens beat out the San Francisco 49ers 34 to 31 in the Superbowl football game. The game has been called one of the most thrilling in Superbowl history - after a power outage that lasted over half an hour, the 49ers scored 17 points in just over four minutes. (Morning Edition, NPR, 2/4/13)
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Top Stories for Feburary 1 2013
Israel launches an attack on Syria, Immigration reform makes headway, and Beyonce admits a terrible secret - that's just some of the stories in this week's Top Stories.
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1. Israel Launches Attack on Syria
Syria says Israeli jets launched a direct strike on a scientific research centre. Israel and the US have not commented on the attack. (NewsHour, PBS, 1/30/13)
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2. Obama Pitches Immigration Reform
U.S. President Barack Obama has praised the work of senators working on immirgation reform policy, and has brought his own plans to the table. He's pushing a plan to grant amnesty to the 11 million undocumented immigrants currently in the country, and says he will propose his own bill if senate does not act. (All Things Considered, NPR, 1/29/13)
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3. Senate Hearings on Gun Control
Gabrielle Giffords, the Arizona senator who was shot in the head in 2011 in a massacre, addressed a senate hearing on gun violence. Other speakers included parents of Newtown schoolchildren and the National Rifle Association's President. (All Things Considered, NPR, 1/30/13)
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4. Hillary Clinton Says Goodbye - For Now
Hillary Clinton ends her term as U.S. Secretary of State after four years this week. During her term, she has visited 112 countries and has enjoyed great popularity around the world - but she now says she wants a break from politics despite speculation she may run for President in 2016. (Morning Edition, NPR, 2/1/13)
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5. Brazil Nightclub Fire Kills Hundreds
A nightclub fire has killed more than people in , Brazil. Firefighters say the only emergency exit was blocked, leaving many trapped inside. The fire is thought to have been caused by a flare lit by the nightclub band. (SBS World News, SBS, 1/27/13)
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* Beyonce Admits Lip Synching
Pop singer Beyonce has admitted she lip-synched the national anthem at last week's inauguration. It's a common practice at big live events she said. (The World Today, ABC, 2/1/13)
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Hagel Faces Tough Questions
Chuck Hagel, the nominee to become the next Secretary of Defense, has faced a tough confirmation hearing this week. Among the issues were his previous statements on Iraq and gay rights. (NewsHour, PBS, 1/31/13)
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New York Times Newspaper Hacked by Chinese
The New York Times newspaper has announced that it was hacked by Chinese hackers, after it published a story on the personal fortune of China's Prime Minister. The Wall Street Journal later said it too was hacked. (Marketplace, APM, 1/31/13)
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Immigration Reform Gains Bi-Partisan Support
Eight senators, four from each party, have laid out a bipartisan blueprint for reforming immigration in the U.S. The plan includes a path to citizenship for undoccumented immigrants already in the country, but also calls for strengthening border controls and cracking down on hiring undocumented workers. (KPCC, 1/28/13)
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Djokovic Takes Down Murray in Australian Open Finals
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has beaten Scotland's Andy Murray to take the Australian Open title for a third time. The world number one bested Murray in four sets - the first two of which went to tie-breakers. (Morning Report, RNZ, 1/28/13)
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Egyptian President Declares State of Emergency Over Riots
Egypt's President, Mohamed Morsi, has declared a state of emergency after a weekend of violent rioting that has left dozens dead. The protests began on Friday, to mark the two year anniversary of the Egyptian revolution, and continued over the weekend. (All Things Considered, NPR, 1/26/13)
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Top Stories for January 25 2013
Obama officially sworn in again, the hostage crisis in Algeria comes ot a bloody end, and how a truckload of cheese caught fire in Norway - that's just some of the stories in this week's Top Stories.
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1. Obama Inaugurated for a Second Term
As many as one million spectators watched U.S. President Barack Obama take the official oath of office. He begins his second term facing clashes with the Republicans over economic management, gun control and immigration. (NewsHour, PBS, 1/21/13)
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2. Algerian Hostage Crisis Ends
A four day hostage crisis in Algeria has finally ended. The Algerian Prime Minister, Abdelmalek Sellal, has also given the first official account of what happened. He confirmed the deaths of at least 37 foreign workers who were taken hostage by Islamist militants last week. (PM, ABC, 1/21/13)
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3. Ban Lifted on Women in Combat
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has lifted the military ban on women in combat, a move which opens up thousands of frontline positions and potential elite commando jobs. (WNYC, 1/24/13)
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4. UK Prime Minister Prmoises Vote on EU Membership
Britain's Prime Minister, David Cameron, has delieved a major speech in which he announced his support for a referendum on European Union membership. He said he would do so only if his party won the next election, due in 2015. (The Takeaway, 1/23/13)
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5. Clinton Testifies on Libyan Attack
U.S. Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, has given long awaited testimony on the attacks last year that killed three American diplomatic staff in Benghazi, Libya. (All Things Considered, NPR, 1/23/13)
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* Norweigen Cheese Fire Burns for Four Days
A truck full of goats cheese has caught fire in Norway, and has continued to burn for four days - closing a highway tunnel and mystifying everyone. (All Things Considered, NPR, 1/23/13)
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Obama Nominates SEC Head
President Barack Obama has appointed Mary Jo White to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission. With White's history of going after Wall Street, many view the pick as a direct signal to banks. (Marketplace, APM, 1/24/13)
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Israel Re-elects Netanyahu
Israel went to the polls this week, re-electing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party. However, it's not good news for Netanyahu - the country's centrist Yesh Ateed party won more seats than expected. (Newshour, PBS, 1/22/13)
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Top Stories for January 18 2013
France begins attacks on Mali's Islamists, Obama unveils strict new gun proposals, and cyclist Lance Armstrong finally admits to doping - that's just some of the stories in this week's Top Stories.
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1. France Begins Military Attacks on Mali
France has begun military action in the African country of Mali, bombing the town of Gao in eastern Mali and extending their raids into rebel territory. France aims to bring down Islamist forces who siezed northern Mali in April last year. (SBS World News, 1/14/13)
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2. Obama Unveils New Gun Rules
U.S. President Barack Obama has announced a series of changes to current gun laws, including measures to restrict and monitor gun ownership and proposing a ban on military grade assault weapons. (NewsHour, PBS, 1/16/13)
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3. Algerian Hostage Crisis Continues
Up to 41 foreigners - including Americans, British, French, Japanese and Norwegian citizens - and scores of Algerians were taken hostage by Islamist militants at a gas feild in Algeria. The group says the attack is a response to France's role in neighboring Mali. (PM, ABC, 1/17/13)
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4. Armstrong Admits to Doping
Talk show host Oprah Winfrey has confirmed that embattled cyclist Lance Armstrong admitted to doping during an interview. Armstrong issued an apology to the staff of his charity, Livestrong, and allegedly called members of the cycling community to apologize. (Take two, KPCC, 1/15/13)
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5. Boeing Planes Grounded in U.S. and Japan
The Federal Aviation Administration has grounded all Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in the U.S. The grounding comes after Japan also grounded it's Dreamliners when a plane was forced to make an emergency landing due to a battery problem. (KUOW, 1/16/13)
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* How to Crowd Source A Novel
There's a website that’s crowd-sourcing a novel, a trend that's catching on - there's growing interest and many recent examples of crowd-sourcing literary experiments. (The Takeaway, WNYC/PRI, 1/17/13)
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Golden Globes Highlights
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler hosted the Golden Globes, which has crowned Lincoln, Downton Abbey, and Argo with the top honors. (The Takeaway, WNYC/PRI, 1/14/13)
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Online Community Mourns Internet Prodigy Aaron Swartz
The online community is mourning the young computer prodigy who co-founded social news site Reddit and helped invent RSS, after he commited suicide at the age of 26. Aaron Swartz was facing up to 35 years in prison for allegedly stealing academic articles from a digital archive at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (Weekend Edition, NPR, 1/13/13)
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Top Stories for January 11 2013
A major flu outbreak in the United States, Obama nominates new security leaders, and Australia battles bushfires across several states - that's just some of the stories in this week's Top Stories.
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1. Flu Spreads Across the U.S.
After the mayor of Boston declared a health emergency, the Center for Disease Control have announced that the flu is spreading quickly aross the United States. The flu season has started particularly early this year - usually flu activity peaks in Febuary or March. (The Takeaway, WNYC/PRI, 1/11/13)
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2. Obama Nominates Defense and CIA Leaders
President Barack Obama has nominated Republican Chuck Hagel, a Republican, to be secretary of Defense and his top counter-terrorism adviser, John Brennan, to head the CIA. Hagel will take over from outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Brennan will step in after former CIA Director David Petraus resigned amid scandal over an affair. (NewsHour, PBS, 1/7/13)
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3. Fires Sweep Across Australia
Up to 100 people are unaccounted for after severe bushfires swept across Australia's island state of Tasmania. High summer temperatures and dry conditions lead to the fires over the weekend, and many fires are still burning out of control. (The World Today, ABC, 1/7/13)
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