NPR: Story of the Day
Funny, moving, exceptional, or just offbeat -- the NPR story people will be talking about tomorrow. The best of Morning Edition, All Things Considered and other award-winning NPR programs.
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How The Modern Patient Drives Up Health Costs
Between television and the Internet, patients today are exposed to a myriad of health information. But more isn't always better. Patients' frequent requests for drugs and procedures are part of what's driving up the costs of health care.
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Fort Carson Quietly Mourns War Deaths
Eight soldiers, all from a Fort Carson, Colo., unit, died on Oct. 3 when their outpost in Afghanistan was attacked. People at the base and in nearby Colorado Springs are remembering those who were lost, but after suffering 279 deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan, a form of stoicism has set in, too.
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Needle Exchanges Face A Fight In Congress
The Centers for Disease Control says needle exchanges can help fight HIV. But these programs are under fire on Capitol Hill from critics who say they put children at risk.
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Miami Condo Market Heating Up Again
Last year, the Miami condo market was just about dead. Thousands of new units were being delivered, but buyers were nowhere to be found. Now investors, many of them foreigners attracted by drastically lower prices, are again looking to get a piece of Miami real estate.
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The Telltale Wombs Of Lewiston, Maine
In the mid-1970s, a health researcher discovered an unusually high rate of hysterectomies in a small town in Maine. If the rate continued, nearly 70 percent of Lewiston women, like Carol Bradford (above), who had a hysterectomy, would be without their wombs by age 70. A major driver of health care …
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Meet 'Glee' Star Jane Lynch, TV's New Queen Of Mean
The actress has made a career of memorable character parts, from a folk-singing porn star to an outspoken gay lawyer. Now she's got a juicy marquee role as the hilariously hard-charging villain in Fox's new hit comedyGlee. Melissa Block talks to Lynch about her new role as cruel, ruthless cheerleadi …
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Myrtle Beach Helmet Law Stirs Anger
The city used to be a haven for tens of thousands of motorcyclists before a law was passed requiring all riders to wear helmets. The law has cut down on rallies, but it has also led to a lawsuit before the state Supreme Court.
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For One Senior, Medicaid Provides Model Care
When Gracie Scarrow, 94, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure she didn't have the money to pay for the care she needed. She turned to Medicaid — which covers the long-term care in a nursing home — and she couldn't be happier.
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Prayer Effort Seeks 'Right Thinking' From Liberals
A Christian conservative group, fearing a liberal drift in the country's leadership, has put 11 prominent politicians and activists on an "Adopt a Liberal" roster. They're asking God to help their targets change their stances on a variety of social issues.
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Using Music To Mentor Venezuela's Poorest Youth
Through music education, many children from Caracas' worst slums learn to overcome adversity and go on to become professional musicians. Conductor Gustavo Dudamel, an alumnus of El Sistema, is now music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
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In Health Care Ads, Drug Firms Change Their Tune
Today's TV advertisements on health care are reminiscent, in some ways, of those that aired 16 years ago around President Clinton's overhaul effort. Even the Harry and Louise ads have returned. But now, the TV couple backs an overhaul — as do the pharmaceutical firms.
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Seniors Worry As Medicare Advantage Is Threatened
About 25 percent of senior citizens are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, where they can choose a privately run health plan with extra benefits. But some health bills aim to scale back its growth, and seniors worry their coverage might get the ax in the overhaul.
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Swine Flu Sweeps Through Austin, Hitting The Young
Twenty-six states are experiencing high H1N1 virus activity — most in the lower half of the nation, according to the CDC. In Austin, Texas, hundreds are seeking treatment; most of them are young and resilient enough to get through it. One medical center recently erected three field tents on it …
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Is Obama In An 'Afghan Box'?
During the presidential campaign, candidate Obama cited the war in Afghanistan as a "good war" — in contrast to the U.S. effort in Iraq. But as violence in Afghanistan escalates while support for the war deteriorates, can President Obama afford to stay the course? Can he afford not to?
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Holding On To Health Insurance That Works
For some Americans, insurance is what it's supposed to be: coverage when you need it. Dave Koenig, 49, has a job with good benefits. Still, he thinks some aspects of the insurance industry should be changed to protect patients from losing coverage.
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Spider Wranglers Weave One-Of-A-Kind Tapestry
The American Museum of Natural History in New York unveiled something never before seen: an 11-by-4-foot tapestry made completely of spider silk. The tapestry took four years to make, with the help of more than 1 million spiders.
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Swinging Chicken Ritual Divides Orthodox Jews
In the days before Yom Kippur, which begins on Sunday evening, many Orthodox Jews in Brooklyn, N.Y., will wave chickens over their heads and say the prayer of Kapparot (or Kapparos, depending on heritage). But the more than 1,000-year-old atonement ritual has concerned some in the community, who wor …
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Chicago Tries Heavy-Hitters To Boost Olympic Bid
With one week to go until the International Olympic Committee selects the host city for the 2016 games, Chicago is hoping star power in the form of Oprah Winfrey and one of the Obamas will boost its bid. But how would hosting the Olympics really benefit the city that wins the competition?
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Wall Streeters Weigh Life After 'Giant Pool Of Money'
Glen Pizzolorusso and Jim Finkel each made a fortune in the mortgage industry. Then the bubble burst. The global economic crisis forced them to reconsider what they believed about life and the investment world they lived in. One is spending time in school, the other cleaning up the debris from toxic …
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U.S. Navy Sailors Say They Were Hazed, Abused
Six sailors from a canine unit in the U.S. Navy interviewed by Youth Radio told stories of hazing and abuse a few years ago. The Navy investigated the abuse and found evidence to support accusations of physical assault on sailors and prostitutes on base, but no courts-martial resulted.
NPR: Story of the Day
