Record Numbers Of Women, Minorities Make Up Incoming Congress
The lame-duck session of Congress got underway on Wednesday as new members of the 114th Congress were arriving on Capitol Hill for orientation. The incoming Congress will have the first black female Republican, a record number of women and the biggest GOP majority in the House since before World War II.
Russians Bombers To Patrol From Arctic Ocean To Gulf Of Mexico
Russia's defense minister has announced that long-range strategic bombers will go on patrol missions from the Arctic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. David Greene reports.
Carol Ann Susi 'Big Bang Theory' Actress Dies At 62
Carol Ann Susi played Howard Wolowitz's mother Debbie on the "Big Bang Theory." While her character was unseen on camera, there was no mistaking her voice when she yelled, "Howard." David Greene and Renee Montagne report.
Egyptian Decree Permits Prisoners To Be Tried In Home Countries
Egypt's president has issued a decree that could clear the way for two Al Jazeera journalists to be released to their home countries.
Critic Says Myanmar Still Lacks Free Speech
In Myanmar, a journalist opposed to the country's military government was recently shot dead while in army custody. Renee Montagne talks to Ma Thida, a writer, poet and longtime aid to democracy leader Aung San Suii Kyi. Thida is in the U.S. working with the writer's organization PEN to set up a branch in Myanmar.
Obama Visits Myanmar
President Obama is in Myanmar amid U.S. concerns that the country's progress toward true democracy is not running smoothly.
Climate Change Deal Requires U.S., China To Overhaul Energy Use
U.S. and China cut major deal to reduce emissions, but Congress isn't likely to play along. And experts who've parsed the numbers offered by the two countries say it's not enough to keep climate from overheating seriously. On the other hand, it's seen as a benchmark by which governments can be held accountable, and also a nod to companies that are eager to capitalize on renewable energy.
Auction Sets Record For Contemporary Art Sale
A record-breaking auction was held at Christie's International in New York on Wednesday. The event had been hyped for months, and it attracted some of the world's richest collectors.
Immigration Divides Washington; Permanent Resolution Unlikely
Despite all the nice words about working together, the new Republican Congress and the president are hurtling toward a huge confrontation — about immigration. The president is planning to use his executive authority to offer temporary deportation relief to certain groups of immigrants. The Republicans say if he does, all bets are off.
After 4 Years As House Speaker, Boehner Looks Stronger Than Ever
While John Boehner has held the speaker's gavel, it often looked like members of his caucus were in control. With a gain of more than a dozen GOP seats, Boehner might have some more maneuvering room.
Russia And The West: Close Encounters Of The Cold War Kind
Russia and Western countries have had several close encounters in the air and at sea recently. Russia says these are just routine military exercises, but NATO and its Nordic partners are alarmed.
Common Core Reading: The High Achievers
The Common Core State Standards are changing reading instruction in many schools. And that means new challenges for lots of students, even traditional high achievers.
Ventriloquist Challenges Gag Order Against His Puppet
Satirist Conrad Koch of South Africa denies that his puppet Chester Missing engaged in hate speech. When asked why someone takes a puppet to court, Chester Missing tweeted "You need to be a dummy."
Florida Election Officials Don't Bother With Write-In Votes
The Tampa Tribune reports that state election officials increasingly are not bothering to tally write-in votes. It's a tragedy for Mickey Mouse, who as a resident of Florida, was often named.
Tomas Young, Iraq War Veteran And Critic, Dies At 34
A vocal critic of the Iraq war and the Bush administration has died. In 2004, Army veteran Tomas Young deployed to Baghdad, where a bullet left him paralyzed. Young passed away at his home in Seattle.
George W. Bush On Life After The White House
In a sit-down interview at his office in Dallas, Former President George W. Bush discusses how both he and his father, former President George H.W. Bush, waged war against Saddam Hussein, and the state of Iraq today.
Civil Rights Pioneer John Doar Dies At 92
A former top Justice Department attorney who fought to desegregate the South during the Civil Rights movement has died. John Doar was 92.
Afghan Police Suffer Uptick In Casualty Numbers
As western military forces withdraw from Afghanistan, the Afghan security forces are coming under increasing pressure - about 9,000 have been killed in the last two years.
George W. Bush On Ukraine
In an interview with Morning Edition's David Greene about his new book — "41: A Portrait of my Father" — former President George W. Bush discusses how his father dealt with the fall of the Soviet Union, and how his own policies toward former Soviet republics affected the U.S. relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Lame-Duck Congress Gets Back To Work After Midterm Elections
On the to-do list is a spending bill to continue government funding past Dec. 11, and a tax bill to preserve some long-standing breaks. First up, are leadership elections.
