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Monday, February 04, 2013

Energy

Are Mini-Reactors The Future Of Nuclear Power?

The reactor room at Babcock & Wilcox's prototype reactor outside Lynchburg, Va. The reactor vessel is behind the orange curtain.

February 4, 2013 WFAEThe prefabricated nuclear reactors, which would be small enough to build in a factory and ship on trucks, would generate about one-tenth the power of a typical nuclear power plant. It's potentially a growth opportunity for American industry, but critics say the reactors carry a host of safety, security, environmental and economic concerns.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

Shots - Health News

Shortage Of Brain Tissue Hinders Autism Research

Jonathan Mitchell is autistic and wants to donate his brain to science when he dies.

February 4, 2013 Autism researchers are studying post-mortem brain tissue from people with the disorder to understand how it changes the brain. The greatest demand is for tissue from children. But it's especially hard to get.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

Sunday, February 03, 2013

Health

Home Care Aides Await Decision On New Labor Rules

February 3, 2013 The industry has changed rapidly, but amendments exempting the workers from minimum wage and overtime pay have not. The Obama administration has yet to formally approve new rules, though the president has come out in favor of them.

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Animals

Wood Stork's Endangered Status Is Up In The Air

A wood stork soars over its nest in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary near Fort Myers, Fla., in 2008, as baby wood storks wait in their nest for an adult to bring food.

February 3, 2013 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife may upgrade the wood stork's status from "endangered" to "threatened." But some environmentalists and the Audubon Society says that in south Florida, the bird's population is still a long way from reaching a full recovery.

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The Two-Way

Syrian Activist's Offer Of Talks With Assad Draws Mixed Response

Activists in the town of Saraqib, Syria, hold a poster that reads, "Sheikh Moaz al Khatib represents me."

February 3, 2013 Activist Moaz al Khatib said he was open to talks with representatives of the Syrian regime under certain conditions. Criticism from within Khatib's own ranks was swift, but so was support form Syrians both inside and out of the country.

Summary

The Two-Way

Gun-Control Battle Spills Over To Super Bowl Ads

February 3, 2013 A Super Bowl ad produced by a group backed by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg uses old video of the NRA chief calling for limited background checks. The ad, which will air in some markets during the third quarter of the Super Bowl, comes amid a heated debate over guns.

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The Two-Way

Coming Monday: A Daily Dose Of 'Book News'

NPR Books.

February 3, 2013 For some months now, many of us at NPR have been enjoying a daily email from our friends here who report about books and the publishing industry. It's a tip sheet with news and a bit of attitude. "Hey, we ought to publish this," we said. Starting Monday, The Two-Way will.

Summary

The Two-Way

Man Charged In Death Of 'American Sniper' Author

February 3, 2013 Former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle and another man were killed at a gun range in Texas on Saturday. The alleged shooter was arraigned Saturday on two counts of capital murder.

Summary

The Two-Way

Iraq Attack Kills At Least 15, Wounds Dozens

Iraqi security forces inspect the scene of a bombing in Kirkuk, 180 miles north of Baghdad on Sunday.

February 3, 2013 The coordinated suicide attack targeted the police headquarters in the oil-rich city of Kirkuk. No one has claimed responsibility, but the city is claimed by both Kurds and Arabs.

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The Two-Way

Foreign Minister Says Iran Is Open To Talks With U.S.

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi speaks to reporters on the third day of the 49th Munich Security Conference on Sunday.

February 3, 2013 The comments by Iran's foreign minister at a security conference in Germany come a day after Vice President Joe Biden said the U.S. was willing to hold direct talks with the Islamic republic over its nuclear program. But Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said Washington must show "fair and real" intentions to resolve the issue.

Summary

Monkey See

Choosing Sides: How To Pick Between The Ravens And The 49ers

Sourdough Sam, the mascot for the San Francisco 49ers, looks on in January 2012.

February 3, 2013 If you can't develop a real rooting interest in the Super Bowl, perhaps you can come up with something almost completely arbitrary to help you care.

Summary

National Security

Panetta: 'My Mission Has Always Been To Keep The Country Safe'

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta arrives in London on Jan. 17. Panetta is stepping down as defense secretary as soon as the Senate confirms his successor.

February 3, 2013 As he prepares to leave his job, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta reflects on his years of service. It's a career that has included 16 years in Congress, stints as White House chief of staff, and as the head of the CIA, where he oversaw the controversial drone program.

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On Weekend Edition SundayPlaylist

Afghanistan

From A Land Where Music Was Banned — To Carnegie Hall

Afghanistan's youth orchestra performs in Kabul on Jan. 31. The orchestra is coming to the U.S. and will appear at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.

February 3, 2013 The Taliban tried to ban all music in Afghanistan. But now, 48 young Afghans — boys and girls — make up an orchestra that is coming to the U.S. to perform at a couple of the most prestigious venues in America.

Transcript

On Weekend Edition SundayPlaylist

The Two-Way

In China, A Breath Of Fresh Air (In A Can)

Chinese businessman Chen Guangbiao (center) gives cans of fresh air produced by his factory to passersby for free in a financial district in Beijing.

February 3, 2013 Chen Guangbiao is trying to call attention to China's environmental issues by selling clean air. Eighty cents buys you a touch of air from "pristine Tibet."

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Commentary

Super Bowl Cheat Sheet: Key Phrases To Keep You In The Game

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh (right) and his brother, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, with the Vince Lombardi Trophy on Friday.

February 3, 2013 Put down that chicken wing and put in your two cents. Fake your way at least well into the third quarter, when everyone else at your party Sunday is well into their Bud Lights.

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