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Election 2012
In Wisconsin, Political Circus Leaves Voters Wounded
September 21, 2012 Emotions are still raw in Wisconsin after the bitter fight over public unions and the unsuccessful vote to recall Gov. Scott Walker. As the presidential election approaches, many people are deeply pained by the divide between political extremes, and wishing they felt better about this race.
Election 2012
Senate Race Tough To Call As Wisconsin Swings
September 20, 2012 Former four-term GOP Gov. Tommy Thompson is facing off against seven-term Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin for an open Senate seat. With recent polls showing a Baldwin surge, one pollster says his state seems to be in the midst of an identity crisis.
NPR Cities: Urban Life In The 21st Century
Moving Buildings To Save D.C.'s Historic Foundation
July 10, 2012 A few months ago, six old brick buildings in the nation's capital were picked up and moved. Literally. Five of them will return as parts of a sleek new office building, re-creating the old streetscape while also transforming it. The massive project raises a question: What's important to keep in a city, and what should just be replaced?
Around the Nation
Saving Calif. State Parks: The End Of Public Funding?
June 20, 2012 California's budget crisis is creating a new class of private philanthropists who are stepping up to keep state parks open to the public. Henry Coe State Park, the state's second-largest, was recently saved by a large donation from a Silicon Valley engineer. Will California ever return to fully funding its state parks?
All Tech Considered
You Know You Want One: Personal Robots Are Coming, But Not Ready For You Yet
June 18, 2012 A Silicon Valley company hopes to make a Jetsons-style robot a reality in your home. But the personal robotics industry has a few hurdles to jump before you can have your own robotic maid.