Accessibility links
Kathy Lohr Kathy Lohr is a correspondent for the National Desk based in Atlanta.
Stories By

Kathy Lohr

Story Archive

Saturday

3 Views On A Tragedy: Reporters Recall First Days After Katrina

Palm trees bend and banners rip on Canal Street as Hurricane Katrina blows through New Orleans on Aug. 29, 2005 — 10 years ago Saturday. Ted Jackson/The Times-Picayune/Landov hide caption

toggle caption
Ted Jackson/The Times-Picayune/Landov

Hurricane Katrina: 10 Years Of Recovery And Reflection

3 Views On A Tragedy: Reporters Recall First Days After Katrina

When Hurricane Katrina made landfall on the Gulf Coast, devastating regions of Louisiana and Mississippi, three of NPR's correspondents saw the storm firsthand. These are their stories.

3 Views On A Tragedy: Reporters Recall First Days After Katrina

Listen · 11:18
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/435623921/435853690" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Sunday

Abortion Rights Groups Say It's Time To Stop Playing Defense

Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis filibustered for 11 hours against sweeping restrictions on abortion back in June, becoming a hero for abortion rights activists. Eric Gay/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Eric Gay/AP

Politics

Abortion Rights Groups Say It's Time To Stop Playing Defense

Activists across the nation want to counter the onslaught of regulations that limit abortions and regulate clinics with new laws that protect access to abortion.

Abortion Rights Groups Say It's Time To Stop Playing Defense

Listen · 5:21
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/258031917/258048915" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Thursday

Business

Even If FCC Relaxes Rules, Delta Won't Allow In-Flight Calls

Delta CEO Richard Anderson says frequent flyers believe voice calls in the cabin would disrupt travel. So the airline announced it will ban in-flight calls even if the FCC changes the rules.

Even If FCC Relaxes Rules, Delta Won't Allow In-Flight Calls

Listen · 1:47
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/255406281/255406306" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Thursday

Family Of Ga. Teen Found Dead In A Gym Mat Pushes For Answers

Demonstrators attend a rally on Wednesday in Atlanta for Kendrick Johnson, the Georgia teenager found dead inside a rolled-up wrestling mat in his school. David Goldman/AP hide caption

toggle caption
David Goldman/AP

Law

Family Of Ga. Teen Found Dead In A Gym Mat Pushes For Answers

Activists from across the country are asking Georgia's governor to support an investigation into the death of Kendrick Johnson, 17, who was discovered dead in a high school gymnasium almost a year ago. State investigators ruled out foul play, but Johnson's parents don't believe it.

Family Of Ga. Teen Found Dead In A Gym Mat Pushes For Answers

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/250533234/250549175" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Wednesday

Sports

After Decades, Braves To Move To Suburban Atlanta

The Atlanta Braves will abandon downtown for a new stadium in suburban Cobb County. The Braves have played in the city for almost 50 years, and the news came as a big shock to residents.

After Decades, Braves To Move To Suburban Atlanta

Listen · 3:50
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/244947840/244948114" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Thursday

To Get Around Town, Some Cities Take A Step Back In Time

Construction of the Atlanta streetcar line has hurt many businesses along the route, but there is hope that economic gains will increase once the line opens next spring. Kathy Lohr/NPR hide caption

toggle caption
Kathy Lohr/NPR

U.S. Commutes: The Way We Get To Work

To Get Around Town, Some Cities Take A Step Back In Time

In 2001, Portland, Ore., was the first to develop a new kind of streetcar system. Success there led to a resurgence, with at least two dozen cities planning, building or expanding trolley lines — places like Atlanta; St. Louis, Mo.; and Tucson, Ariz. But some wonder whether it's the best way to spend limited transit dollars.

To Get Around Town, Some Cities Take A Step Back In Time

Listen · 5:03
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/243518385/243650742" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Tuesday

National

Judge Rules Against Part Of Texas Abortion Law

A federal judge in Texas struck down a key provision of the state's new abortion law one day before it was to go into effect. The judge ruled the part of the law that required doctors to get admitting privileges at a nearby hospital is unconstitutional.

Judge Rules Against Part Of Texas Abortion Law

Listen · 3:49
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/241548508/241548489" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Friday

Clinics Close As Texas Abortion Fight Continues

In July, abortion rights advocates marched in Austin, Texas, to protest legislation that could shut down all but five abortion clinics and restrict abortion rights throughout the state. Tamir Kalifa/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Tamir Kalifa/AP

Health

Clinics Close As Texas Abortion Fight Continues

Some clinics say they can't comply with a Texas law set to go into effect next week. It adds building requirements for clinics and places more rules on doctors who perform abortions. Laws like the one in Texas have passed in more than a dozen states.

Clinics Close As Texas Abortion Fight Continues

Listen · 5:42
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/240547579/240685208" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Saturday

Politics

Glitches Slow Health Exchange Sign-ups

It's been a bumpy week for the new state health care exchanges. Computer problems and the sheer number of people trying to log in overloaded the system. Despite the technical issues, health care navigators are trying to help people figure out their options.

Glitches Slow Health Exchange Sign-ups

Listen · 4:14
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/229472259/229473199" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Wednesday

National

Univ. Of Alabama Sororities Accept A Few Students Of Color

At least four black women and other minority students have joined sororities at the University of Alabama. The word to reopen the bidding process came after some spoke out about alleged discrimination in the recruiting process. Experts say segregation is illegal yet it's happening at schools across the country. Some see the new pledges as a first step toward change. For others, it's a symbolic gesture.

Univ. Of Alabama Sororities Accept A Few Students Of Color

Listen · 3:54
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/226205806/226205808" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Wednesday

University Of Alabama Moves To Integrate Greek System

Judy Bonner, the University of Alabama's new president, when the school's championship football team visited the White House on April 19, 2012. Mike Theiler/UPI /Landov hide caption

toggle caption
Mike Theiler/UPI /Landov

Code Switch

University Of Alabama Moves To Integrate Greek System

White sorority members told the school's student newspaper they wanted to recruit at least two black candidates, but their names were removed before members could vote on them. University President Judy Bonner has ordered sororities to use an open bidding process, which allows them to add new members at any time.

University Of Alabama Moves To Integrate Greek System

Listen · 4:27
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/223598513/223629563" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Monday

National

Trail Life USA, The 'Other' Boy Scouts Of America

A new faith-based boys group is taking shape, just three months after the Boy Scouts of America decided to change its membership policy to allow gay youth to join. The group, Trail Life USA, calls itself a Christian alternative to the Boy Scouts, and says it will focus on adventure, character and leadership.

Trail Life USA, The 'Other' Boy Scouts Of America

Listen · 4:00
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/220499562/220586202" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Tuesday

New Carpet Factories Help Cushion Blows From Recession Losses

Fibers are rolled into spools at the Engineered Floors carpet plant in Dalton, Ga. Kathy Lohr/NPR hide caption

toggle caption
Kathy Lohr/NPR

Business

New Carpet Factories Help Cushion Blows From Recession Losses

Known as the "Carpet Capital of the World," Dalton, Ga. has struggled and lost thousands of jobs over the past decade. But carpet jobs are returning, and state officials say 7,000 new manufacturing jobs are coming to Georgia over the next five years.

New Carpet Factories Help Cushion Blows From Recession Losses

Listen · 4:48
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/216945303/218627273" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Thursday

Bank Of America To Close Some Drive-Up Tellers

Bank of America won't say exactly how many drive-through lanes are closing. A spokeswoman did say the decision is not a cost-cutting move but a response to the way people are banking. At branches where drive-through lanes are closing, the bank says ATMs will be available. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Business

Bank Of America To Close Some Drive-Up Tellers

Bank of America says too few people are using drive-through teller windows. So, the bank is cutting that service at some branches. Teller lanes from Georgia to Texas have already closed.

Bank Of America To Close Some Drive-Up Tellers

Listen · 1:17
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/214392636/214393123" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Sunday

Race

Atlanta Celebrates King's Dream

The birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. commemorates the 50th anniversary of King's "I Have a Dream" speech with a celebration at the national historic site and at the King Center in Atlanta. It's an effort to get children and families involved the history of the movement.

Atlanta Celebrates King's Dream

Listen · 5:32
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/213144469/213144448" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Thursday

National

Civil Rights Leaders Call For States To Expand Voting Rights

Civil rights leaders meeting in Atlanta say states, including Texas and North Carolina, are deliberately trying to make it more difficult for voters. They're calling for a national campaign to strengthen voting rights, increase voter participation and eliminate long lines at the polls.

Civil Rights Leaders Call For States To Expand Voting Rights

Listen · 3:58
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/212162257/212198745" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Tuesday

Where Do Drugs For Lethal Injections Come From? Few Know

A new law in Georgia makes information about where the state got its supply of lethal injection drugs a secret. Ric Feld/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Ric Feld/AP

National

Where Do Drugs For Lethal Injections Come From? Few Know

Georgia, like many other states, protects the identity of companies that make drugs used in executions. The lawyer of a death row inmate says not being able to verify the effectiveness of the drug violates his client's right "to be free from cruel and unusual punishment."

Where Do Drugs For Lethal Injections Come From? Few Know

Listen · 3:37
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/207026540/207048426" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Tuesday

Laws Tightening Abortion Rules Gain Traction In States

Dr. Howard Novick says new abortion restrictions in Texas could force him to close the Houston clinic he opened in 1980. He says he doesn't have the more than $1 million required to convert his office into a surgical center with wide corridors and sophisticated airflow systems. Pat Sullivan/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Pat Sullivan/AP

National

Laws Tightening Abortion Rules Gain Traction In States

Texas is one of several states that have passed laws tightening standards for clinics and doctors who provide abortions. Proponents say the laws make the procedure safer. But abortion rights advocates say the tightened requirements are unnecessary and driven by ideology, not safety concerns.

Laws Tightening Abortion Rules Gain Traction In States

Listen · 5:10
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/204868525/204895929" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Tuesday

National

New Band Director Says Florida A&M Must March Forward

Florida A&M University has lifted the suspension on the Marching 100 and is rebuilding its band. The band had been suspended since a hazing incident in 2011 ended in the death of drum major Robert Champion. His parents say the band is moving forward too soon.

New Band Director Says Florida A&M Must March Forward

Listen · 3:59
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/202566707/202566690" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Monday

G-Man Fights Crime, And A Medical Disorder, In Kansas City

Author Joel Goldman has found there's plenty of true crime to write about in the Kansas City metro area. Charlie Riedel/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Charlie Riedel/AP

Crime In The City

G-Man Fights Crime, And A Medical Disorder, In Kansas City

When Joel Goldman was diagnosed with a medical condition that makes him shake and stutter, he quit his law practice and started writing novels inspired by true crime in the Kansas City area. Eventually, he gave his disorder to FBI Agent Jack Davis, one of his main characters.

G-Man Fights Crime, And A Medical Disorder, In Kansas City

Listen · 7:20
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/201177814/202248181" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Thursday

Law

Chef Paula Deen Under Fire After Admitting To Racial Slurs

A lawsuit accuses Southern chef Paula Dean of using racial slurs in the workplace. Deen says she has used a slur regarding African-Americans, but not in a long time. The case is bringing out some surprising admissions.

Chef Paula Deen Under Fire After Admitting To Racial Slurs

Listen · 3:13
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/193965215/193965194" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Wednesday

The View From Black America

Survey: African Americans Fearful Of U.S. Economy

And now another chapter in our series on African-American lives. NPR conducted a poll of African Americans with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health. The survey found optimism but many respondents expressed fears about the economy.

Survey: African Americans Fearful Of U.S. Economy

Listen · 4:46
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/193383916/193383907" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Tuesday

Religion

Churches Reconsider Sponsoring Boy Scout Troops

Some churches have said they will end their affiliation with the Boy Scouts after its decision to allow openly gay members to join. Others, including Southern Baptists, are considering their next move. Another group plans to hold a meeting in Louisville later this month with parents who say they want a more Christian organization for their children.

Churches Reconsider Sponsoring Boy Scout Troops

Listen · 4:55
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/190570337/190601057" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Friday

National

Boy Scouts 'Moving Forward,' Vote To Allow Gay Members

The Boy Scouts of America has decided to allow openly gay Scouts to join the organization but not gay Scout leaders. Sixty-one percent of the National Council members who cast ballots supported the controversial proposal.

Boy Scouts 'Moving Forward,' Vote To Allow Gay Members

Listen · 4:20
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/186410401/186410376" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Browse archive or search npr.org