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Renee Montagne Renee Montagne is a special correspondent at NPR.
Renee Montagne 2010
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Renee Montagne

Economy

Obama Turns His Attention To Deficit Reduction

After weeks of leaving deficit-reduction talks to Vice President Biden, President Obama will meet personally with Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate. They're trying to work out a plan to stem the tide of red ink. But no matter what happens, the government will need to keep borrowing money. And that means lawmakers will need to raise the federal debt ceiling within the next five weeks.

Obama Turns His Attention To Deficit Reduction

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Afghanistan

Will U.S. Troop Drawdown Hurt Afghan Mission?

President Obama wants to withdraw 10,000 troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year. But what will that mean for the mission there? The White House is making the case that Afghan national security forces will be able to pick up the load as Americans leave.

Will U.S. Troop Drawdown Hurt Afghan Mission?

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Sports

NFL, NBA Face Tough Contract Bargaining Sessions

Billions of dollars are at stake this summer as the leagues for professional football and basketball try to negotiate new contracts with their players' unions. The NFL and the NBA both need new collective bargaining agreements.

NFL, NBA Face Tough Contract Bargaining Sessions

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Latin America

Mexico Captures Reputed Leader Of La Familia Cartel

The Mexican government said the arrest of "The Monkey Mendez" was a final blow to the leadership of La Familia cartel. There was a $2.5 million reward for his capture.

Mexico Captures Reputed Leader Of La Familia Cartel

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Middle East

Syria: 120 Government Troops Killed By Gunmen

The Syrian government says armed gangs have killed at least 120 government troops in a town near the Turkish border. The fighting could mark a turning point in what has been a largely peaceful uprising. Government officials have vowed to deal with the killings decisively, and activists say many residents are fleeing in anticipation of a major military attack.

Syria: 120 Government Troops Killed By Gunmen

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Health

15 States Try To Cut Back On Medicaid Programs

Medicaid provides health care to people with low incomes, who also meet certain other categories. And while the federal government pays more than half of the bill, the share the states pay consumes 22 percent of the average state's budget. That's more than they pay for education, transportation or other large budget items.

15 States Try To Cut Back On Medicaid Programs

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Europe

Portugal's New Government Must Cut Deficit

Official results show Portugal's Social Democrats have unseated the Socialist government in an emphatic election victory. The Socialists appeared to pay heavily for the country's steep economic downturn which forced it to ask for a bailout.

Portugal's New Government Must Cut Deficit

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Economy

New Portugal Government To Deal With Economy

The people of Portugal vote in an election Sunday to choose a new government to replace the one that collapsed over its unpopular austerity program. Portugal is deeply in debt, and has promised to make unpopular changes in welfare and labor policies in return for a massive bailout by the IMF and the European Union.

New Portugal Government To Deal With Economy

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Africa

Gadhafi's Oil Minister Announces He Defected

Libyan ruler Moammar Gadhafi suffered a major diplomatic blow when his oil minister announced his defection on Wednesday. But the departure apparently hasn't weakened Gadhafi's resolve to hold onto power.

Gadhafi's Oil Minister Announces He Defected

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Sports

5 Years On: Heat, Mavericks Meet Again In NBA Finals

The NBA Finals begin Tuesday night with the Miami Heat taking on the Dallas Mavericks. The last time the two teams met in the championship round, the Heat was victorious.

5 Years On: Heat, Mavericks Meet Again In NBA Finals

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Middle East

Yemeni Government Responds To Protestors

Freelance reporter Tom Finn, in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, discusses the latest deadly clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces. Warplanes reportedly bombed the southern cit of Zinjibar. And in the city of Taiz, security forces reportedly killed at least 15 protesters.

Yemeni Government Responds To Protestors

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New Rules For Vietnamese Police

In Vietnam, black sunglasses are now banned for its police officers, along with smoking and chatting on the job. And traffic cops have been order to stop hiding behind trees to catch errant drivers. Vietnamese officials hope the changes will improve the police force's notoriously bad reputation.

New Rules For Vietnamese Police

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Knoxville Zoo's Giant Tortoise Ends Dry Spell

At the Knoxville Zoo, Al the giant tortoise hadn't seen a female turtle in almost 30 years. It's been about 20 years for his 90-year-old zoomate, Tex. Last Wednesday, Al quickly mated with a visiting female named Patches. So far, Tex is taking it slow with his potential mates.

Knoxville Zoo's Giant Tortoise Ends Dry Spell

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Afghanistan

Remembering Those Killed In Action

In Afghanistan, the U.S. death toll this year has topped 150. One of those was Staff Sgt. Edward Mills Jr. He was one of six soldiers who died last Thursday in Kandahar province by an improvised explosive device. Mills, of New Castle, Pa., was a "natural-born leader," says his brother.

Remembering Those Killed In Action

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Business

Thinking Big: Qatar Goes For Largest Monopoly Game

The tiny Persian Gulf state of Qatar is hoping to go where others haven't gone before. This coming weekend, officials at the Doha Trade Fair are organizing an attempt to build the world's largest Monopoly game. The board will be well over 1,500 square feet.

Thinking Big: Qatar Goes For Largest Monopoly Game

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