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Robert Smith Robert Smith is a correspondent for NPR's Planet Money where he reports on how the global economy is affecting our lives.
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Politics

GOP, Tea Party Offer Response To State Of The Union

After President Obama gave his State of the Union speech, it was Republicans' turn. Their official rebuttal was given by Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan. But minutes later, a group representing the Tea Party offered its own response from Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann.

GOP, Tea Party Offer Response To State Of The Union

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Politics

Ryan To Give GOP Response To State Of The Union

Republican Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin has been chosen to counter President Obama's State of the Union message Tuesday night. Ryan is chairman of the House Budget Committee.

Ryan To Give GOP Response To State Of The Union

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National

FBI Arrests More Than 100 In Major Mafia Crackdown

More than 100 alleged mobsters have been arrested across New York, New Jersey and New England. Officials say the sweep includes high-ranking members of the Gambino and Colombo crime families.

FBI Arrests More Than 100 In Major Mafia Crackdown

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National

Camels Hit The Streets Of N.Y. For Three Kings Day

New Yorkers have had a tough few weeks getting around. First there was the massive snow. Then, the sidewalks overflowed with unpicked-up garbage. On Thursday, thanks to the Three Kings Day parade, it was the camels. NPR's Robert Smith was there, and explains.

Camels Hit The Streets Of N.Y. For Three Kings Day

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National

Frustration Mounts Over Northeast Snow Cleanup

The Northeast is still digging out from last weekend's snowstorm. But also buried in the white stuff is the political future of local politicians. The cleanup is going slowly in some parts of New York City and New Jersey, and residents there are looking for someone to blame.

Frustration Mounts Over Northeast Snow Cleanup

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Economy

Revisiting A Support Group For Unemployed Men

Last year, Morning Edition followed a support group for unemployed men in Ridgewood, N.J. We check back in with the men at their annual holiday party to see how their job search is faring.

Revisiting A Support Group For Unemployed Men

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National

'No Labels' Movement Promotes Bipartisanship

A new political advocacy group was born in New York City Monday. The new group is called No Labels because it doesn't want to be pigeonholed as conservative or liberal. The goal of the new group is to promote bipartisan solutions to the nation's problems.

'No Labels' Movement Promotes Bipartisanship

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Business

Crooner Pat Boone Launches All-American Meats

Pat Boone is famous for his gospel and pop songs from the 1950s. But now he wants to be known for his rib-eyes and porterhouses. He's launching a line of meat products. Boone hopes to become the conservative Paul Newman, giving away some of the profits to feed the hungry and support other causes.

Crooner Pat Boone Launches All-American Meats

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'War On Christmas' Spreads To Lincoln Tunnel

The billboard sponsored by American Atheists near the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel in North Bergen, N.J. Seth Wenig/AP hide caption

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Seth Wenig/AP

National

'War On Christmas' Spreads To Lincoln Tunnel

Holidays are time for traditions, and one of the biggest American holiday traditions is arguing about religion. This year, the season's biggest religious controversy is in an unlikely place.

'War On Christmas' Spreads To Lincoln Tunnel

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Politics

Outgoing NY Governor May Have A Future In Radio

After last month's elections, there are a lot of lame-duck politicians looking for their next jobs. David Paterson has only one month left as New York Governor, but he seems to have found his new career. Paterson spent Wednesday co-hosting a call-in radio sports program.

Outgoing NY Governor May Have A Future In Radio

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Law

Thousands Join Ground Zero Settlement

More than 10,000 police officers, construction workers and firefighters have agreed to settle a lawsuit over exposure to toxic dust at ground zero in New York City. They were offered a pool of $625 million to settle health claims related to the cleanup after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and a deadline to accept the deal.

Thousands Join Ground Zero Settlement

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Pop Culture Happy Hour

Supervillains Gather, Dare To Ask The Question: Is James Bond Dead?

At a recent meeting of supervillains, the possible demise of James Bond at the hands of Hollywood financing problems was front and center.

Supervillains Gather, Dare To Ask The Question: Is James Bond Dead?

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Theater

In New Play, Teller Raises The 'Dead'

If you could talk to the dead, would you want to? That's the question explored in the new off-Broadway production Play Dead. It was directed by the magician Teller -- of the duo Penn and Teller -- as an homage to the old magic seance shows. On the stage, performer Todd Robbins raises the dead, plays tricks on the audience, and generally scares the wits out of anyone who shows up.

In New Play, Teller Raises The 'Dead'

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Election 2010

In Tiny Ct., A Big Loss For McMahon's $50M Campaign

Republican Senate candidate Linda McMahon, the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, spent close to $50 million on her campaign. Then she lost to state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal -- but not before blowing one last wad of cash on a big party.

In Tiny Ct., A Big Loss For McMahon's $50M Campaign

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