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Tovia Smith Tovia Smith is an award-winning NPR News National Desk correspondent based in Boston.
Tovia Smith 2010
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Tovia Smith

Technology

Airport Scanners Transform Bodies Into Stick Figures

Amid all the controversy about invasive body scans and pat-downs, one U.S. airport has announced plans to replace scanners that provide a detailed picture of the traveler's body. Logan Airport in Boston will switch to new scanners that show only a stick figure of the passenger.

Airport Scanners Transform Bodies Into Stick Figures

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National

Alcoholic Energy Drink Maker To Remove Caffeine

The makers of Four Loko, a drink that combines alcohol with caffeine and other energy boosters, say they're changing their recipe. The federal government is poised to ban the combo, which has been linked to injuries in several states.

Alcoholic Energy Drink Maker To Remove Caffeine

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The End Of An Era: Goodbye, Kennedys

A Milestone: Retiring Rhode Island Rep. Patrick Kennedy (right) puts his arm around his successor, Providence Mayor David Cicilline, in Providence on Sunday. When Kennedy leaves office, it will be the first time in 60 years that a Kennedy will not hold elected office in the nation's capital. Gretchen Ertl/AP hide caption

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Gretchen Ertl/AP

Politics

The End Of An Era: Goodbye, Kennedys

The golden anniversary of John F. Kennedy's 1960 election victory coincides with another Kennedy milestone: Next month, when Rhode Island Rep. Patrick Kennedy leaves office, it will be the first time in 60 years that a Kennedy will not hold elected office in the nation's capital.

The End Of An Era: Goodbye, Kennedys

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Election 2010

Tone, Temperament At Issue In Maine Gov. Race

In a bitterly contested political season, the race for governor in Maine is one of the most fiercely fought. Waterville Mayor Paul LePage, a Tea Party favorite, is feuding with his Democratic opponent, Maine Senate President Libby Mitchell -- as well as with the media. LePage's rough-around-the-edges style is making some voters cringe, but to others, it's making LePage more credible.

Tone, Temperament At Issue In Maine Gov. Race

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A Juggling Game For A Single Mom In The Middle

Sue Spencer, 50, stands with her daughter Gaelyn Spencer, 17, in front of their home in Marlborough, N.H. Erik Jacobs for NPR hide caption

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Erik Jacobs for NPR

Living In The Middle

A Juggling Game For A Single Mom In The Middle

New federal numbers show the middle class struggling a little more these days. Sue Spencer, a case manager for the elderly in New Hampshire, makes nearly the median income of $49,777. "It's doable in a perfect month," she says. But most months are not perfect.

A Juggling Game For A Single Mom In The Middle

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Law

Increased Drug Use Fuels Debate Over Legalization

Illegal drug use is higher than it has been in decades, according to a federal report out today. Some officials say the growing number of states approving medical marijuana is sending kids the wrong message that smoking pot is not so harmful.

Increased Drug Use Fuels Debate Over Legalization

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National

Rite Of Passage: Moving Into A College Dorm

It's an annual ritual in Boston, as well as other areas across the country, parents help their kids move in at college dormitories. In Boston, move-in day is pretty chaotic and ties up traffic.

Rite Of Passage: Moving Into A College Dorm

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Flying Cars? Conveyor Belts? The Future Of I-95

What does the future hold for I-95? One thing experts agree on is more traffic. Timothy Bell for NPR hide caption

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Timothy Bell for NPR

I-95: The Road Most Traveled

Flying Cars? Conveyor Belts? The Future Of I-95

These days, I-95 commuters fantasize about simply being able to move. With smarter cars and sky-high roads, the future may just come to their rescue.

Flying Cars? Conveyor Belts? The Future Of I-95

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National

Will Gay Marriage Ruling Be A Ripple Or Tsunami?

California's same-sex marriage ban was overturned Wednesday, sparking rallies across the U.S. and reigniting debate about a raft of legal and political ramifications. While some say the ruling helps legitimize the issue, others are skeptical it will survive an appeal.

Will Gay Marriage Ruling Be A Ripple Or Tsunami?

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By Hiring Gulf Scientists, BP May Be Buying Silence

Pelicans rest on an oil retention boom near Grand Isle, La. Mario Tama/Getty Images hide caption

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Mario Tama/Getty Images

Science

By Hiring Gulf Scientists, BP May Be Buying Silence

For months now, local scientists have been out on Gulf waters, advising the cleanup and measuring the damage. But there is growing concern that some of the best minds are being sidelined, since they've signed on as paid consultants to BP.

By Hiring Gulf Scientists, BP May Be Buying Silence

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Law

Should Parents Have To Testify Against Kids In Court?

Husbands and wives don't have to testify against each other in court, but for the most part, there is no such protection between parents and children. Some are trying to change that in Massachusetts. Opponents say the parent-child privilege can't come at the expense of justice for victims.

Should Parents Have To Testify Against Kids In Court?

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Gulf Oil Spill: Containment And Clean Up

Gulf Residents Face Quandary: Sue Or Settle?

The administrator of BP's compensation fund is trying to persuade Gulf Coast residents not to sue the company, but to take a settlement instead. But many in the region affected by the oil spill say it's too early to pinpoint their damages.

Gulf Residents Face Quandary: Sue Or Settle?

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Many In Gulf On Road To Uncertain Compensation

Scott Burke, owner of Loop Linen and Uniform Service in Westwego, La., says the Gulf oil spill has had an impact on his bottom line. "As the restaurants slow down, we slow down," Burke says. "It's just a trickle-down effect." Tovia Smith/NPR hide caption

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Tovia Smith/NPR

Gulf Oil Spill: Containment And Clean Up

Many In Gulf On Road To Uncertain Compensation

Many business owners in the Gulf, from plumbers to beauticians, are filing claims with BP. The ultimate decision about compensation is in the hands of administrator Kenneth Feinberg, unless people want to try their luck in court.

Many In Gulf On Road To Uncertain Compensation

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Law

Same-Sex Marriage Inches Toward High Court

A federal court in Boston ruled last week that same-sex married couples deserve federal recognition -- moving the battle closer to the Supreme Court. Opponents are encouraging voters to put pressure on courts to say no. Advocates see the decision as a major breakthrough, but some are worried they're pushing the issue too far, too fast.

Same-Sex Marriage Inches Toward High Court

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