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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
After Losing A Leg, Woman Walks On Her Own — In 4-Inch Heels

Heather Abbott of Newport, R.I., shows off her "high-definition" prosthetic leg, which allows her to wear high heels and skirts. Stephan Savoia/AP hide caption

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Stephan Savoia/AP

After Losing A Leg, Woman Walks On Her Own — In 4-Inch Heels

A year after the Boston Marathon bombing, Heather Abbott has adapted to life with her prostheses, including a blade for running and one that allows her to wear her favorite shoes.

After Losing A Leg, Woman Walks On Her Own — In 4-Inch Heels

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A Year After Bombings, Some Say 'Boston Strong' Has Gone Overboard

The phrase Boston Strong sprang up after last year's marathon bombings and is now ubiquitous around town. But some wonder if the commercialization of the slogan also trivializes the tragedy. Tovia Smith/NPR hide caption

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National

A Year After Bombings, Some Say 'Boston Strong' Has Gone Overboard

The slogan is plastered on cars, cut into the grass at Fenway, tattooed on arms, bedazzled on sweatshirts and printed on T-shirts (and everything else). But some wonder whether it's time to retire it.

A Year After Bombings, Some Say 'Boston Strong' Has Gone Overboard

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Education

On The Syllabus: Lessons In Grit

Can kids be taught to be more resilient? To see how educators are teaching "grit," Tovia Smith visits a public school in Brooklyn that's trying to change attitudes about failure and frustration.

On The Syllabus: Lessons In Grit

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Does Teaching Kids To Get 'Gritty' Help Them Get Ahead?

At the Lenox Academy in Brooklyn, N.Y., educators try to teach kids to see struggle as a normal part of learning. Tovia Smith/NPR hide caption

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NPR Ed

Does Teaching Kids To Get 'Gritty' Help Them Get Ahead?

Education circles are abuzz with a new concept: that resilience and persistence are just as important as intelligence to predicting student success and achievement. But can "grit" actually be taught?

Does Teaching Kids To Get 'Gritty' Help Them Get Ahead?

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Race

'I, Too, Am Harvard': A Mantra For Recognition Becomes An Anthem

Tired of people suggesting they don't belong at Harvard, black students at the elite college began a campaign called "I, Too, Am Harvard." It's gone viral, sparking debate at other schools, as well.

'I, Too, Am Harvard': A Mantra For Recognition Becomes An Anthem

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National

In Boston, Gay Groups Remain Closed Out Of St. Patrick's Day Parade

Organizers of the South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade say they won't be allowing a gay rights group to join their parade. But Boston Mayor Martin Walsh says he'll keep fighting for LGBT inclusion.

In Boston, Gay Groups Remain Closed Out Of St. Patrick's Day Parade

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Law

Mass. Suit Aims To Clarify Religious Groups' Latitude In Hiring

When it comes to hiring pastors and teachers, religious organizations like churches or schools are exempt from most employment discrimination laws. But a lawsuit in Massachusetts wants to clarify how much leeway they have. For example, can they discriminate against people in same-sex marriages for non-religious jobs like gym teacher or cafeteria worker?

Mass. Suit Aims To Clarify Religious Groups' Latitude In Hiring

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Law

The U.S. Will Seek The Death Penalty for Boston Bombing Suspect

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced Thursday that federal prosecutors will seek the death penalty for Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

The U.S. Will Seek The Death Penalty for Boston Bombing Suspect

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National

Holder To Decide Soon On Death Penalty For Tsarnaev

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is due to announce this week whether he'll seek the death penalty against Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the surviving brother accused in the Boston Marathon bombing. The 20-year-old defendant is accused of killing four and injuring hundreds in the attack and the manhunt that followed.

Holder To Decide Soon On Death Penalty For Tsarnaev

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After 20 Years, Transgender Inmate Is A Step Closer To Surgery

Michelle Kosilek in a New Bedford, Mass., court in 1993. When Kosilek was known as Robert, he was convicted of the 1990 murder of his wife. Lisa Bul/AP hide caption

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National

After 20 Years, Transgender Inmate Is A Step Closer To Surgery

Last week, a federal appeals court in Massachusetts ruled that convicted murderer Michelle Kosilek has a right to gender reassignment surgery "even if that treatment strikes some as odd or unorthodox." State officials are weighing whether to keep fighting a battle that critics say has gone too far.

After 20 Years, Transgender Inmate Is A Step Closer To Surgery

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National

Punishing Winter Temperatures Drain Propane Supplies

The latest winter storm and freezing temperatures are straining already low supplies of propane in the Midwest and Northeast. Millions of Americans use the liquefied gas to heat their homes.

Punishing Winter Temperatures Drain Propane Supplies

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Economy

In The Long Wait For Aid From Washington, Job Hunters Despair

After failing to agree upon an extension for federal jobless benefits to the long-term unemployed, Congress is vowing to keep trying. The help can't come soon enough for many of the 1.4 million unemployed who saw their checks suddenly cut off last month.

In The Long Wait For Aid From Washington, Job Hunters Despair

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A Story Of The Boston Marathon Bombing, As Told On Skates

Ross Miner skates during the men's short program at the 2013 Skate Canada International last year. He hopes to qualify for the upcoming Winter Olympics. Dave Sandford/Getty Images hide caption

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Sports

A Story Of The Boston Marathon Bombing, As Told On Skates

Figure skater Ross Miner hopes to qualify for the Winter Olympics, and the final competition starts Friday night in Boston, where Miner will perform his experience of last year's bombing, through moves and music.

A Story Of The Boston Marathon Bombing, As Told On Skates

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A Grieving Newtown Mother's Motto: 'Love Wins'

Jimmy Greene holds a picture of his daughter, Ana, as he kisses his wife Nelba Márquez-Greene, at a January news conference in Newtown, Conn. They try to remember the good days with their daughter. "It is what brings me great comfort and great joy," Márquez-Greene says. Jessica Hill/AP hide caption

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Shootings In Newtown, Conn.

A Grieving Newtown Mother's Motto: 'Love Wins'

As a therapist, Nelba Márquez-Greene has spent a career counseling mentally ill and troubled young people. But she'll never understand what drove a young man to take the life of her 6-year-old daughter and 25 others. A year later, she is trying to prevent violence and promote healing.

A Grieving Newtown Mother's Motto: 'Love Wins'

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Newtown Parents Seek A Clearer Window Into Violent Behavior

Avielle's artwork hangs on the walls and windows of Jeremy Richman and Jennifer Hensel's home. Craig Ruttle/AP hide caption

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Shootings In Newtown, Conn.

Newtown Parents Seek A Clearer Window Into Violent Behavior

When Jeremy Richman and Jennifer Hensel lost their daughter in the Connecticut shooting, they couldn't understand why someone would do such a thing. In seeking an answer, they're funding research into the forces that increase a person's risk of aggression — and have also found a path to healing.

Newtown Parents Seek A Clearer Window Into Violent Behavior

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