In what is only his second prime-time Oval Office address to the nation, President Obama at this hour is expected to declare Operation Iraqi Freedom to be over with the end of US combat mission. Mr. Obama excerpts some of his speech released by the W
Challenging Mideast leaders to seize what he called a fleeting opportunity to end their differences, President Obama is playing host to the first Mideast peace talks in nearly two years. The president holding talks today with Israeli Prime Minister B
From NPR News in Washington, I'm Lakshmi Singh. Traces of oil are stretching out from the site of a rig explosion today off the Louisiana coast, the second blast since April. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal says the platform operated by Mariner Energ
President Obama is calling for improving the economic climate for the nation's small businesses today. Danielle Karson reports Mr. Obama plans to roll out a package of measures next week he says will boost economic growth. President Obama stood with
Palestinian Authorities continued a crackdown on militants in the West Bank today following the shooting attacks on Israeli settlers this week. NPR's Deborah Amos reports from Jerusalem. As many as 600 Palestinians have been arrested in the largest c
Fighting words from President Obama in Milwaukee today as Democrats face stiff election-year competition over his handling of the economy. At the Milwaukee Laborfest in Wisconsin today, the president described his critics as more talk than action. So
Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley says he will not seek reelection next year. The 68-year-old Daley has been mayor since 1989 following a special election after the death of Mayor Harold Washington. Daley's father, Richard J. Daley, died at age 74 of a
Scathing words from President Obama to Republican leaders critical of his handling of the US economy. NPRs Ari Shapiro reports that during an appearance in suburban Cleveland, Mr. Obama singled out House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio. Presiden
The State Department is warning Americans abroad to be on alert for possible protests against the US after a Florida church announced it would burn copies of the Koran this Saturday. Ahead of that, NPR's Michele Kelemen reports governments worldwide
Ceremonies today to mark the anniversary of September 11th, 2001 began at the spot where the attacks began that day. New York City, where the twin towers fell, is now called Ground Zero. NPR's Margot Adler reports. The ceremony on this ninth annivers
At this hour, some of the San Bruno, California residents whose homes were not heavily damaged by Thursday's natural gas pipeline explosion are returning to their homes. Bob Hensley of Capital Public Radio says officials may be shocked at the conditi
President Obama's pressing the Senate to pass a bill that, he says, would cut taxes for small businesses and create much-needed jobs. Proposed tax cuts in general have led to a political showdown between the White House and congressional Republicans.
Firefighters are steadily working to put out smoldering homes in San Bruno, California outside San Francisco, where an explosion last night killed at least four people and injured dozens more. At least 38 homes have been destroyed. San Bruno Fire Chi
A huge misunderstanding. That's how Sarah Shourd explains her experience being held on espionage charges in an Iranian prison. She was released last week after 13 months of detention and arrived back home in the US today. She's especially worried abo
From NPR News in Washington, Im Barbara Klein. President Obama is due to address the Congressional Black Caucus annual awards dinner this hour. NPRs Allison Keyes reports the president is working to energize African-American voters for the upcoming m
The FBI has custody of a couple charged with conspiring to attempt to help develop a nuclear weapon for Venezuela. Department of Justice spokesman Dean Boyd says a scientist and his wife appeared in federal court in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The defen
One in seven Americans lives in poverty. The rate is the highest it's been since 1995. NPR's Tamara Keith brings us the findings of a new Census Bureau report that reveals the recession spared virtually no one. The reason more Americans are living in
President Obama is praising the fact that lawmakers appear to be moving towards approval of a small business jobs bill. However, the president blasted those he says are standing in the way of his plan to extend tax cuts for middle-income households.
An American woman held for more than a year in Iran has arrived in Oman. Sarah Shourd was released today. She was arrested along with two American men while hiking in July last year along the Iran-Iraq border. As NPR's Jackie Northam reports, there a
President Obama will be talking about jobs and the economy during several speeches this week including at a Labor Day rally tomorrow in Milwaukee. Chuck Quirmbach of Wisconsin Public Radio has more on what the president will cover. The president will