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Today's Stories October 29, 2014

Reporter Crosses Into Syria To Tell Stories Of Fighters

Holly Williams of CBS discusses some of the people she's interviewed, including women soldiers on the frontlines.

How Far Have We Come Since The Financial Crisis?

Or are we already going backwards? We ask Michael Lewis, author of books including "Flash Boys" and "Liar's Poker."

ISIS Uses Hostage As Part Of Propaganda Effort

The video shows British hostage John Cantlie acting as a war correspondent forecasting the fall of the town to militants, despite U.S. airstrikes.

As Election Nears, Republicans Plan For Senate Takeover

More From Today
12:50 PM EDT Comment

DJ Sessions: '80s And '90s Nostalgia And More

KCRW's Aaron Byrd shares a playlist of new music from Irene Diaz, Buscabulla, Marian Hill, Nick Mulvey and Julio Bashmore.

12:40 PM EDT 2 Comments

On Superstorm Sandy Anniversary, Red Cross Under Scrutiny

An investigation by NPR and ProPublica has uncovered serious problems with the charity's response to the storm.

12:06 PM EDT 2 Comments

Fed Keeps Rate At Record Low, Ends Bond Buying

As expected, the Federal Reserve is ending a bond purchase program that was intended to keep long-term rates low.

12:47 PM EDT 41 Comments

Hidden Camera Video Shows Street Harassment Of Women In NYC

What do you think of the video? Does it surprise you? Does it hit home for you? Let us know in the comments.

1:40 PM EDT Comment

Fusion Marks One Year In News

The TV network, born from the marriage of Univision and ABC, caters to millennials -- particularly Latino millennials.

1:35 PM EDT Comment

Lava Threatens Homes On Hawaii's Big Island

Residents of Pahoa Village are evacuating, as smoke billows towards their homes and lava from Kilauea volcano creeps closer.

1:55 PM EDT Comment

A Disappearing Tradition Gets A Big Boost

The origins of the Singing and Praying Bands of Maryland and Delaware go back to the days of slavery.

1:14 PM EDT Comment

Shiite Militias In Iraq: Savior Or Menace?

Many Baghdad residents see the Shiite militias as saviors, but others worry these brigades of volunteers have grown ominously powerful.

12:35 PM EDT Comment

FTC Sues AT&T Over Unlimited Data Plans

The Federal Trade Commission argues the telecom giant cut internet speeds for customers who were using too much data.

1:50 PM EDT Comment

A Blessing Of Stuffed Animals

The Congregational Church of Patchogue in Long Island, N.Y. held a blessing for stuffed animals to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

Music From The Show

From Moderate to The German Army.

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October 24 Comment

Amazon’s Political Sitcom ‘Alpha House’ Launches Second Season

The show, from the creator of the "Doonesbury" comic strip, centers on four U.S. Senators who share a house in Washington, D.C.

October 24 7 Comments

Why Are Dozens Of Western Women Joining ISIS?

The FBI is investigating the case of three teenage girls from Colorado who they believe tried to join ISIS militants in Syria.

October 23 Comment

New Documentary Profiles Human Rights Watch Team

An elite group known as the E-Team travels across the globe documenting human rights violations and war crimes.

October 23 Comment

Bottom Of The Sea Is ‘A World Of Surprises’

The world's oceans cover nearly two-thirds of the Earth's surface, yet little is understood about the ocean floor.

October 22 14 Comments

Colorado Backs Away From Pot Edibles Ban

Critics say a ban would violate the state's voter-approved legalization of recreational marijuana, which took effect in January.

October 22 4 Comments

Modest Raise For Social Security Recipients

Economist Diane Swonk says the 1.7 percent cost-of-living increase falls short of the inflation older Americans actually see.

October 21 Comment

Jim Gaffigan’s Love Affair With Food

The stand-up comic gives his particular gastronomic take on the world in his new memoir "Food: A Love Story."

October 21 Comment

Jill Abramson Announces Plans For News Startup

The former New York Times executive editor said her goal is to create a news outlet that favors quality over quantity.

Robin and Jeremy

Robin Young and Jeremy Hobson host Here & Now, a live two-hour production of NPR and WBUR Boston.

October 28 Comment

Cooking With The Fruit Of Fall

Apples are abundant, but so are pears, pomegranates, persimmons and figs. Our resident chef shares six recipes.

October 28 2 Comments

The Mystery Of Michael Rockefeller’s Disappearance

A new book attempts to piece together what happened to the 23-year-old heir, who went missing in Dutch New Guinea in 1961.

October 27 Comment

Documentary Charts The Rise Of James Brown

The filmmaker, along with a trombonist and an ethnomusicologist, join us to discuss the late "godfather of soul."

October 27 18 Comments

What Happens When A School Pays Teachers $125,000 A Year

Higher teacher salaries may help students do better in school, according to a study that looked at a New York City charter school.