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As The Clock Ticks, U.S. Trains Afghan Troops

Credit Sean Carberry / NPR

US troops from the 1-91 Cavalry patrol in Baraki Barak district in Logar Province, south of Kabul. Insurgents carry out frequent attacks in the area. The U.S. is trying to improve the capabilities of Afghan forces so they will be able to take control when U.S. troops leave.

Credit Sean Carberry / NPR

U.S. troops from the 1-91 Cavalry question Afghan civilians in Baraki Barak district in Logar Province, south of Kabul.

Credit Sean Carberry / NPR

Afghan National Army soldier in one of the quieter parts of Logar Province.

By Sean Carberry

Originally published on Mon November 12, 2012 4:39 am

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As NATO prepares to withdraw combat troops from Afghanistan in 2014, Afghan forces are increasingly taking the lead against the Taliban and other insurgents. But the results are mixed.

In parts of Logar Province, just south of Kabul, Afghan troops are successfully leading security operations. In other parts of the same province, where insurgents are more active, U.S. troops are still taking the lead.

2:25 am

Mon November 12, 2012

With Millions Spent, GOP 'Investors' Saw Little Return Election Night

Credit Jerome Delay / AP

A supporter of President Barack Obama raises his arms as it is announced that Obama was re-elected during an election night watch party in Chicago.

By Peter Overby

Originally published on Mon November 12, 2012 4:39 am

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A "return on investment" is a concept better known to Wall Street than to Washington. But after President Obama and the Democrats won most of the close elections last week there are questions about the seven- and eight-figure "investments" made by dozens of conservative donors.

During the election season, it was pretty common to hear about donors making "investments" in superPACs and other outside groups, rather than a "political contribution," perhaps because the phrase has a sort of taint to it.

2:24 am

Mon November 12, 2012

To Get Around Tax Hike, Spanish Theater Sells Carrots Not Tickets

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Credit Quim Marcé

At the Bescanó municipal theater in northeastern Spain, director Quim Marcé (center) and actresses Meritxell Yanes (left) and Elena Martinell (right) display carrots for sale.

Credit Lauren Frayer / NPR

Banners at the entrance to the village of Bescanó announce the local theater's carrot-selling campaign, with the slogan "For the Health of Culture," in Catalan language.

By editor

Originally published on Mon November 12, 2012 4:41 pm

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In Spain, new austerity measures mean higher sales tax on everything from beer and wine to clothing and movie tickets. But in Bescanó, a small town in the country's northeast, the local theater director has come up with a rather creative way to get around a new 21 percent tax on tickets for plays at his theater –- by selling carrots instead.

2:23 am

Mon November 12, 2012

Weighing The Prospects Of The Keystone XL Pipeline

Credit Tom Pennington / Getty Images

President Obama speaks at the southern site of the Keystone XL pipeline in May in Cushing, Okla. Obama is under pressure to make a decision on the future of the pipeline during his second term.

By editor

Originally published on Tue November 13, 2012 9:17 am

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Among the difficult decisions facing President Obama is whether to give the go-ahead for the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline, which would bring oil from Canada down to refineries in the Gulf of Mexico.

Environmentalists want it blocked. They are concerned about endangering the Nebraska sand hills, under which is the largest aquifer in the country. It provides drinking water and irrigation water for several states.

4:39 pm

Sun November 11, 2012

Odds In Favor Of A New Supreme Court Justice In Obama's Second Term

Credit United States Supreme Court

Four of the current U.S. Supreme Court justices are over the age of 70, and many expect at least one appointment during Obama's second term.

By editor

Originally published on Mon November 12, 2012 5:27 am

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There has been vigorous public debate this election cycle about the Supreme Court; from the Citizens United case to the Affordable Care Act.

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2:27 am

Mon November 12, 2012