The air is filled with political ads
Television commercial breaks are flooded with political ads, but more money could be flowing to local stations.5:35 p.m.
National Public Radio Stories
Gael Garcia Bernal Stretches Acting's Boundaries
Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal's work is often cited for its intensity and vulnerability. His latest films are Babel and The Science of Sleep. He talks about acting -- and the leap of faith it requires.
After 50 Years, Ginsberg's 'Howl' Still Resonates
Fifty years ago this month, a San Francisco bookstore published Howl, a controversial poem that became an anthem for the Beat Generation. Alan Ginsberg became a legend.
Baghdad Finally Calm Under Massive U.S. Presence
In Baghdad, a daytime curfew and a massive American street presence ensured a peaceful end to a violent week, in which top officials argued over timelines and security and a U.S. soldier went missing.
Iraq War Vets Return; Some Have No Home
National Guard Cpl. Joe Raicaldo is home from Iraq with things he didn't have when he left: an honorable discharge, metal rods and screws up and down his spine, and an arm that moves like a robot's. He's also homeless, living in his car. There are at least 600 recent vets who are homeless.
Haunted House Preys on New Yorkers' Fears
They say nothing can rattle a New Yorker -- but one man claims to know the city's deepest fears. In building a haunted house meant to scare the pants off visitors, an off-Broadway producer polled New Yorkers about what they fear the most.
'Runway' Ready Halloween Costumes
For some Halloween costume ideas, Robert Siegel talks with Laura Bennett. She was the runner-up in this season of the hit Bravo TV series Project Runway. Bennett, the mother of five children -- with a sixth on the way -- says people should stick with the scary theme for their kids. She recommends tin foil if you're making a last-minute run to the supermarket to make a costume on a shoestring budget.
After Two Strong Quarters, GDP Swoons
The national economy slowed sharply in the third quarter, falling to 1.6 percent, according to new government numbers. The droop comes after the nation's Gross Domestic Product had expanded at a 5.6 percent annual rate earlier in the year. Analysts blamed the poor showing on a slump in the housing sector.
Would-Be Mall Developer Adds Green to Pitch
The owner of one of the last large open spaces in San Luis Obispo, Calif., is seeking to develop old farm land into a modern shopping mall. But after local voters soundly rejected the plan, Ernie Dalidio has made his proposal "greener." The planned mall in the coastal town would now incorporate an organic garden, a traditional farmers' market and a monarch butterfly sanctuary.
U.S. Admiral Inspects the Disarray of E. Timor
U.S. Adm. William Fallon tours tumultuous East Timor, where violent clashes between eastern and western residents of the capital of Dili have been going on since the spring. Hours before Fallon arrived, the airport was still closed, the result of a deadly clash with rioters.
Bush Administration Alters Terms for Discussing Iraq
President Bush and senior members of his Cabinet all spoke this week about Iraq. A review of the statements suggests that the language used to describe the situation has changed. But does a shift in language mean a change in strategy coming?