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National

Environment

Volunteers Get Ready To Yank Garlic Mustard Weeds

Around the country, it's the time of the year when people get together to pull garlic mustard from the ground. It's an invasive plant that spreads quickly and threatens native ecosystems. Jason Frenzel, an outreach coordinator for the Natural Area Preservation Unit in Ann Arbor, Mich., is leading a group of volunteers to yank the weeds from parks and woods on Saturday. He talks with Melissa Block about "Weed-Out Day."

Volunteers Get Ready To Yank Garlic Mustard Weeds

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Health Care

States Must Decide On Joining High-Risk Pools

Friday is the deadline for states to tell the federal government whether they plan to participate in the $5 billion temporary program to let uninsured people with pre-existing medical conditions get health insurance between now and 2014. The federal government will have to run the program, which is set to begin in July, for states that opt out.

States Must Decide On Joining High-Risk Pools

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Gulf Oil Spill: Containment And Clean Up

La. Parish President Braces For Disaster From Oil Spill

Oil from an explosion at an offshore oil rig is working its way onto the shores of Plaquemines Parish, La. Melissa Block speaks with Parish President Billy Nungesser about the effect the oil spill is having on the sensitive coastal areas of Plaquemines.

La. Parish President Braces For Disaster From Oil Spill

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Gulf Oil Spill: Containment And Clean Up

Oil Spill Has Fishermen Worried About Livelihoods

Oil oozed toward shore in Louisiana on Friday, moving closer to the state's wetlands and threatening the livelihoods of fishermen in the community of Venice. NPR's Cheryl Corley talks with residents about the potential impact of the spill.

Oil Spill Has Fishermen Worried About Livelihoods

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Food

Alabama Chef Up For 'Oscar' Of The Food World

Alabama may not be known for fine cuisine, but native son Frank Stitt is in the running for a 2010 James Beard Award for outstanding chef. The prestigious awards will be announced Monday. Debbie Elliott

Alabama Chef Up For 'Oscar' Of The Food World

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Europe

Brits In U.S. Weigh In On Prime Minister Debates

Britain's heated campaign for prime minister has generated some American-style television moments, like Gordon Brown not realizing his mike was on when he called a woman a "bigot." But it's hard for some Brits in the U.S. to tune in.

Brits In U.S. Weigh In On Prime Minister Debates

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Economy

Is A Debt Crisis Around The Corner For U.S.?

Both the U.S. and Greece have big budget deficits and too much debt, but Greece faces an immediate crisis. Could the U.S. face similar problems in the future?

Is A Debt Crisis Around The Corner For U.S.?

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Mine Safety In America

Massey, Federal Officials Investigated In Mine Blast

The FBI is investigating the circumstances surrounding the coal mine blast in West Virginia that killed 29 miners. Sources say the FBI is looking into potential criminal negligence on the part of Massey Energy, the owner of the Upper Big Branch coal mine. Sources also say the probe involves allegations of bribery involving the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. A Department of Justice spokeswoman denies the mine safety agency is part of the investigation, however.

Massey, Federal Officials Investigated In Mine Blast

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Gulf Oil Spill: Containment And Clean Up

Oil Spill Complicates Energy Bill

The prospects for an energy bill didn't look good at the beginning of the week when Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham pulled out of a tripartisan energy and climate change proposal he had worked on for months. And as the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico creeps toward the shore, plans to expand offshore oil drilling — to attract industry support and bring along some Republicans — are increasingly uncertain.

Oil Spill Complicates Energy Bill

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Choppy Seas Hinder Effort To Contain Oil Spill

This satellite image taken Thursday shows the oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico as it nears the shoreline, threatening wildlife along Louisiana's fragile islands and barrier marshes. NASA/AP hide caption

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NASA/AP

Gulf Oil Spill: Containment And Clean Up

Choppy Seas Hinder Effort To Contain Oil Spill

Sheen from the slick was beginning to penetrate Louisiana's wetlands as the state tried to divert thousands of gallons of fresh water from the Mississippi River to flush out the area. The White House put a hold on new offshore drilling until officials determine what triggered the Gulf of Mexico spill.

Economy

Foreclosure Woes Loom As Housing Stimulus Ends

The end of an $8,000 federal tax credit for homebuyers will remove a critical means of life support. Housing experts say home prices could continue to fall another 5 percent nationwide. Meanwhile, a record number of homes are headed toward foreclosure.

Foreclosure Woes Loom As Housing Stimulus Ends

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