Monday, November 23, 2009 1:14 p.m.

Golden State Highways Are A California Nightmare

California roads once were the envy of the world. But like a lot of things in the Golden State these days, they’re not what they used to be. Federal Highway Administration data show that of the 20 major urban areas with the worst roadway conditions, eight are in California, with 64 percent in "poor condition."

Monday, November 23, 2009 1:00 p.m.

New Charges In Somali Terror Case

NPR has learned a federal grand jury in Minneapolis is set to unseal a roster of indictments Monday charging a handful of men with recruiting young Somali-Americans to fight for a terrorist organization in Somalia. Law enforcement officials are expected to reveal details of a more than yearlong investigation into the disappearance of some two dozen young Somalis from the Twin Cities area.

Monday, November 23, 2009 11:50 a.m.

Study: Political Bent Affects How We View Skin Tone

These three photos of President Obama were among images shown to college students as part of a study that suggests political attitudes can affect the way people view skin tone. Self-described liberals were most likely to rate lightened photos as the most representative of Obama. Conservative students tended to pick darkened photos.

Monday, November 23, 2009 11:46 a.m.

In Afghanistan, A Plan To Woo The Taliban

The Afghan government and the U.S. military are pursuing an effort to lure low-level insurgents with job offers and other incentives, and split them from their Taliban leaders. In his second inaugural last week, President Hamid Karzai called on militants to lay down their arms and return to their homes.

Monday, November 23, 2009 11:46 a.m.

Who's Gaming Now? Seniors Turn To Wii Bowling

The introduction of the Nintendo Wii and its sports and fitness games has greatly expanded the appeal of video games — especially among senior citizens. From California to New York, dozens of teams and more than 1,000 bowlers are in the throes of a virtual Wii bowling competition.

Monday, November 23, 2009 11:30 a.m.

Russian Convents Face Obstacles To Restoring Past

Russia has seen an explosion in the number of Orthodox convents in the decades since the end of communist rule. There are now more than 240. Most of the renovated convents — many in remote areas — are based on their distant history and devotion to their particular icons. But for many reasons, reviving the past is far from easy.

Monday, November 23, 2009 7:01 a.m.

College Graduates Struggle To Repay Loans

The abysmal job market is making it hard for some to start making student loan payments, which come due this month for May graduates. A new law could ease the pain for some: It limits monthly payments to 15 percent of a graduate's income.

Monday, November 23, 2009 11:02 a.m.

S.C. Gov. Sanford Faces 37 Ethics Violation Charges

Mark Sanford is accused of breaking state laws more than three dozen times by violating rules on airplane travel and campaign money, according to details of the allegations. The state attorney general will decide whether to file criminal charges.

Monday, November 23, 2009 10:06 a.m.

Israel, Hamas Near Swap Of Prisoners For Soldier

Israeli President Shimon Peres confirms progress in negotiations to free 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for captured soldier Sgt. Gilad Shalit, who has been held for more than three years by the Islamic militant group Hamas.

Monday, November 23, 2009 8:47 a.m.

Health Care Overhaul Advances, But Not Without A Fight

In a rare Saturday session, the Senate cleared the way to take up debate on sweeping changes to overhaul the nation's Health Care system. Guest host Jennifer Ludden talks with NPR's Congressional Correspondent David Welna about what obstacles lay ahead with the health care bill.