Search results for

In Iowa, devastating floodwaters are beginning to inch their way down the southern part of the state. The next city that's in jeopardy of being swamped is the railroad hub of Burlington. Residents are digging in to try to save their town.

Steve Cirinna, Lee County Emergency Management coordinator, discusses how his Iowa county is preparing for a flood surge. Cirinna also warns that with fertilizer and propane in the flood water, it can be a long-term health risk.

Gay civil union will be legal in most counties in California today, but it is already facing some challenges. NPR's religion correspondent Barbara Bradley Hagerty talks about the battle between equal rights and American ideals of religious freedom.

Residents of Oakville, Iowa are working hard to try to save their city from flooding. A surge of Mississippi River water continues rolling south. It threatens to swallow homes, businesses and farmland. Farms are currently under 25 feet of water.

The Illinois Army National Guard has been called up to help with sandbagging duties in Quincy, Ill. Quincy Mayor John Spring sets the scene.

The fate of roughly 270 men being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, may change after Thursday's Supreme Court ruling against the Bush administration's plan for handling enemy combatants.

Foreign terrorism suspects being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, have rights under the U.S. Constitution to challenge their detention in civilian courts, the Supreme Court ruled Thursday. The decision is another setback for the Bush administration over its treatment of prisoners being held indefinitely and without charges at Guantanamo.

A couple's legal battle may presage future conflicts between religious groups and gay couples who want to get married. As same-sex couples in California begin getting legally married on Monday, there are signs of a coming storm.

Barack Obama's presidential campaign said Wednesday that Jim Johnson, the head of Obama's vice-presidential selection team, resigned. Presumptive GOP presidential nominee John McCain has said Johnson was the type of Washington insider the Illinois senator promised to campaign against.

In Western Iowa, Boy Scouts who helped their fellow scouts survive a powerful tornado at a gathering last night are being hailed as heroes today for their quick thinking and first aid efforts. The tornado killed four scouts at the camp and injured dozens. NPR's Michele Norris talks with reporter Michael Marek about the tragedy.