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National

Wednesday

Facebook, Instagram to block news stories in California if bill passes

The standoff in California is the latest scuffle between the tech giants and the news industry. Facebook and Google also resisted efforts in Australia and Canada that aimed to force the companies to cut deals with news publishers. LEON NEAL/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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LEON NEAL/AFP via Getty Images

Technology

Facebook, Instagram to block news stories in California if bill passes

From Australia to Canada, Big Tech has resisted lawmakers' efforts to force them to pay news publishers for carrying their articles. Now, that battle is playing out in California.

Politics

The House of Representatives is set to vote on the debt limit bill late Wednesday

The House is on the verge of the first major vote to approve legislation to lift the debt limit. a catastrophic financial default could become a reality if Congress doesn't pass the bill by Monday.

The House of Representatives is set to vote on the debt limit bill late Wednesday

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History

60 years ago, students joined the civil rights movement with 'The Children's Crusade'

The Birmingham movement in 1963 was a turning point when children joined the struggle for equal rights. The brutal response from white segregationists galvanized support for the Civil Rights Act.

60 years ago, students joined the civil rights movement with 'The Children's Crusade'

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Animals

You'll need a boat to navigate the flooded forest at this Vermont bird sanctuary

In springtime, a wildlife refuge in northern Vermont is a paradise of migratory birds where you can paddle through flooded maple forests.

You'll need a boat to navigate the flooded forest at this Vermont bird sanctuary

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Education

Blues musician Otis Taylor graduates high school 57 years after getting expelled

In 1966, a couple months before he was set to graduate, Otis Taylor was told he needed to cut his short afro or he'd be kicked out. Now, 57 years after he left, he has received a diploma.

Blues musician Otis Taylor graduates high school 57 years after getting expelled

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A mother reacts to the bankruptcy deal involving Purdue Pharma, maker of OxyContin

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Kara Trainor, whose son was born dependent on opioids because of her addiction, about what the Purdue Pharma settlement could mean for her and her family.

A mother reacts to the bankruptcy deal involving Purdue Pharma, maker of OxyContin

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Space

What NASA talked about in its meeting on unidentified anomalous phenomena

NASA held a meeting of its panel devoted to studying unidentified anomalous phenomena. Government officials are hopeful it can bring a scientific approach to understanding these mysterious objects.

What NASA talked about in its meeting on unidentified anomalous phenomena

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Saving summer: Senior citizens step up to fill the gap amid lifeguard shortage

A nationwide lifeguard shortage has pools cutting back hours or closing. At one metro Denver recreation center, senior citizens are stepping up by training to keep swimmers safe.

Saving summer: Senior citizens step up to fill the gap amid lifeguard shortage

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The debt ceiling deal bulldozes a controversial pipeline's path through the courts

The Mountain Valley Pipeline would stretch 303 miles, from West Virginia to North Carolina. This 2018 file photo shows a section of downed trees on a ridge near homes along the pipeline's route in Lindside, W.Va. Steve Helber/AP hide caption

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Steve Helber/AP

Energy

The debt ceiling deal bulldozes a controversial pipeline's path through the courts

The Mountain Valley Pipeline got an extraordinary boost in the debt ceiling deal. Court challenges have stalled the controversial natural gas pipeline stretching from West Virginia to North Carolina.

Pop Culture

A man's collection of more than 10,000 pieces of TV history are going up for auction

James Comisar is a Hollywood memorabilia collector who is putting up hundreds of iconic television items up for auction.

A man's collection of more than 10,000 pieces of TV history are going up for auction

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Law

An anti-drag law under litigation is impacting Pride planning in Tennessee

WPLN News

Pride organizers in Tennessee are running into a different deadline this year. A judge is expected to make a decision in the case against the restrictive drag law just as Pride festivals are underway.

An anti-drag law under litigation is impacting Pride planning in Tennessee

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Environment

How the debt ceiling deal compromises on the environment

A deal to raise the country's debt limit also includes changes to a bedrock environmental law and approves a controversial natural gas pipeline.

How the debt ceiling deal compromises on the environment

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