Search results for

A new study finds that aggressively lowering cholesterol levels far below current recommendations can substantially reduce the risk of heart attacks and other heart disease. Experts say the results of the study, which looked at high-intensity treatment with drugs known as statins, are likely to alter heart disease treatment. Hear NPR's Renee Montagne and NPR's Richard Knox.

An explosion in the heart of Baghdad kills at least 25 people and leaves nearly 50 others wounded. The blast, which investigators say was the result of a 1,000-pound car bomb, left a huge crater outside the Mount Lebanon hotel, which was nearly destroyed by the blast. Hear NPR's Robert Siegel and NPR's Steve Inskeep.

The Bush administration used money intended for Afghanistan to prepare for war in Iraq, according to Plan of Attack, a new book from Bob Woodward of The Washington Post. The book also alleges that Saudi Arabia offered to stabilize gas prices during President Bush's election year. NPR's Don Gonyea reports. Hear NPR's Robert Siegel and former presidential adviser David Gergen.

U.S. commanders say American forces will respond to last week's killings of four civilian contractors in Fallujah... but it will come at a time and place the Marines choose. Meanwhile, three Iraqis accused of launching rocket attacks on the Marine base there are arrested. Hear NPR's Howard Berkes and Eric Niiler of member station KPBS, who is embedded with the First Marine Division.

As members of Congress head home for their spring break, they have little to tout in the way of legislative success. A pattern has developed: Republicans propose legislation, Democrats attach amendments that win support from moderate Republicans, and the Republican leadership pulls the bills before a vote, apparently out of deference to the White House. Hear NPR's Howard Berkes and NPR's David Welna.

On Friday, the mother of the youngest of three Japanese hostages being held in Iraq appealed to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to withdraw Japanese troops. But Koizumi says he has no intention of withdrawing the troops, and pledges that Japan will do its utmost to rescue the hostages. NPR's Rob Gifford reports from Tokyo.

U.S. Marines target a mosque complex in the besieged town of Fallujah with rockets and a large bomb, killing at least 25 people and possibly as many as 40. Insurgents were reportedly using the mosque to stage attacks on U.S.-led forces. Hear NPR's Michele Norris and Eric Niiler of member station KPBS, who is with the First Marine Division.

Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry criticizes the stay-the-course strategy President George Bush reiterated in his White House news conference Tuesday night. Kerry, the presumed Democratic nominee for president, said at a news conference in New York that the president has been too inflexible in his plans and has alienated U.S. allies. NPR's David Welna reports.

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi vows to maintain his country's participation in the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq, despite the execution of an Italian hostage by Iraqi militants. The militants are threatening to kill three other Italian hostages seized this week if Italian troops aren't withdrawn. Hear NPR's Sylvia Poggioli.

U.S. Marines in Fallujah have discovered weapons, documents and tapes that suggest non-Iraqi Arabs have played a substantive role in the anti-U.S. insurgency in Fallujah. Letters suggest many of the foreign fighters are Sunni Muslims who came to fight the Shiite majority. Hear NPR's Bob Edwards and KPBS reporter Eric Niiler in Fallujah.