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Rundown for Thursday, November 29, 2012

What U.N. Recognition Means To Palestinians, Israelis

Surrounded by Palestinian flags a Palestinian chants slogans during a rally supporting the Palestinian UN bid for observer state status, in the West Bank city of Hebron on Thursday. (Nasser Shiyoukhi/AP)

Despite U.S. and Israeli opposition, the United Nations is expected to vote to recognize a Palestinian state, and give it non-member observer status at the U.N.

Should Supermarket Plastic Bags Be Banned?

Randy Ritchey loads a plastic bag of groceries into the cart of Marianne Nielsen at the Fred Meyer store in Grants Pass, Ore. in January 2011. (Jeff Barnard/AP)

An increasing number of communities are banning the super-thin plastic bags commonly found in supermarkets. But what’s the alternative? Critics say paper bags may have a higher environmental cost.

White House, Congress Talk As ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Nears

In this Nov. 16, 2012, photo, President Obama acknowledges House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio while speaking to reporters, as he hosted a meeting of the leadership of Congress to discuss the deficit and economy. (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

With an end of the year deadline rapidly approaching, there has been little evident progress in negotiations on how to avert the economy-rattling “fiscal cliff.”

Tony Bennett On Zen, Art And His Prolific Music Career

Singer Tony Bennett poses for a portrait in New York in September. "I always knew that I gravitated to singing and painting, because of my family upbringing. Even though we were very poor, my parents placed a high value on the arts."   (Amy Sussman/Invision/AP)

At the age of 86, legendary singer Tony Bennett carries a full concert schedule, just released a new album and published a new book, “Life is a Gift: The Zen of Bennett.”

Music From The Show

From The Essex Green to Tony Bennett.

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Thursday, May 16, 2013
Dr. John S. Wilson, Jr. is president of Morehouse College in Atlanta. (Morehouse College)

President Obama delivers the commencement address this weekend at Morehouse College, the all-male historically black college. The school’s president discusses recent controversies and challenges.

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Thursday, May 16, 2013
Mark with Houston at Houston's high school graduation in 2009. (Courtesy of Mac McClelland)

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Thursday, May 16, 2013
"I Drive Your Truck" screenshot.

In 2011, a Nashville songwriter heard Alex Ashlock’s interview with Paul Monti, who lost his son in Afghanistan. It inspired her to write “I Drive Your Truck.”

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