Iranian businessman Ebrahim Pourfaraj in front of 240-foot deep construction site for what he says will be Iran's biggest hotel. Pourfaraj is betting big that the lifting of sanctions will open Iran's economy to the world after years of limited contact.

Iranian businessman Ebrahim Pourfaraj in front of 240-foot deep construction site for what he says will be Iran's biggest hotel. Pourfaraj is betting big that the lifting of sanctions will open Iran's economy to the world after years of limited contact. Steve Inskeep/NPR hide caption

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Parallels - World News

Digging Deep To Build The Tallest Hotel In Iran

Ebrahim Pourfaraj started digging a giant hole in Tehran well before sanctions were lifted. He's betting Iran's economy will open up, attracting investors and visitors who've long been locked out.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning during Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014. Manning will meet the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 this Sunday.

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning during Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014. Manning will meet the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 this Sunday. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images hide caption

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Sports

For Pro Athletes, Knowing When It's Time To Call It Quits

Earlier in the season, many suggested Payton Manning was through and should retire. He has since rebounded and will lead his Denver Broncos against the Carolina Panthers in Sunday's NFL Super Bowl.
Sporadic dengue fever outbreaks in Florida in 2009 and 2010 spurred mosquito control efforts in Key West and Miami Beach, shown here. The same mosquito that carries dengue, Aedes aegypti, can transmit Zika.

Sporadic dengue fever outbreaks in Florida in 2009 and 2010 spurred mosquito control efforts in Key West and Miami Beach, shown here. The same mosquito that carries dengue, Aedes aegypti, can transmit Zika. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption

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Shots - Health News

Florida Ramps Up Mosquito Fight To Stay Ahead Of Zika

It's only a matter of time, Gov. Rick Scott figures, before the virus shows up. He's called for increased spraying and other moves to keep Zika and other diseases in check.
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Trenches for designated burial sites can be seen on Hart Island.

Trenches for designated burial sites can be seen on Hart Island. Courtesy of the Hart Island Project hide caption

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Around the Nation

Relatives Of Deceased Push For More Access To N.Y.C. Potter's Field

There's a little-known island that serves as a cemetery for the homeless, stillborn babies and unclaimed remains. But visiting the island is a challenge — even for families of the deceased.
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The North Korea Information Center in Seoul, South Korea, holds a vast collection of publications, videos and everyday items from the North. Here, North Korea Woman magazine features the classic propaganda art often seen in North Korea.

The North Korea Information Center in Seoul, South Korea, holds a vast collection of publications, videos and everyday items from the North. Here, North Korea Woman magazine features the classic propaganda art often seen in North Korea. Elise Hu/NPR hide caption

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Parallels - World News

In The Heart Of Seoul, A Trove Of North Korean Propaganda

Many South Koreans have never heard of it, but a library in Seoul holds a vast collection of North Korean curiosities — textbooks, videos, fiction, even ginseng soap. Much of it can't be checked out.
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Garrison Pennington (right, No. 42) tackles a player during Albany High School's 2014-2015 season — the last he would play.

Garrison Pennington (right, No. 42) tackles a player during Albany High School's 2014-2015 season — the last he would play. Courtesy of Ned Purdom hide caption

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Youth Radio

Quitting The Gridiron When Football Runs Through The Family

Garrison Pennington's father, uncle and brother all played high school football. So did Garrison — until last year. He dreaded telling his parents. But turns out, his worries had been theirs, too.
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Maurice White flanked by singers Ralph Johnson (left) and Philip Bailey (right) of the band Earth, Wind & Fire perform at the Wiltern Theater December 11, 2004 in Los Angeles.

Maurice White flanked by singers Ralph Johnson (left) and Philip Bailey (right) of the band Earth, Wind & Fire perform at the Wiltern Theater December 11, 2004 in Los Angeles. Carlo Allegri/Getty Images hide caption

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The Two-Way - News Blog

Maurice White Of Earth, Wind & Fire Dies At 74

One of the musicians behind "September," perhaps the happiest-sounding wedding song of all time, died in his sleep. Verdine White announced the death of his "brother, hero and best friend."
Jeb Bush holds a campaign town hall meeting at the Alpine Club on Monday in Manchester, N.H.

Jeb Bush holds a campaign town hall meeting at the Alpine Club on Monday in Manchester, N.H. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images hide caption

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Elections

Heading Into New Hampshire, GOP 'Front-Runners' Are Anything But

Republican establishment choice Jeb Bush was once the candidate to beat. No more: Ted Cruz, Donald Trump and Marco Rubio's success in the Iowa caucuses puts new pressure on the party mainstream.
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Entrepreneur and pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli laughs during a hearing of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Capitol Hill on Thursday.

Entrepreneur and pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli laughs during a hearing of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Capitol Hill on Thursday. Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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The Two-Way - News Blog

Martin Shkreli Takes The Fifth, But Can't Resist Firing Back

The former pharmaceutical executive appeared before a House committee hearing on drug prices, and for once tried to stay silent.
Criminologist Joseph Richardson is skeptical that the federal government alone can solve the data problem for police shootings. "There has to be a more pioneering, innovative approach to doing it," he says.

Criminologist Joseph Richardson is skeptical that the federal government alone can solve the data problem for police shootings. "There has to be a more pioneering, innovative approach to doing it," he says. Spotmatik/iStockphoto hide caption

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Shots - Health News

Could Hospital ERs Provide Missing Data On Police Shootings?

If police violence is considered a public health issue, then doctors and nurses might be able to compile basic information about shootings involving law enforcement that go unreported.
The Noor I Concentrated Solar Power plant, shown on Thursday, is the first phase of a large solar thermal power plant that is intended to supply more than a million Moroccans with electricity.

The Noor I Concentrated Solar Power plant, shown on Thursday, is the first phase of a large solar thermal power plant that is intended to supply more than a million Moroccans with electricity. Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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The Two-Way - News Blog

Morocco Unveils A Massive Solar Power Plant In The Sahara

The Noor I solar thermal power plant is the first phase of a project that's projected to provide more than a million Moroccans with electricity — even once the sun has gone down.
Health worker Elaine Couto, dressed as a mosquito, dances and sings to draw attention to the Zika outbreak hitting Brazil.

Health worker Elaine Couto, dressed as a mosquito, dances and sings to draw attention to the Zika outbreak hitting Brazil. Rafael Fabres for NPR hide caption

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Goats and Soda

Carnival Gives Brazil Ideas About How To Fight Zika

Dancing mosquitoes, songs and free condoms are part of the events designed to raise Zika consciousness.
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