NPR Topics: U.S.

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• Happier Countries More Generous

  A world wide survey ranks countries in how charitable they are. Near the top, Australia and the U.S. The bottom? China and Madagascar.

• Feds Win Round In Stem-Cell Funding Fight

  A federal appeals court lifted a temporary ban on federal funding of research with human embryonic stem cells. The Justice Department argued a lower court judge had misinterpreted the law and that even a temporary stay on funding would be harmful.

• A Gathering In Gainesville

  Tensions are rising in Gainesville as people gather in anticipation of the planned Quran burning to be held at a church there. NPR's Greg Allen is on the scene.

• Jobless Claims Fall To Lowest Level In Months

  The Labor Department says new claims for unemployment benefits plunged last week by a seasonally adjusted 27,000 to 451,000. Economists had predicted a much smaller decline of just 2,000.

• Mexico Facing 'Insurgency,' Clinton Says

  US Secretary of State compares the ongoing drug violence in Mexico to an insurgency. Mexico not so pleased with comparison.

• 'Quran Burning': Is It News Or Not?

  Some say the news media have given the story too much attention. But as it comes to a climax on Saturday, what will you do? Follow developments closely or ignore them?

• Obama: Quran-Burning Would Benefit Al-Qaida

  The president, appearing on ABC's Good Morning America, exhorts a Florida minister to call off his plan to engage in a Quran-burning protest this weekend, saying it would serve as a "recruitment bonanza for al-Qaida."

• Storm That Killed 2 In Texas Moves North

  The remnants of Tropical Storm Hermine trekked northward after forcing more than 100 high-water rescues in Texas, swamping streets, producing several tornadoes and killing at least two people.

• Mixed Reaction To Obama's Business Tax-Break Plan

  Some think the proposal will be another Cash-for-Clunkers-style tax break that probably won't have much of a long-term impact. But others are more enthusiastic about the plan to allow U.S. companies to write off all investments through 2011.

• Energy Assistance Program Is Low On Funds

  A record number of people lined up in Washington D.C. last month to get a small discount on their gas and electric bills. The spike in need comes at a time when the federal program that pays to help keep the poor warm in the winter and cool in the summer is nearly out of money.