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Existing concepts in science like linear induction motors and magnetic levitation are back in the spotlight thanks to Elon Musk's proposal for a rail system that can travel faster than the speed of sound.

This week was the 40th anniversary of hip-hop's creation, and many of its most important practitioners are entering middle age, too.

Many members of Congress had been clamoring for President Obama to come to Capitol Hill for permission before striking Syria, but some Republicans say he should have acted without waiting for approval. Guest host Wade Goodwyn talks with NPR's Ailsa Chang on how Congress may vote.

Stephen Rakes said the gangster forced him — at gunpoint — to sell a liquor store. The cause of Rakes' death isn't yet known. Authorities say there were "no obvious signs of trauma." Rakes, who said he could speak for those who fear Bulger, was told this week he would not be called to the stand.

Sen. Mitch McConnell's job requires him to make deals with Democrats, something at which he's been especially good. But he may be forced to use proxies like Sen. John McCain because of an expected Tea Party primary challenger to his re-election.

The House rejected a measure that would have ended funding for a National Security Agency program that collects the phone records of Americans. The amendment to the defense spending bill had the support of liberal Democrats and libertarian Republicans, but was opposed by the Obama administration.

Former NSA contractor Edward Snowden remains in diplomatic limbo in the transit zone of Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport, an irritant to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has little sympathy for Snowden, but doesn't want to appear to cave in to U.S. demands for his return.

The change makes it much harder for Republicans to filibuster many of President Obama's nominees.

The House has approved a Republican-sponsored bill that would allow insurance companies to continue offering policies that would be canceled under the Affordable Care Act. The Keep Your Health Plan Act was adopted by a vote of 261-157, with the support of 39 Democrats.

NPR ran five stores on the giant pandas in Washington's National Zoo during its coverage of last month's government shutdown. It then ran a sixth story on them last week. What gives? Does anyone in the rest of the country really care about the capital's pandas? An NPR editor responds.