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Tough Times Spark Russian Resurgence In Latvia

Credit Raitis Purins / AFP/Getty Images

In September, the pro-Russia Harmony Center party won parliamentary elections in Latvia. But the governing coalition has left the party on the sidelines. Supporters of the Harmony Center party protest in front of the Parliament building during its opening session in Riga on Oct. 17. The banner reads: "No to ethnic discrimination."

Credit Virginia Mayo / AP

The Museum of Occupation (shown here in 2005) was a pro-Soviet museum before the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Now, the museum's exhibits chronicle Latvia's periods of Nazi and Soviet occupation.

By David Greene

Of all the economic downturns of the past few years, the tiny European nation of Latvia may have suffered as much as any place. Incomes fell and families suffered as the government implemented harsh austerity measures.

Now, the citizens of this former Soviet republic seem more open to what was once unthinkable: backing a social democratic party that's pro-Russian.

1:09 pm

Thu November 24, 2011

In Joplin, Appreciating The 'Thanks' At Thanksgiving

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Credit Frank Morris for NPR

Carrie Cook and her two young sons escaped their Joplin, Mo., apartment just before a tornado obliterated it and most everything inside in May. Now, Cook's small house is one of 10 that Habitat for Humanity is putting up in Joplin this month.

Credit Frank Morris for NPR

Martha Goldman says she and her boyfriend, Ian Coday, were "handed this amazing gift" when the tornado ripped up their home. It helped to clarify their priorities.

By Frank Morris

For a lot of the people in Joplin, Mo., this Thanksgiving is going to be one more to endure than to celebrate. But new dreams are slowly taking root in the rocky soil here.

While the losses from last May's tornado have been terrible, they've left a lot of people here more grateful to be alive than they were last Thanksgiving. Some residents are deeply grateful for what the storm didn't take, and even for what it gave them.

12:11 pm

Thu November 24, 2011

Bailey White's Thanksgiving Story: 'Call It Even'

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By Bailey White

It's been an All Things Considered Thanksgiving tradition since 1991— a Bailey White original short story. Over the years, White's stories have included tales about a rose queen, a telephone man, an ostrich farmer and a wife exacting revenge. This year, White presents "Call It Even." It's about a shy painter who moves from Florida to Vermont and wants to feel like he fits in — so he raises a dozen turkeys.

12:00 pm

Thu November 24, 2011

Ingrid Gerdes: A Tomboy With Soul

Credit Courtesy of the artist

Ingrid Gerdes says she is influenced by Southern soul-blues.

By NPR Staff

Originally from Springfield, Mo., "the Ozarks area of Missouri," Ingrid Gerdes is a neo-soul performer out of Boston, but she considers herself a Southern singer. Her latest album is titled Shed.

7:45 am

Thu November 24, 2011

Signed, SEALed And Delivered — With Love

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They battle international villains. And "when it comes to giving away their hearts, they'll risk everything." That's according to "SEAL of my Dreams, a short story collection by 18 romance novelists, celebrating Navy SEALS. Story titles include "SEALed with A Kiss," "SEALed by Fate" — you get the idea. Proceeds from the book will fund medical research for wounded veterans.

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1:24 pm

Thu November 24, 2011