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The Environmental Protection Agency is tightening the standard for how much soot in the air is safe to breathe. Fine particles come from the combustion of fossil fuels by cars and industrial facilities. They're linked to all kinds of health problems, including heart attacks and lung ailments like asthma. States will be required to clean up their air to the level specified by the new standard.

Steve Inskeep talks to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities' Jared Bernstein, who's an ex-Obama aid. And, Peter Morici of the University of Maryland, who's a conservative syndicated columnist.

The president says he intends to fill Antonin Scalia's vacancy, but it's unlikely the Senate will make it easy. Cases on immigration, religious liberty and abortion access may hang in the balance.

The Supreme Court has been closely divided, 5-4, on major social issues for years. With Justice Scalia's death, the White House has a chance to shift the balance of power with a Democratic appointee.

General Motors says that the switches were responsible for at least 13 deaths and 54 crashes. CEO Mary Barra has said that there will be no cap on payments.

Major League Baseball's pennant race is heading into the home stretch. There are a large number of small-market teams in the hunt for a place in this year's post-season play. Does that mean big spending teams are wasting their money?

The U.S. Open gets underway in Flushing Meadows, New York, Monday. For a preview, Steve Inskeep talks to Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated. Roger Federer is the favorite on the men's side while Serena Williams is the overwhelming favorite for the women.

Land banks are public entities created to revive vacant or tax-foreclosed properties. The small city of Newburgh on the Hudson River has been trying to revitalize itself using a land bank.

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is still running for office but has been out of sight for months. He is being treated for a bipolar disorder, and his wife says he will return to work when he gets his physician's permission. Three other candidates are campaigning for the seat.

Psychiatrist Anna Lembke's new book explores the brain's connection between pleasure and pain. It also helps explain addictions — not just to drugs and alcohol, but also to food, sex and smartphones.