Topic: MSNBC Interactive News LLC

Featured

The top 25 celebrity baby names of all time

Many celebrities are creative people, but seldom does their creativity get more free rein than when they’re naming their own offspring. From Beyonce and Jay-Z's firstborn Blue Ivy to Frank Zappa's daughter's avante-garde moniker Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen, there are plenty of unusual names.

All Content

Asiana Airlines crash: Details point to short landing, possible pilot error

The NTSB and other agencies have begun investigating the crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 214 in San Francisco. Of the 307 passengers and crew, two were killed and 48 injured. Several dozen are unaccounted for, but many survived unhurt due to safety designs in the Boeing 777.
Officials look for causes of Asiana Flight 214 crash in San Francisco

Early reports indicate Asiana Flight 214 from Seoul, South Korea, was not in an emergency situation when it crash-landed at San Francisco Airport. Casualty figures are unavailable so far, but many passengers were able to escape.
For Oklahoma tornado survivors, shock follows storm

The powerful tornado that swept through the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore on Monday left 24 dead. As survivors survey the wreckage, they contemplate their luck, faith and building construction. The community has seen four tornados since 1998.
Decoder Wire Might Obama fire Attorney General Eric Holder?

Justice Department's pursuit of media leaks, which led to a subpoena of AP phone records, has GOP officials (and some Democrats) calling for the head of Attorney General Eric Holder. Here are three reasons Obama is not likely to oblige.
Opinion After IRS scandal: Right-wing fear of government isn't paranoid

Whatever the motivations for the IRS targeting conservative groups, it has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum. Liberals also worry the scandal will feed right-wing paranoia of government. But for conservatives, fear of federal agencies is rooted in history, not hysteria.
Decoder Wire Bob Woodward compares Benghazi with Watergate. Is he right? (+video)

The similarities: line-by-line edits of what to tell the public, says Bob Woodward, the media's authority on all things Watergate. Regarding the White House Benghazi edits, they show pressure 'in the system not to tell the truth' about what happened, he said Friday.
Obama's 'juice' squeezed by scandals?

The burst of controversy out of the IRS and Justice Department, in addition to lingering GOP pressure over Benghazi, has sidelined attention to President Obama's agenda.
USA Update Barbara Walters announces retirement: How she changed TV news (+video)

Barbara Walters was America's TV's first evening news anchor, but in addition to that, she set a standard for television journalism though her tireless work ethic.
Has Benghazi become the Obama administration’s Watergate? (+video)

New reports show that the State Department 'extensively edited' talking points about the terrorist attack on the US diplomatic facility in Benghazi, Libya. Most Americans disapprove of the way President Obama has handled it, presenting the administration with a major political problem.
The Vote Chris Christie praises Obama (again): Is he digging himself in deeper? (+video)

Six months after his famous – some say costly – hug of the president on the Jersey Shore, Gov. Chris Christie says Obama 'kept every promise that he made' on hurricane Sandy disaster relief.
White House correspondents' after-dinner jokes: Best zingers from the 'nerd prom' (+video)

Saturday night was the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Here are some of the best jokes, plus a menu designed especially for Washington and Hollywood celebrities.
Decoder Wire E! live at White House Correspondents' Dinner. Is that good for journalism?

The White House Correspondents' Dinner, a scholarship and awards event for journalists, has become a star-studded, glitzy, and E!-friendly bash. Some fear it's sending the wrong message.
Bill Clinton honored at GLADD Awards

Former President Bill Clinton received the first advocate for change award at the annual GLAAD Media Awards, which celebrates inclusive representations of the LGBT community in the media.
Decoder Wire Gun control: Three ways supporters are carrying on the fight

While gun control proponents may have conceded defeat in the Senate, they insist the war isn’t over. President Obama himself said he saw the defeat as just Round 1.
Marco Rubio crafts conservative argument for immigration reform. Will it sell?

GOP Sen. Marco Rubio is out front as the 'gang of 8' releases its immigration reform plan. The move puts him toe to toe with conservative talk-show hosts and could make or break a presidential run in 2016.
Enough media attention for Dr. Kermit Gosnell murder trial?

The trial of abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell offers the latest example of the power of social media to draw attention to an issue and drive coverage. Conservative bloggers claim that mainstream news sources were ignoring the case.
Decoder Wire Obama's tax rate is 18.4 percent. Is that too low for a millionaire?

The release of President Obama's tax returns last week showed that his tax rate has gone down. Of course, his income went down and he gave a lot to charity, but critics are still chirping.
Modern Parenthood Glenn Beck MSNBC promo: The pundit blows hot air through the village

Glenn Beck tore into MSNBC's promo featuring Melissa Harris-Perry saying how she felt the US public should pay more attention to public education. But even while US students lag behind their overseas peers, Mr. Beck took Ms. Harris-Perry's criticism of Americans as sacrilege.
Decoder Wire Uproar over Obama comment on Kamala Harris: political correctness run amok?

President Obama sparked a mini-tempest when he called California's Kamala Harris the 'best-looking attorney general in the country.' At least he also called her brilliant, dedicated, and tough.
USA Update CBS broken leg replay: Did the network handle it right?

CBS broken leg replay happened twice immediately following the fall by Louisville basketball player Kevin Ware. Sportscasters had to make a rapid decision about airing the footage.
Matt Lauer: 'Today' will regain top ratings

Matt Lauer made his pitch at an unfortunately-timed NBC News sales event. 'Today' is at low ebb in the ratings and a flurry of media reports has been speculating that Lauer is more of a sinker than a sail.
The Monitor's View Why honey works better than vinegar in Washington

If tone can influence substance, as studies show, then the new friendly, face-to-face get-togethers between President Obama and GOP lawmakers signal possible breakthroughs.
Decoder Wire Rand Paul rising: Has filibuster made him US political star? (+video)

Some Republicans saw the filibuster performance by Sen. Rand Paul as a morale boost for the party. He aimed to spark a broader discussion about the possible domestic use of armed drones.
Looks like Pluto will have a moon named 'Vulcan'

The votes are in for the SETI Institute's Pluto Rocks Poll, and, thanks in part to William Shatner, Mr. Spock's home planet is a clear winner.
Immigration reform: White House drafts 'backup plan'

Though both Democrats and Republican have assured the Obama administration it won't be necessary, the White House has put together its own immigration plan, in case bipartisan talk of immigration overhaul breaks down.