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In political debates, candidates frequently avoid uncomfortable topics by diverting the conversation to an unrelated strength. Many politicians hire debate coaches who have perfected this technique, called "the pivot." So why do these dodges usually evade our cognitive radar? A psychologist explains.

Supporters of the technology say it will save a million lives a year and prevent a global carmageddon. But among the questions still to be worked out: If a self-driving car runs a red light and gets caught, who gets the ticket?

The federal government wants hospitals to take responsibility for discharged patients to make sure they are not admitted again within 30 days. Medicare will penalize hospitals with many repeat admissions, but some think putting this whole burden on hospitals is not fair.

Early voting began Tuesday in the battleground state of Ohio — even as court fights continue over the state's early voting laws. Ohio voters have picked the winners in the last 12 presidential contests. Within minutes of the polls opening, 24 people were lining up to use the touch-screen voting booths.

The national bank settlement over robo signing takes effect Wednesday. And the California monitor for the settlement says the most notable complaint her office gets is for "dual-tracking." That's when homeowners are on track to be foreclosed on while trying to get a mortgage modification.

The latest poll by NPR and its bipartisan polling team shows President Obama with a 7-point lead among likely voters nationally and a 6-point lead in the dozen battleground states where both campaigns are spending most of their time and money. But battleground voters were also more downbeat about the direction of the country.

For seven seasons, he had always come in last against the faster and seemingly smarter Abe (as in Lincoln), George (Washington) and Tom (Jefferson). Now, though, he's finally in the win column. There's bipartisan cheering in D.C.

An adaptation of Ralph Ellison's landmark novel The Invisible Man is electrifying audiences in the nation's capital. NPR's Audie Cornish talks to the writer, director and star about bringing a complicated story to the stage.

Watchdogs will be paying close attention to what President Obama and Mitt Romney say. There are several outlets to choose from if you want to see what the fact checkers are saying.

Fox News and other conservative media outlets claimed to have a scoop on Tuesday they called "Obama's other race speech." The tape that was supposed to turn this election around, however, was documented and reported on in 2007 by the very same news outlets.