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As news spread that the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel was billowing white smoke to signal the election of a new pope, anticipation began to build for the new pontiff's first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. Here's a quick rundown of what happens after cardinal electors choose a pope.

Pope Francis is the first pope from the New World. For Latin America in particular — home to 43 percent of all Catholics — this is a momentous occasion.

Tony Lithgow and Andrea Mayer live under a highway overpass in Baltimore. They're among a growing number of the nation's homeless who are reaching what's called "premature old age." They're in their late 40s and 50s, but suffer from ailments more common for those in their 70s.

Alabama House members have moved forward with a bill to streamline courtroom procedures in cases where the defendant has entered a guilty plea. Rep. Chris…

Can eating a banana counter the effects of caffeine? That claim has been circulating around blogs recently. Some baristas swear by it, but we talked to a scientist who explains why it just isn't true.

Researchers aren't sure exactly why certain women are more vulnerable to postpartum depression. But authors of a new study are recommending that all pregnant women and new mothers be screened for depression.

The Senate on Wednesday began working through the trillion dollar spending bill to keep government running through the end of September. Amid all the talk about budgets, the legislation is actually the only one that's necessary to avoid a March 27 government shutdown. Meanwhile, President Obama continued his charm offensive with a visit with House Republicans. Melissa Block talks to Tamara Keith.

The Syrians are believed to have hundreds of tons of chemical agents. NPR has learned that the 82nd Airborne Division just wrapped up a nine-day training exercise at Fort Bragg, N.C., to get ready for a possible mission to deal with those deadly chemicals.

On an album released nearly 50 years ago Harry Taussig demonstrated an accomplished, self-taught style of improvisational guitar. This week in Austin, Texas Taussig will perform in public for the first time.

Steve Inskeep has a remembrance of Parveen Rehman, a Pakistani woman he meet there while reporting in 2008. Rehman was head of the Karachi-based Orangi Pilot Project, a research center that aids in the development of impoverished communities. She was killed on Wednesday at the age of 56.