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NPR's Neda Ulaby investigates the etymology of random, a word comedian Spencer Thompson calls "the most misused ... of our generation." It turns out that Thompson's frustration is a bit misplaced — random has been around since the 14th century, and its usage shows how life, like language, evolves.

For many Americans, New Hampshire freshman Sen. Kelly Ayotte is a brand-new face. But she campaigned this year with presidential candidate Mitt Romney and was mentioned as a possible running mate. Now, she has joined veteran Republican senators in raising questions about U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice.

Facing criticism over appointing an all male slate of chairmen to lead major House committees, Speaker John Boehner on Friday announced that Rep. Candice Miller of Michigan will head the House Administration Committee.

Residents of Summit, N.J., waited weeks for the power to return after Superstorm Sandy. That's in stark contrast to the nearby town of Madison, where the lights were on in just a few days. Madison owns its own utility company — and after its shining performance, Summit is weighing the idea, too.

The Internet shutdowns in Syria and Egypt have shown how governments can thwart activists who mobilize and promote their cause online. Some countries claim that control is their right, but will the rest of the world agree?

It's Inauguration Day in Mexico. New President Enrique Pena Nieto inherits a country with a mixed record. Most of Mexico is embroiled in a deadly drug war, but also boasts an economy that is doing surprisingly well — thanks to the outgoing head of state, many say.

Every student of Washington knows the Senate has become the definition of a legislative graveyard, in part because of the frequency with which the minority party invokes its right to filibuster legislation and nominations. The Senate majority leader may push to change that — which could make matters worse.

The rules adopted by House GOP leaders in recent years are leaving Speaker John Boehner little room to maneuver. To reach an agreement to avoid the fiscal cliff, he may have to break at least one of them, analysts say.

The new international airport in Berlin has become a major embarrassment to Germany. The airport was supposed to replace the three airports that operated in the once-divided city. But with major cost overruns and safety issues, the project has been delayed three times already.

Scientists and citizens are filling up a database on dead critters with their smartphones. The EpiCollect app pulls data such as location, speed limit and the carcass's condition. Wildlife ecologist Danielle Garneau says the project tracks animal movement and may help protect species in the future.