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In 2002, nearly 60% of Americans believed the U.S. was exceptional among nations. But a recent Pew Research study finds fewer than half of Americans now believe their country is superior to others. The shift has many commentators wondering what's behind a general decline in optimism among Americans.

First, they were struck by illness and then by medical bills they couldn't pay. Here are 15 stories of Americans living under the shadow of health care debt.

In addition to his kung fu and action films, Norris, who died March 19, starred in the TV show Walker, Texas Ranger. He spoke with Terry Gross in 1988 about learning karate while stationed in Korea.

From the tsunami-damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant to the end of NASA"s shuttle program, a great deal of science stories made headlines this year. Science writers Mariette DiChristina, Matt Crenson, Steven Levy, and Paul Raeburn join Ira Flatow to discuss the year's top stories in science.

Vice President Joe Biden was meeting late Monday with Senate Democrats to brief them on a proposed deal to stop the sharp tax increases and spending cuts. The Senate may vote on the deal Monday night, but there will be no vote in the House until Tuesday at the earliest.

The National Hurricane Center says the storm's eyewall is ashore in North Carolina, where more than 20 inches of rain has fallen and storm surge has reached 10 feet in some places.

A gunman opened fire near Ottawa's National War Memorial in Ottawa on Wednesday. Shots also were fired on Parliament Hill. Two people are dead and police say they are looking for one or more suspect.

Federal prosecutors have charged a suspected leader of the far-right group the Oath Keepers with conspiracy, saying he helped plan and coordinate the Capitol riot.

The Dow Jones industrial average closed down more than 500 points on Thursday, its worst drop since 2008. The sell-off wiped out the Dow's gains for 2011. It put the Dow and broader stock indexes into what investors call a correction — down 10 percent from their highs in the spring.

Photographers from NPR member stations across the United States have been documenting Americans' support for Ukraine over the last month.