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Nevada political scientist Eric Herzik, who twice voted for Romney in caucuses, told NPR's Don Gonyea that Mitt Romney isn't doing as well in the state as might have been expected, despite Nevada's nation-leading unemployment rate. He's failed to personally connect with voters and hasn't given enough details about his economic proposals, Herzik says.

Gabby Douglas became the first African-American gymnast to win an Olympic gold medal in the individual all-around event. Guest host Celeste Headlee speaks with Douglas about the sacrifices she has made — like moving 1,200 miles away from home to get better coaching — and how she handles being "America's Sweetheart."

As part of a research initiative on how to harness off-grid energy for low-power electronics, a pair of U.K.-based designers created a lamp that uses gravity to generate light. Martin Riddiford, co-inventor of the GravityLight, talks about plans for the innovative project.

Proposals for chemical plants to use "inherently safer" design practices have been blocked by industry executives and their allies in Congress, despite deadly accidents and the risk of a potential terrorist attack that could harm an entire community or city.

Matthew Inman, creator of the humor site "The Oatmeal," led an online drive that raised over $1 million for a new museum to honor the inventor Nikola Tesla. Inman discusses how to build a successful crowdfunding campaign, and why Tesla is the greatest geek who ever lived.

For an update on superstorm Sandy's impact on the East Coast of the U.S., Renee Montagne and Steve Inskeep speak with NPR reporters Joel Rose, Elizabeth Shogren, Jim Zarroli, and Zoe Chace.

Sixty years ago, computers were used for the first time to predict the outcome of a presidential race. CBS used the UNIVAC, one of the first commercial computers, on loan. The prediction was spot on, but a decade passed before the computer's potential was finally realized on election night.

Parents of young players are increasingly anxious about concussions. Many continue to participate — albeit more cautiously. Others worry about whether the youth leagues will eventually halt altogether. In Texas, the risk of injury is putting families at odds with a sport many consider a religion.

The fast-food chain Chick-fil-A has landed in the middle of the same-sex marriage debate. The company's president has been heavily criticized by some people for comments he made against gay marriage. Now, some politicians from across the country are saying the company is not welcome in their towns. Host Michel Martin speaks with James Kenney, Philadelphia councilman-at-large about the controversy.

The wife of GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney has overcome serious illness and a severe aversion to politics to campaign for her husband. Ann Romney is now passionate about her role promoting and protecting her husband on the campaign trail.