Mark Memmott

Credit Doby Photography / NPR

Mark Memmott is one of the hosts of NPR's "The Two-Way" news blog.

"The Two-Way," which Memmott helped to launched when he came to NPR in 2009, focuses on breaking news, analysis, and the most compelling stories being reported by NPR News and other news media.

Before joining NPR, Memmott worked for nearly 25 years as a reporter and editor at USA Today. He focused on a range of coverage from politics, foreign affairs, economics, and the media. He's reported from places across the Unites States and the world, including half a dozen trips to Afghanistan in 2002-2003.

During his time at USA Today, Memmott, helped launch and lead three USAToday.com news blogs: "On Deadline;" "The Oval;" and "On Politics," the site's 2008 presidential campaign blog.

Los Angeles Fires: 12 More Blazes Set, 'Person Of Interest' Detained

Credit Frederic J. Brown / AFP/Getty Images

People inspect the damage following an overnight fire in Hollywood on Friday (Dec. 30, 2011).

By Mark Memmott

A "person of interest" has been taken into custody in connection with the string of arson-related fires in the city over recent days, including at least 12 more blazes overnight, our colleagues at KPCC report.

The station adds that:

7:00 am

Mon January 2, 2012

Iran Test-Fires Missile, Claims To Have Made Nuclear Fuel Rod

Credit Ali Mohammadi / AFP/Getty Images

An Iranian Army soldier stood guard on a military speed boat during navy exercises in the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran late last week.

By Mark Memmott

Originally published on Mon January 2, 2012 7:02 am

As often happens with issues related to Iran's relations with the rest of the world, there's a mix of saber-rattling and diplomacy in the news again today:

6:20 am

Mon January 2, 2012

It's Almost Caucus Time: Candidates Hone Last-Minute Messages

Credit Andrew Burton / Getty Images

Fired up on a cold day: Sunday in Ames, Iowa, Marilyn Izette Krocheski came to the West Towne Pub to see Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich.

By Mark Memmott

Good morning.

With just one full day of campaigning left before Tuesday evening's Republican caucuses in Iowa — the first truly important contest of the 2012 presidential election season — the stories and headlines are all about who's up, who's down and who needs to do what to survive and do battle again next week in New Hampshire.

11:15 am

Fri December 30, 2011

First 79 Of The 100+ Sears And Kmart Stores Being Closed Are Identified

By Mark Memmott

There are 79 stores in 25 states on the first list of Sears and Kmart locations being closed in the coming year, Sears Holdings has announced.

The 79 locations are posted here. Some details:

-- 11 of the stores are in Florida, the most of any state.

-- The second-most stores (6) are in Georgia, Michigan and Ohio.

-- 38 Kmarts are included.

-- 25 Sears "full-line" locations are listed.

10:10 am

Fri December 30, 2011

Family, Friends, Fans Bid Farewell To Ben Breedlove, Who Touched Many

Credit TotalRandomness512

Ben Breedlove, in one of his final videos.

By Mark Memmott

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7:30 am

Mon January 2, 2012