Korva Coleman

This included the brief but beloved Saturday morning show H.R.

Puffinstuff with its memorable theme.

HR Puff and Stuff only lasted for 17 episodes, but lived on for decades in reruns.

This is NPR.

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Korva Coleman.

Lebanon and Israel are holding their first direct diplomatic talks today in more than 30 years.

The talks are in Washington.

They're intended to prepare negotiations aimed at resolving Israel's conflict.

with Iranian proxy militants Hezbollah, who are based in Lebanon.

NPR's Daniel Estrin reports from Tel Aviv.

Two members of Congress say they'll step down over allegations of sexual misconduct.

Texas Republican Congressman Tony Gonzalez and California Democrat Eric Swalwell say they will leave the House, although exactly when isn't clear.

Swalwell has strongly denied the accusations.

NPR's Elena Moore reports NPR has not independently verified the allegations, and Swalwell has forcefully denied them.

NPR's Elena Moore reporting.

Separately, two women who allege misconduct against Swalwell have now spoken publicly with CBS News.

The housing market remained sluggish in March.

Existing home sales fell 1 percent compared to a year ago.

according to the National Association of Realtors.

NPR's Stephen Bissaha reports the association is expecting the housing slump to continue.