Nation Headlines
S.D. Tribe Poised To Take Back Part Of Badlands
Federal officials are about to join hands with a tribe in South Dakota in a proposal to make part of the Badlands National Park the first ever tribally-run national park in the country. The agreement comes after years of sometimes bitter land disputes over the south unit of the Badlands. The largely undeveloped swath of steep bluffs and mud buttes is sacred place to some Native Americans who don't believe the land belongs under federal control or ownership. The move towards tribal management could set a precedent for other tribes in the United States to take over control of national parks elsewhere.
Neil Armstrong Opens Up In Rare Interview
Robert Siegel discusses a rare one-on-one interview Neil Armstrong gave in Australia.
Suspect In Etan Patz Case Was 'A Quiet Man'
The man who confessed to killing 6-year-old Etan Patz in 1979 is expected to be arraigned on Friday. New York City police say Pedro Hernandez admitted to luring the boy into a neighborhood grocery store, choking him and stuffing his body into a trash bag. There are numerous questions regarding the validity of Hernandez's confession and whether prosecutors have evidence that would corroborate his story.
The Beverages That Beguile Us, Through A Whole New Lens
Phoenix-based artist William "Bill" LeGoullon reveals our favorite Memorial Day beverages in detail under the microscope. We guarantee you'll never look at beer, wine and soda the same way again.
Cleared Of Rape Conviction, California Man Aims To 'Move On Strong'
Brian Banks spent more than five years in prison. Then for the past five years, he had been on probation and wearing an electronic monitoring device. But his accuser recanted. Now he's hoping to get his life back together.
It's All Politics, May 24, 2012
This week, Ken Rudin and Ron Elving discuss Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker criticizing the president's tactics on Bain Capital, the Tea Party's goals in next week's Texas Senate primary, and general dysfunction in D.C. In other words, it's the Booker "Tea" Washington edition of the podcast.
Friday Night Fight In Wisconsin: First Debate Before Looming Recall
The divisive battle to recall Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker moves into its final phase Friday with the first televised debate between Walker and Democrat Tom Barrett. Some predict as much as $80 million will be spent on the race, as Walker tries to avoid becoming the third U.S. governor ever recalled by voters.
Inhale To The Chief: More Details Of Obama's Pot-Smoking Youth Revealed
President Obama revealed in his memoir "Dreams for My Father" his youthful use of illegal drugs as he grew up in Hawaii. But journalist and biographer David Maraniss apparently fills in the picture with quite a few colorful details.
Man At Center Of Federal Agency's Las Vegas Scandal Leaves His Job
Jeff Neely, the regional official at the General Services Administration who hosted a 2010 taxpayer-funded conference that became a scandal as details about excessive spending, gifts and lavish parties were revealed, is no longer with the agency.
David Hyde Pierce On 'Song Travels'
The TV and Broadway star performs his favorite standards and talks Beethoven, rap and Spamalot.
Lost Bike Found After 41 Years; Then, The Story Gets Weird
The spin that one British newspaper has put on this otherwise unremarkable story may give you a laugh. So might the video that the Cape Cod Times produced.
'Ripped Reverend' Finds Joy In Bodybuilding
Amy Richter was slathered up in oil and wearing a sparkling red bikini when she competed in her first bodybuilding contest a few years ago. That was quite a change for an Episcopal priest. Host Michel Martin speaks with the "Ripped Reverend" about keeping the body and spirit strong.
Does Race Affect Your Hospital Stay?
NPR's "Sick in America" survey found that a lot of Americans are unhappy with the healthcare system. Among those who had a recent serious healthcare experience, nearly half said that a lack of cultural understanding played a big role in the problems with U.S. healthcare quality. Host Michel Martin talks with NPR's Richard Knox and Dr. Kavita Patel of the Brookings Institution.
Cows Get Their Drink On After Crashing Party
Police in Boxtford, Mass., responded to a call about six party crashers. The Tri-Town Transcript reports the cows chased away partiers, and drank their beer.
Brooklyn Bridge Celebrates 129 Years
When it opened 129 years ago, the Brooklyn Bridge claimed to be the longest suspension bridge in the world. It's completion in 1883, kicked off what's dubbed "New York's Golden Age of Bridges."
In Iowa, Obama Accuses Romney Of Distortion
President Obama campaigned Thursday in Iowa, where he delivered his sharpest criticisms yet of Republican rival Mitt Romney. Iowa is one of several states likely to determine the outcome of the November presidential election.
In Tight Credit Market, A Tool For Small Businesses
Many small-business owners have had a tough time securing credit since the start of the economic downturn. "I couldn't understand why they wouldn't be willing to give us a loan," one owner says. A new website aims to help such owners, grading banks based on the percentage of deposits that are used for small-business loans.
In Ariz. Contest, A Debate Over Government's Reach
Voters in Arizona's 8th Congressional District will decide next month who will fill the seat vacated by Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. She resigned in January, a year after she was badly injured in a shooting. One of her former aides is taking on a Tea Party candidate in the special election.
Walk This Way: Crossing The Golden Gate Bridge
On May 27, 1937, San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge opened, connecting bustling San Francisco to sleepy Marin County to the north. The Oakland-Bay Bridge had opened six months earlier — but the Golden Gate was an engineering triumph. And on its first day, thousands of people walked across it.
The Day Taps Echoed Through Belgium's Hills
During World War II, Harrison Wright served with the Army in Europe. And as he recalls during a visit to StoryCorps with his grandson, he was sent on a very special assignment to mark the end of the war.
Former Massey Coal Mines Targeted In Massive Inspection Blitz
Dozens of federal mine safety inspectors descended into 43 coal mines in three Appalachian states Wednesday. The mines are now owned by Alpha Natural Resources, which absorbed Massey Energy after a 2010 mine disaster in West Virginia.
The Face That Changed The Search For Missing Kids
The arrest of a man who says he killed Etan Patz highlights how much things have changed since the 6-year-old boy was abducted in 1979. Missing children were barely on the radar of law enforcement agencies back then, but are a priority all over the country today.
Pa. Monsignor On Trial For Covering Up Sex Abuse
Monsignor William Lynn, the highest ranking Catholic official to be criminally tried for covering up child sex abuse by priests, faced fierce questioning in a Philadelphia courtroom on Thursday. Lynn handled the sex abuse claims when he was secretary for clergy for more than a decade.
U.S. Targets Al-Qaeda In Chatrooms, Banner Ads
For some time now al-Qaeda has been attracting recruits through the Internet. The group has launched jihadi chatrooms and online magazines, and their recruitment efforts have been fairly successful. Now the State Department is fighting back with something they call the "Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications."
Alialujah Choir: Bowler Hats And Harmonies
Portland's Alialujah Choir lives by two rules: Have fun and harmonize. Watch this new trio perform songs at Type Foundry studios for opbmusic.org.
Changing Hospitals To Treat Patients Better
A recent poll found only half of people who have spent time in a hospital in the past year were very satisfied with their care. The rest complained about mistakes, poor communication and unresponsive nurses. But to better serve patients, some hospitals are changing the way they do business.
Kid Told Westboro Protesters 'God Hates No One' Because, 'That Is True'
Josef Miles is a hero to many for his simple statement. He says he just doesn't like seeing Westboro Baptist's controversial signs protesting homosexuality, abortion and other issues.
Researchers Find Link Between Isolated State Capitals, Corruption
Political scientists have long noted the propensity for self-dealing among politicians in out-of-sight, out-of-mind state capitals like Albany, NY and Springfield, Ill. After comparing federal corruption convictions of state officials and the relative isolation of state capitals, two researchers found a strong correlation.
Does Tough Love Work With Third Graders?
Some Indiana third graders are already planning for summer school. They're preparing to retake a new statewide test, which they'll need to pass to go on to 4th grade. Host Michel Martin speaks with StateImpact Indiana reporter Kyle Stokes and NPR's Tovia Smith about the effects of these tests on kids and implications for states across the country.
Nine-Year-Old Stands Up To Westboro Baptist Church
Westboro Baptist Church members travel the country holding up signs saying God hates everything from homosexuals to America. Recently, nine-year-old Josef Miles made his own sign which read "God Hates No One," and the photo of him next to the Westboro protesters went viral. Miles and his mother Patty Akrouche talk with host Michel Martin.
An Olympic Trial: Dealing With Transgender Athletes
Keelin Godsey, the first openly transgender contender for the U.S. Olympic team, was born female, identifies as a male and competes in the female division. And Godsey's quest for gold in the hammer throw is raising questions about where transgender athletes fit in sports.
Romney's 'Day One' Filling Up Quickly
The Mitt Romney campaign has a sequel to its "Day One" ad, in which it explains what else the presumptive GOP nominee would include in his immediate to-do list if inaugurated president. Candidates often use the "first day" promise to highlight priorities. But Washington politics can change things.
Keys To Success From BJ's CEO: Be Nice, Speak Up
Laura Sen brings an inclusive management style that has improved morale and the bottom line — all at a company that once fired her: BJ's Wholesale Club. Sen talks about her storied career, and how she was raised by a Chinese-American dad and Irish-American "tiger mom."
Reagan Blood Update: It's No Longer For Sale
As the NPR news blog The Two-Way reports, the online auction firm says the consigner of the controversial item has apparently had second thoughts and decided to donate it to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation which runs the library and museum dedicated to the 40th president.
Ted, What Have You Been Doing With Yourself? Unabomber, You Say?
The Harvard Alumni Association says it regrets letting Ted Kaczynski fill in others from the Class of '62 about what he's been doing — including his eight life sentences for the bombing spree that killed three and injured 23.
Chris Ziemba On Piano Jazz
Buffalo native Christopher Ziemba is a young pianist and composer, currently honing his craft at the Eastman School of Music. He took the stage at age 7, and he's already performed at Carnegie Hall. Ziemba makes his Piano Jazz debut here, performing "Dream Dancing" and "The Nearness of You."
Man Has Implicated Himself In Etan Patz Disappearance, NY Police Say
But news reports say the man is not a suspect in the 6-year-old boy's death and disappearance. Still, he may help solve the 33-year-old mystery. Patz's was one of the first missing children cases to gain national attention.
Safeway Meat Clerk Reinstated After Fight
Ryan Young saw a pregnant woman being kicked by her boyfriend. He leaped out from behind the meat counter and intervened. Safeway suspended him, citing a zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence. But after the union took up his cause and people boycotted the store, Safeway reinstated Young, calling his action "commendable."
'Tebowing' Move Not Appreciated At Graduation
Chuck Shriner was about to receive his diploma from Fort Myers Catholic School in Florida when he dropped to one knee, and struck the praying pose made famous by quarterback Tim Tebow. Shriner won a $5 bet but lost the chance to get his diploma onstage.
Outlook For Housing Industry Appears Promising
The latest reports show that both new and existing home sales are up. What's spurring the improvement, and can it last? Not all economists, however, are optimistic.
Romney Declares National Education Emergency
Mitt Romney has introduced his plan for overhauling education. At a speech to a Hispanic small business group Wednesday, the Republican presidential candidate outlined a blueprint that expands school choice for disabled and disadvantaged students, requires schools to provide regular reports on student progress and returns student loans to the private sector.
National Geographic Bee: Test Your World Knowledge
Do you know your tundra from your taiga? The final round of the 2012 National Geographic Bee is being held Thursday, with students between the fourth and eighth grades testing their knowledge of countries, canals and lava lakes. See how you would have done in the preliminary rounds.
Obama Seeks To Gain Support Among Military Voters
Long before Obama gave a commencement speech to Air Force cadets Wednesday, his campaign was focusing attention on his record with military families and veterans — a key voting group that could make the difference in swing states like Virginia, North Carolina and Florida.
Teaching Teens To Build Hammers Home A Message
As in other U.S. cities, many of Washington, D.C.'s teenagers can't find work. Staff and volunteers at a program for troubled youth hope a program that trains teens to rebuild a gutted house in a day will give them a boost in a tight job market. But learning construction is only part of the lesson.
Bankrupt In Paradise
The public pension fund of a U.S. territory in the Pacific Ocean recently filed for bankruptcy. If the case is allowed to proceed, it could have major implications for retirees all across the U.S.
Before Leaping To 10 Golds, Athlete Beat Polio
Ray Ewry is an all-but-forgotten Olympic great from the early 1900s with a remarkable story. Before winning his 10th gold medal in 10 tries, Ewry accomplished something truly remarkable: He learned to walk again.
Romney Pivots To Education Platform In Seeking Latino Votes
Declaring that a "national emergency" exists in public education, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney shifted from his usual economic message to outline his education platform during a speech to a Latino business group Wednesday.
Ray Ewry, America's Forgotten Olympic Great
Michael Phelps has won more medals, and more gold medals than any U.S. Olympian. But how many people have heard of Ray Ewry, perhaps the all time greatest Olympic athlete on land? Ewry entered 10 events and won 10 gold medals. That his events no longer exist, and that he won his last gold 104 years ago are what contributes to Ewry's relative anonymity.
Defendant: Florida A&M Student Wanted To Be Hazed
New documents released in the hazing death of Florida A&M drum major Robert Champion detail the ordeal and aftermath.
U.S. Attorney Who Tried Blagojevich Stepping Down
Patrick J. Fitzgerald, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, is leaving his position at the end of June. Fitzgerald has put two Illinois governors in prison and has handled other high-profile prosecutions, including that of Scooter Libby and Conrad Black.
