News

Will Cruz's Distaste For 'New York Values' Hurt Him With New York Voters?

8:51am April 07, 2016

by Sarah McCammon

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has been outspoken in his disdain for what he considers New York's liberal ethos. Polls show Cruz's comments are not going over well among the state's Republican voters.

Fans Want Patriots' Draft Pick Restored And Sue NFL To Make It Happen

7:02am April 07, 2016

The NFL took away the Patriots' first-round draft pick as punishment for Deflategate. Fans say the team shouldn't be penalized while the case is on appeal.

Queue Listen Now

Country musician Merle Haggard, who died Wednesday at age 79, overcame early brushes with the law — and was pardoned by Ronald Reagan. He's seen here backstage in the late 1970's, for a taping of the Merv Griffin Show in Los Angeles.

National

5 Things You Should Know About Merle Haggard

8:49pm April 06, 2016

by Bill Chappell

"I was probably the most incorrigible child you could ever meet," the legendary singer once told NPR. "I was already on the way to prison before I realized it."

Lawsuit Says Some Immigrants Are Locked Up Because They're Poor

8:23pm April 06, 2016

by Richard Gonzales

Civil liberties groups allege the U.S. government incarcerates some immigrants because they can't afford to pay bond. They would be eligible to be free while waiting for their court date.

On Wednesday, a New York judge threw out Kesha's hate-crime and human rights claims against producer Dr. Luke.

Judge Dismisses Kesha's Hate-Crime Claims Against Producer Dr. Luke

7:15pm April 06, 2016

by Laura Wagner

The pop star said the producer sexually and emotionally abused her. In addition to the hate-crime claim, the judge also dismissed the human rights claim brought by Kesha.

Fewer than half of the low-income children eligible for dental care in California actually get checkups or other treatment.

California's Dental Safety Net Fails Most Clients, Report Says

6:38pm April 06, 2016

by David Gorn

Millions of children and adults are eligible for subsidized dental care in California. But the state's program is underfunded and many families can't find a dentist who participates, a report finds.

Refugees walk around Kladesholmen, Sweden, on Feb. 10. Last year, Sweden received more than 160,000 asylum applications, more than any European country proportionate to its population.

World News

As Sweden Absorbs Refugees, Some Warn The Welcome Won't Last

6:36pm April 06, 2016

by Eleanor Beardsley

For decades, Sweden has welcomed the world's refugees. But with the arrival of 160,000 migrants, attitudes are starting to change and polarize. "There are two Swedens right now," says a journalist.

A judge watches contestants sleep during the Siesta Championship in Madrid in 2010. Prime Minster Mariano Rajoy said it's time to end the afternoon break. Many Spaniards call it an outdated stereotype and have been annoyed with the way the foreign media h

World News

Spain Debates: Is It Time To Scrap The Siesta?

6:01pm April 06, 2016

by Lauren Frayer

Spain's prime minister says it's time to end the mid-afternoon break and move to a more 9-to-5 workday. But many Spaniards say the siesta is an outdated stereotype that's no longer part of daily life.

Sir Fazle Hasan Abed quit his job at Shell Oil more than 40 years ago to focus on helping the ultra-poor, like these women in a village in Bangladesh.

Meet The Most Influential Poverty Fighter You've Never Heard Of

5:54pm April 06, 2016

by Nurith Aizenman

He was an accountant for Big Oil. Then came the cyclone of 1970. Sir Fazle Hasan Abed found a new calling — and came up with an idea that could be key to ending extreme poverty.

Steven Jones, plant manager at EnerSys in Warrensburg, Mo., stands in the "transition room" where there is no lead before stepping onto the factory floor. EnerSys manufactures lead batteries.

Before It Was Dangerous, Lead Was The Miracle Metal That We Loved

5:53pm April 06, 2016

by Frank Morris

Lead, the "useful metal," was the pride of the Romans. For the last 5,000 years, it was used in products ranging from water pipes and makeup to wine — until we discovered how poisonous it is.