National

Episode 521: The Town That Loves Death

4:38pm October 05, 2016

On today's episode, we'll take you to a place where dying has become acceptable dinner conversation. A place that also happens to have the lowest healthcare spending of any region in the country.

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A researcher says the typical maximum human life span may have peaked at around 115 years, despite medical advances.

Has The Human Life Span Hit The Ceiling?

4:37pm October 05, 2016

by Rob Stein

An analysis of global demographics indicates the maximum human life span may have peaked at around 115 years. That's despite medical advances and the occasional person who lives a few years longer.

LAFD Capt. Eddie Marez instructs cadets at Banning High on how to operate a fire hose.

Can A School District Help Diversify A Fire Department?

4:37pm October 05, 2016

by Eric Westervelt

In an effort to boost diversity and interest in firefighting, the Los Angeles fire department created special career-focused programs in local high schools.

National

Government Contractor Arrested, Charged With Removing Classified Materials

4:18pm October 05, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

Harold Martin was arrested on Aug. 27; his case was made public Wednesday. Authorities say a search of his home found multiple top secret documents "obtained from sensitive intelligence."

Voters In Ariz. Respond To Candidates' Stands On Death Penalty, Abortion

2:24pm October 05, 2016

Faith is important to both vice presidential candidates — Tim Kaine is a devout Catholic; Mike Pence, evangelical Christian. They say their faith shapes their views on the death penalty and abortion.

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Several companies are said to be considering bids for Twitter.

National

As Buyers Circle, Could Twitter Be Better Off As A Nonprofit?

1:54pm October 05, 2016

by Laura Sydell

Disney, Google and others are said to be considering buying Twitter. It's got baggage — lackluster ad sales, abusive trolling — but also millions of users. What if Twitter focused on a public mission?

National

Labor Report Urges Study Of A Federal Role In State Workers' Comp Laws

1:15pm October 05, 2016

The Department of Labor is calling for an "exploration" of federal oversight of state workers' compensation laws because of "inadequacies of the system," leaving workers with "limited benefits."

National

What's Behind Oregon's Marionberry Mania?

12:24pm October 05, 2016

by Tove Danovich

Oregon grows up to 33 million pounds a year of this blackberry. But most are gobbled up locally — in everything from ice cream to beers to jams — before the rest of the country ever gets a taste.

National

Would Twitter Be Better Off As A Nonprofit?

12:24pm October 05, 2016

by Laura Sydell

Twitter is struggling to earn a profit and please investors. Companies including Disney and Alphabet are said to be considering bids for it. But would Twitter be better off as a nonprofit?

Biotrial, a French company that runs clinical studies, has opened a facility in Newark, N.J.

Company That Ran Fateful Drug Trial In France Opens Test Facility In U.S.

11:09am October 05, 2016

by Rae Ellen Bichell

Months after a man died in a botched clinical trial in France, the company that ran it has opened a big research facility in New Jersey, where as many as 50 clinical trials could be done each year.