National

Manslaughter Charges Upgraded In Florida A&M Hazing Case

6:20pm March 05, 2013

by Kathy Lohr

Twelve former members of the Florida A&M marching band are charged in the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion. The charges have now been upgraded to manslaughter. Champion's parents said Tuesday that they are encouraged by the stiffer charges.

Queue Listen Now

Posthumous Pardon For Heavyweight Boxer Jack Johnson A Bipartisan Effort

6:20pm March 05, 2013

Democratic Senators Harry Reid and Mo Cowan have joined Republicans John McCain and Representative Peter King to call for the pardon of former heavyweight boxing champ Jack Johnson. He was the first black fighter to win that title, in 1908. Another win in 1910 sparked race riots nationwide, and his relationships with white women only added to the controversy. He was convicted of taking women across state lines for "immoral purpose." Audie Cornish has more.

Queue Listen Now

Kerry: We're Trying To Offer Syrian President A Rational Choice

6:20pm March 05, 2013

by Michele Kelemen

Secretary of State John Kerry is wrapping up his first official overseas trip to Europe and the Middle East. He's shifted U.S. policy on Syria, offering direct assistance to the opposition coalition and non-lethal aid to fighters. He's also offered Egypt's Islamist government $190 million to avert a budget crisis and he's warning Iran that talks can't go on indefinitely.

Queue Listen Now

No Obvious Favorites As NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Starts

6:20pm March 05, 2013

Go on, pick a favorite in this year's NCAA tournament. We dare you. There's more than a dozen legitimate contenders to pick from. And then there's all those potential Cinderella teams. Mike Pesca talks to Audie Cornish about the upcoming NCAA Men's College Basketball tournament, which is as wide open as it has even been.

Queue Listen Now

Rivalries And Infighting Could Follow In Wake Of Chavez's Death

6:20pm March 05, 2013

Audie Cornish talks to Tom Gjelten about what's next for Venezuela after President Hugo Chavez's death. He died Tuesday at the age of 58.

Queue Listen Now

The nation's last coal-burning ferry, the SS Badger, sits on Lake Michigan in the port town of Ludington, Mich. The EPA permit that has long allowed the ship to dump coal ash into the lake is now under review.

Steamship Anchors A Community, But Its Days May Be Numbered

5:50pm March 04, 2013

by Noah Adams

The nation's last coal-fired ferry has been traversing Lake Michigan from the town of Ludington, Mich., since 1953. An EPA permit allowing the Badger to dump several tons of coal ash into the lake daily is now under review, which could mean big changes for the small town's culture and economy.

Queue Listen Now

Kirk Sours says heavy snow creates extra work on his ranch, but he's thrilled that the pending melt will bring his otherwise dry pastures much-needed moisture.

Drought-Stricken Plains Farmers 'Giddy' Over Heavy Snow

5:34pm March 04, 2013

by Frank Morris

More than 2 feet of snow hit the high plains this week, snarling travel and all but shutting down some cities. Despite those hassles, for farmers and ranchers, the snow brings some urgently needed moisture to their drought-stricken fields and pastures.

Queue Listen Now

Obama Announces His Picks For EPA, Other Cabinet Posts

1:02pm March 04, 2013

President Obama rounds out his Cabinet for his second term, nominating three new leaders Monday: Walmart Foundation's Sylvia Mathews Burwell for budget chief, MIT scientist Ernest Moniz to head the Energy Department and veteran regulator Gina McCarthy to run the EPA — a post that's likely be a lightning rod during Senate confirmations.

Queue Listen Now

Wealth Gap: Wide And Getting Wider

12:00pm March 04, 2013

The wealth gap between white and black families is growing — and that's especially apparent in the housing market. Host Michel Martin talks to Washington Post correspondent Michael Fletcher about the financial disparities facing black families.

Queue Listen Now

Wealth Gap: Wide And Getting Wider

12:00pm March 04, 2013

Queue Listen Now