Around the Nation

National

Michigan Governor's Flint Task Force Releases Report On Water Crisis

4:24pm March 23, 2016

by Lindsey Smith

A group that Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder appointed to investigate the cause of the Flint water crisis released its report Wednesday, putting much of the blame for Flint's lead-contaminated water on the state's environmental regulators. But it also blames a state law that was set up to save cities like Flint from financial collapse.

Earlier this year, beekeeper Brian Hiatt had millions of bees working to pollinate almond trees across California.

With Bees In Trouble, Almond Farmers Try Trees That Don't Need 'Em

2:44pm March 23, 2016

by Ezra David Romero

A relatively new variety of almond tree called Independence has some beekeepers nervous. These trees are self-fertile — meaning they technically don't need bees to pollinate their flowers.

There's been considerable debate as to whether identifying people with prediabetes could have health benefits.

HHS Says Diabetes Prevention Program Will Save Medicare Money

12:30pm March 23, 2016

by Alison Kodjak

The program was tested in YMCAs around the country, and helped people lose about 5 percent of their body weight in a year. The goal is to make it a Medicare-eligible prevention program.

Signups Exceed Expectations For Montana's Medicaid Expansion

11:00am March 23, 2016

by Eric Whitney

Almost twice as many people as expected have signed up for Medicaid, and it has saved Montana $3 million so far, according to a progress report. But the program still has critics.

On June 26, 2015, just hours after the U.S. Supreme Court validated same-sex marriages, Dennis Clark (center left) and Mark Henderson exchanged vows in Midtown Memphis. This photo, later posted on Facebook, led to their suspension from Freemasons by the G

National

For Freemasons, Is Banning Gays Or Being Gay Un-Masonic?

8:24am March 23, 2016

by Christopher Blank

Freemasons are best known for their secrecy, but they are having a very public dispute — about a ban on gay members. Freemasons in Tennessee will decide this week whether to lift the ban.

Queue Listen Now

Smoke More So You Can Vote Early And Often?

6:40am March 23, 2016

by David Greene

Smokers in Chicago planted 52,000 cigarette butts in the sand last year so, the Alliance for the Great Lakes is now asking smokers to toss butts in one box or another to weigh in on key issues.

Sports
Arts

Rare Tape Of Wilt Chamberlain's 100-Point Game To Be Archived

5:44am March 23, 2016

by Neda Ulaby

The Library of Congress names 25 recordings to be added to its National Recording Registry annually. This rare recording — there is no film of the game — is one of this year's selections.

Animal control officer Francois Roodman and game warden David Ross were able to break up the talon-to-talon combat using blankets.

Maine Law Enforcement Breaks Up Eagle Rumble

7:41pm March 22, 2016

by Laura Wagner

If you're itching for some more eagle news now that the D.C. eaglets are hatched, check this out: Officers in Maine broke up talon-to-talon bald eagle combat using blankets.

People walk away from Brussels airport after Tuesday's terrorist attack. Analysts say the violence may reduce travel for a while but the industry should bounce back.

Once Again, Travel Is The Target — Can Airlines Keep Bouncing Back?

7:13pm March 22, 2016

by Marilyn Geewax

Airline officials say travelers get attacked because aviation "brings the world together and fosters greater understanding." They predict that after a period of disruption, air travel will rebound.

Boba 7, the speakeasy at the back of downtown Los Angeles restaurant Soi 7, serves boba cocktails made with beer or the Korean alcohol soju, in addition to an inventive nonalcoholic menu.

Bubble Tea Is Back — With A Vengeance

7:05pm March 22, 2016

by Tove Danovich

Boba is the Taiwanese beverage that allows you to chew your drink. In its latest incarnations (think horchata and cocktail bobas), it's playing ambassador to a whole host of other foods and trends.