Around the Nation

Three months ago, producer Ross Putman started tracking descriptions of female characters from scripts he read. On Tuesday, he shared them with the world on his Twitter account, "Fem Script Intros."

Meet The Guy Calling Out Hollywood For How It Describes Women

4:48pm February 11, 2016

by Laura Wagner

Three months ago, producer Ross Putman started tracking descriptions of female characters from scripts he read. On Tuesday, he shared them with the world on his Twitter account, "Fem Script Intros."

South Carolina Democratic Chair On How Candidates Can Appeal To Black Voters

4:29pm February 11, 2016

NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Jaime Harrison, chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party, about the upcoming primaries in his state.

Media wait at a checkpoint about 4 miles from the Malheur Wildlife Refuge Headquarters near Burns, Ore., as the sun rises on Thursday. The FBI had surrounded the last four protesters holed up at a federal wildlife refuge in Oregon and were waiting for the

National

Oregon Occupation Ends As Last Holdout Surrenders

3:34pm February 11, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

Three of the last four armed occupiers of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge had surrendered earlier this morning. The last man has now given himself up, bringing an end to the 41-day occupation.

More Americans across all ages are opting not to drive.

Like Millennials, More Older Americans Steering Away From Driving

2:45pm February 11, 2016

by David Schaper

Americans of all ages are tossing away the keys and giving up their driver's licenses, a new study shows. Cars are being replaced by bikes, public transit and ride-hailing services.

Queue Listen Now

DOJ Sues Ferguson After Mo. City Rejects Police Overhaul Deal

2:43pm February 11, 2016

by Jason Rosenbaum

The suit follows Ferguson's decision to not accept a consent decree negotiated between the city and the federal government to settle complaints following the shooting death of Michael Brown.

Queue Listen Now

Combines harvest a corn field in Grand Island, Neb.

National

Buy Crop Insurance, Double Your Money

2:00pm February 11, 2016

by Dan Charles

The nation's crop insurance program is really a lottery, says one prominent economist. And it's rigged so that farmers win. In fact, farmers typically get back double the money they pay for premiums.

Karyn Jackson (right) helped Fernando Rico, of Pasadena, Calif., complete a Covered California application for health insurance at an enrollment fair in 2014.

Will HealthCare.gov Get A California-Style Makeover?

11:53am February 11, 2016

by Pauline Bartolone, CALmatters

The feds propose taking a page out of Covered California's book and moving to a simplified marketplace for health insurance.

National

Remaining Occupiers Expected To Leave Wildlife Refuge Shortly

9:42am February 11, 2016

by Martin Kaste

The last four anti-government militants at the National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon appear close to surrendering to the FBI. Law enforcement began closing in on them late Wednesday afternoon.

Queue Listen Now

Ken Baker with a clear glass message bottles, though he favors green glass to send his notes. Inside, he writes about himself, mentions the bottle project and how far past bottles have gone and includes contact information.

National

How A Man's Message In A Bottle Met A Kindred Spirit Miles Away

9:18am February 11, 2016

by Daniel A. Gross

A few years ago, glass bottles with handwritten messages inside started washing up along the New England coast. They're the work of Ken Baker. One recently found its way to Ireland.

Queue Listen Now

Girl Scout Cookie Flavors Vary By Region

7:28am February 11, 2016

Bite into a Thin Mints and it may taste different than the box your friend got. The Los Angles Times reports two bakers make Girl Scout cookies: one Thin Mints is smooth; the other crunchier.

Queue Listen Now