Around the Nation

National

East Coast Blizzard Doesn't Fall Short Of Expectations

8:14am January 23, 2016

by Jennifer Ludden

A massive blizzard is hitting the East Coast hard. We've sent our intrepid reporter Jennifer Ludden out into the elements. NPR's Rachel Martin speaks to Jennifer, if we can find her.

The routines that students learn at Dance for PD classes in Venice, Calif., can be quite challenging, instructors say.

Dance Returns The 'Joy Of Movement' To People With Parkinson's

8:14am January 23, 2016

by Ina Jaffe

Many struggle with tremors and balance much of the time, but when the music starts, these people dance. It gives them joy — body and soul. Scientists say dance might have lasting brain benefits, too.

Politicians Work To Remedy Flint Water Crisis

8:14am January 23, 2016

NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with Harvey Hollins, the coordinator of Michigan's clean-up efforts, about how the state is going to address the myriad problems.

A customer fills up at a gas station in Chillicothe, Ill., in December. Low prices have meant big savings for consumers, but urban planners worry that cheap gas will encourage sprawl.

$1.22 A Gallon: Cheap Gas Raises Fears Of Urban Sprawl

6:20am January 23, 2016

by Mandie Trimble

Gas prices in Columbus, Ohio, are among the lowest in the country. Drivers appreciate the savings, but anti-sprawl advocates say cheap gas doesn't help their cause.

National

Regulators Recall Another 5 Million Vehicles Due To Faulty Air Bags

8:07pm January 22, 2016

by Laura Wagner

The latest death linked to Takata air bags was the ninth in the U.S. and the tenth worldwide. It involved the crash of a Ford Ranger. Other brands being recalled include Volkswagen and Audi.

National

Major Snow Storm Shuts Down Transportation Along East Coast

6:27pm January 22, 2016

by David Schaper

The snowstorm predicted to dump up to two feet of snow on parts of the East Coast is also expected to bring just about every mode of transportation but sleds to a standstill. Airlines are cancelling thousands of flights from the Carolinas to New England. Washington, D.C., is shutting down the metro, while roads and rails are expected to be completely impassible. And those who didn't plan ahead may wind up stranded.

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Film Academy Votes To Increase Diversity

6:16pm January 22, 2016

by Laura Wagner

Following criticism of the lack of diversity in this year's Oscar nominations, the academy has voted to approve changes aimed at doubling the number of women and people of color by 2020.

Health & Safety

Lead Poisoning Dates Back To Roman Times

5:31pm January 22, 2016

Lead was found in Flint's water supply in 2014. Renee Montagne talks to Dr. Howard Markel, director of the Center for the History of Medicine at the University of Michigan about lead's long history.

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The cheetah known as Sarah or Sahara holds the record as the fastest land animal on earth. She has died at the age of 15.

Sarah The Cheetah, World's Fastest Land Animal, Dies At 15

5:26pm January 22, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

The Cincinnati Zoo euthanized the cheetah known as Sarah this week. Cheetahs usually live to 8 to 12, the zoo says. Sarah was famous for running 100 meters in 5.95 seconds, a record for land mammals.

FBI Probe Uncovers Corruption In Allentown, Penn.

5:05pm January 22, 2016

by Andrea Seabrook

Covert recordings, political bribes, raided offices and now, federal indictments. An FBI probe is dismantling an entire political administration after uncovering deep corruption within. But these politicians aren't in Congress or even in a state governor's office. This scandal is ripping through the tiny city council of Allentown, Penn., and the FBI is throwing everything it's got into the investigation.