Around the Nation

National

Police Expert: Tasers Should Be Used Only When Suspects Are Threats

8:14am January 03, 2016

The Chicago Police Department is doubling its supply of Tasers in an effort to reduce the use of lethal force. NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with former Baltimore police officer Peter Moskos about the effectiveness of Tasers in de-escalating conflicts.

Activists held an open carry rally at the Texas state capitol on Jan. 1, 2016 in Austin, Texas.

National

Texas Businesses Adapt To Open-Carry Law

7:14pm January 02, 2016

by NPR Staff

A new law in Texas allows the open carry of handguns. Some business owners, like restaurateur Jack Perkins, are apprehensive.

Queue Listen Now

New Year, New Laws: States Diverge On Gun Rights, Voting Restrictions

5:15pm January 02, 2016

by Joel Rose

In North Carolina, you'll need ID to vote; in Oregon, people will be automatically registered. California has a new way to block a person's access to firearms; in Texas, expect to see more handguns.

Ryan Johanningmeier, a Colorado football player, works out at Pro Scout day in 2000. He was profiled by the Denver Post recently, and that story is highlighted in this week's #NPRreads.

#NPRreads: 3 Fascinating Reads To Start 2016

8:44am January 02, 2016

A deep dive into the physical costs of football — and not, this time, about concussions. A meditation on truth and communication from a sports blog. And a British interview with an American poet.

National

A North Carolina Police Department Improves Its Customer Satisfaction

8:04am January 02, 2016

by NPR Staff

The Fayetteville Police Department has begun to implement 76 recommendations to eliminate racial disparity in traffic stops and reduce the use of deadly force.

National

Army Seeks Brave And Willing Eaters To Test Its MREs

7:54am January 02, 2016

by Scott Simon

The Army is asking for volunteers to eat Meals Ready to Eat — and nothing but — for six weeks for a study on gut health. NPR's Scott Simon reflects on MREs and the jokes soldiers crack about them.

National

Along Missouri's Waterways, Flooding Brings 'Total Devastation'

7:54am January 02, 2016

by Brian Mann

Floods aren't over in the Midwest but some of the hardest hit small towns around St. Louis have begun cleaning up. North Country Public Radio's Brian Mann reports from the Bourbeuse River.

National

Berklee College of Music boasts a long list of Grammy Award winners among its alumni. But now, Berklee is filling classes with students making music for podcasts, video games and commercials.