Story of the Day

People gather outside of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, ahead of a ceremony for the victims of Friday's terrorist attacks. Even as we mourn for those lost in the violence, NPR's Michel Martin says, we should not forget the many who have died in similar at

Grief Knows No Native Tongue — But We Must Listen, Wherever It Speaks

3:13pm November 16, 2015

by Michel Martin

Less than a week since the death of a friend, and just days since the Paris killings, NPR's Michel Martin says the loss of life — be it in Beirut, Niger or even next door — must always matter.

Queue Listen Now

Students cheer while listening to protesters, following the announcement that Tim Wolfe, the president of the University of Missouri System, would resign.

With Campus Racism, How Can College Presidents Get It Right?

2:21pm November 12, 2015

The resignation of the head of the University of Missouri System raises an important question: How should he have responded?

Queue Listen Now

Physical exercise, diet and supportive counseling are the first steps of any weight-loss program. But sometimes that's not enough to take large amounts of weight off, and keep it off, doctors say.

Surgery Helps Some Obese Teens In Battle To Get Fit

8:18pm November 06, 2015

by Patti Neighmond

Three years after bariatric surgery, more than 200 severely obese teens studied had dropped about a third of their weight and improved their metabolism, heart health and self-esteem.

Queue Listen Now

Women can get a free pregnancy test and a free ultrasound at the clinic, as well as counseling regarding three options — parenting, adoption and abortion. The clinic will not refer clients for abortions.

California Law Adds New Twist To Abortion, Religious Freedom Debate

12:36pm November 05, 2015

by Kelly McEvers

A California law will soon require pregnancy centers that oppose abortion to provide notice to their clients of the availability of abortion services in the state. Clinics are crying foul — and suing.

Queue Listen Now

The church of Our Lady Queen of Angels in New York City's East Harlem neighborhood closed in 2007, but parishioners still congregate outside the parish for service every Sunday.

'It's All About Church Closings': Catholic Parishes Shrink In Northeast, Midwest

6:43am October 20, 2015

by Hansi Lo Wang

Pope Francis is set to visit a Catholic school in New York City that used to have a sponsoring church. The parish was closed in 2007 in a region that has been a traditional Catholic stronghold.

Queue Listen Now

Stephen Van Cleef, a fictional Seneca Village resident played by Billy Eugene Jones (left), meets a New York City police officer, played by Andy Truschinski, in The People Before the Park at Premiere Stages at Kean University in Union, N.J.

Lives Displaced By Central Park Take Center Stage In New Play

6:24am October 20, 2015

by Hansi Lo Wang

The land that became New York City's Central Park was once home to Manhattan's first-known community of African-American property owners. A new play explores how eminent domain forced them out.

Queue Listen Now

Ex-Iowa State Sen. Kent Sorenson defected from Michele Bachmann's campaign before the 2012 Iowa caucuses. In a 2014 plea deal, he admitted that he lied about payments from the Ron Paul campaign.

Big Money And Backstabbing Have Become Part Of The Iowa Game

6:10am October 20, 2015

by Clay Masters

The hyperfocus on Iowa as the first presidential nominating contest has meant more money — and sometimes leaving allegiances behind — for consultants, who can make up to $10,000 a month.

Queue Listen Now

Kelly Carlin (center) says her parents, Brenda and George Carlin, could never be accused of hovering over their only child — she says her dad was "the ultimate laissez faire parent."

Books
Arts

The Dark Side Of Funny: Growing Up In George Carlin's Shadow

7:43pm October 19, 2015

by Elizabeth Blair

In A Carlin Home Companion, Kelly Carlin reflects on life with her famous comedian (and drug addicted) father. "This book has always felt like unfinished business," she says.

Queue Listen Now

In the historic kitchen of Monticello, using period utensils, food historian Paula Marcoux recreates 18th-century French dishes as James Hemings would have made them. Hemings — who spent five years with Thomas Jefferson in France — had a mastery of Fr

Behind The Founding Foodie, A French-Trained Chef Bound By Slavery

10:54am October 18, 2015

by Maria Godoy

James Hemings, Thomas Jefferson's chef, had skills surpassing any other American cook of his era. Training in Paris, he glimpsed a world where black men were free — and respected. Then he came home.

Queue Listen Now

Marco Rubio, R-Fla., speaks at a town hall meeting Thursday in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Is Marco Rubio The Generational Change The Grand Old Party Needs?

4:07pm October 14, 2015

by Mara Liasson

Since the 1980s, Democrats have had a serious presidential candidate pressing the need for generational change. Now Republicans have the young candidates, and Rubio is running as the fresh face.

Queue Listen Now