U.S.

December brought storm clouds to the Porter Ranch neighborhood in Southern California's San Fernando Valley.

Families Near The Huge Gas Leak Wonder: Is Home A Safe Place To Be?

7:57pm February 05, 2016

by Kelly McEvers

Most health officials say the small amounts of benzene and other components of the natural gas still leaking in Southern California are probably not a health threat. Still, some parents worry.

Queue Listen Now

Beer And Snack Pairings: A Super Bowl Game Everyone Can Win

7:01pm February 05, 2016

Which beer goes with guacamole? How can a brew complement spicy wings? Two craft beer experts share their favorite pairings and help us take our Super Bowl snack game to the next level.

The latest Mattel Barbie dolls created to increase representation and diversity.

Roundup: Here's What People Are Saying About Barbie's Diversity Makeover

6:52pm February 05, 2016

by Hanna Choi

Mattel is rethinking how the Barbie brand could represent women of all colors, shapes and sizes. Some are buying it. Others, not so much.

High Costs For Drugs Used By A Few Are Starting To Add Up

5:12pm February 05, 2016

by Pauline Bartolone, CALmatters

A cystic fibrosis drug that is expected to be taken by only a few hundred people may drain almost $36 million from California's general fund over two fiscal years.

In New Hampshire, Marco Rubio Looks To Capture Mainstream Republicans

4:54pm February 05, 2016

by Don Gonyea

With a third place finish in Iowa, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is looking to coalesce mainstream Republican support in New Hampshire. But his rivals in that lane of the GOP race are doing a lot to stop him.

How Do Pharmaceutical Companies Establish Drug Prices?

4:54pm February 05, 2016

by Alison Kodjak

Drug companies are under increasing pressure to keep prices under control. At a hearing on Capitol Hill Thursday, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle blasted two companies that have instituted huge price increases. NPR explores how drug companies establish prices for a drug.

As Presidential Primaries Begin, Late Night TV Boosts Political Satire

4:54pm February 05, 2016

by Eric Deggans

Larry David will host Saturday Night Live this weekend, and viewers can expect his impression of presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders. NPR looks at late night's take on the campaign.

National

Court Ruling Forces Police In Southern States To Reconsider Use Of Tasers

4:22pm February 05, 2016

by Martin Kaste

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unexpectedly ruled to limit how officers may use Tasers or other stun guns. In states such as Virginia and North Carolina, it's no longer legal for police to use Tasers to force compliance from a non-dangerous suspect. Some cops say this is an unnecessary and dangerous restriction. Others say it's an overdue curb on the abuse of these weapons.

Week In Politics: Iowa Caucus, New Hampshire Primary

4:22pm February 05, 2016

NPR's Audie Cornish speaks with our regular political commentators E.J. Dionne of the Washington Post and Brookings Institution and David Brooks of The New York Times about the Iowa caucuses and the upcoming New Hampshire primary.

Fact Checking The Democratic Debate: Clinton, Sanders Battle Over Wall Street

4:22pm February 05, 2016

by Scott Horsley

NPR fact checks some of the claims made by candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders in the latest Democratic presidential debate.