Casaundra Bronner, of Hazelwood, Mo., worked in marketing before being laid off in March 2010. She found a job again in March 2011 but is still uninsured and having trouble getting the health care she needs.
Even When Employed, Health Care A Challenge
()A little more than a year ago, NPR launched the Road Back to Work series, following six people in St. Louis who started 2011 unemployed and were searching for work. Like so many Americans, the people we followed have had difficulty getting health coverage, even after returning to work.
Law
Supreme Court Wades Into Affirmative Action Issue()
February 21, 2012 By agreeing to hear a case on admissions at the University of Texas, the newly energized conservative majority on the high court signaled it may be willing to severely cut back on the use of racial preferences.
Shots - Health Blog
The Big Squeeze: Calif. Weight Loss Clinics Under Investigation()
February 21, 2012 The 1-800-GET-THIN marketing campaign and its affiliated surgical centers, which implant the Lap-Band for weight-loss, are being investigated by local, state and federal authorities. At least three wrongful death lawsuits have been filed and the Department of Insurance has launched an investigation into allegations of insurance fraud.
All Tech Considered
Twitter Diplomacy: State Department 2.0()
February 21, 2012 Diplomacy in the age of social media is transforming the way ambassadors do their jobs. From tweets to Facebook posts, the State Department is encouraging ambassadors to get their messages out in new and different ways.
The Picture Show
From Waterfall To Lavafall: Yosemite's Fleeting Phenomenon()
February 21, 2012 If you head to Yosemite National Park this time of year and stop by Horsetail Fall at just the right time, you might see something awesome: As the sun sets, the waterfall glows with streaks of gold and yellow — and it looks just like molten lava.
Music Reviews
A 'Giant Anthology' Of Profile Records, Rap's Early Champion()
February 21, 2012 Profile Records never meant to get into the rap game, but the label launched the careers of groups like Run-D.M.C.
Middle East
Yemen Election: One Person, One Vote, One Candidate()
February 21, 2012 Millions of Yemenis voted Tuesday in an unusual presidential election in which the only candidate was the vice president. That was the result of a power-transfer deal with President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who agreed to step down after 33 years. Boycotts and violence affected the polls in some places.
Animals
Cheers! Fruit Flies Drink To Their Health, Literally()
February 21, 2012 Drinking alcohol from fermenting fruit can kill parasites that infect the tiny insects. But don't get any ideas that a night at the local pub can stave off malaria or hookworm; research says alcohol doesn't have the same effect on people.
Europe
Rent-A-Crowds May Be Boosting Pro-Putin Campaign()
February 21, 2012 Since opposition protesters began taking to the streets in December, Russian authorities have been mounting pro-Kremlin rallies. But organizers of the pro-Putin events have been accused of padding their numbers by pressing government workers to attend, and even paying for hired extras.








