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Sick Inmates Dying Behind Bars Despite Release Program
Federal prisoners can request compassionate release if they are terminally ill, but a recent investigation found that many die while their requests drift through the system. Now, prison leaders say they will simplify the approval process and start tracking requests electronically.
The Salt
In Raw Milk Case, Activists See Food Freedom On Trial
May 22, 2013 Activists say the case against Wisconsin dairy farmer Vernon Hershberger is about raw milk — and much more. His supporters have turned the case into a rallying cry for personal food freedom and the rights of farmers and consumers to enter into private contracts without government intervention.
Planet Money
Go East, Young Marijuana Dealer
May 22, 2013 A San Francisco dealer quadrupled his income by moving to New York after California legalized medical marijuana.
The Two-Way
Oregon's Cash-Strapped Counties Reject Public Safety Levies
May 22, 2013 Two Oregon counties have reportedly rejected property tax increases that would have funded law enforcement and public safety services. The counties once received federal timber subsidies, but those days are over — and now they're scrambling to pay for essential services.
The Two-Way
IRS Official In Charge Of Nonprofits Declines To Testify
May 21, 2013 Lois Lerner, who heads the IRS division dealing with nonprofits seeking tax-exempt status, will not testify on Wednesday despite a congressional subpoena, her attorney says. She is accused of closely scrutinizing conservative groups that sought tax-exempt status.
Business
Apple, Tech Giants And An Industrial-Age Tax Code
May 21, 2013 Apple CEO Timothy Cook made a rare appearance on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, testifying after congressional investigators revealed that Apple avoided billions in taxes. The New York Times' Charles Duhigg and guest host Jennifer Ludden talk about the tax code and the digital economy.
The Two-Way
Key Charge Against Ex-BP Official In Spill Case Dismissed
May 20, 2013 A federal judge ruled that prosecutors failed to prove the executive knew about a pending congressional investigation into oil flowing into the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. The decision left in place a second charge against the executive, for allegedly making false statements to investigators about the oil flow rate.