archive
Education
College Course Lumps Homosexuality, Rape, Murder
September 10, 2012 Franciscan University of Steubenville's description of a social work course on deviant behavior says it examines "murder, rape, robbery, prostitution, homosexuality, mental illness and drug use." Gay alumni want the description changed, and the program's accreditation is being questioned.
The Two-Way
At Penn State, New Students Weigh Stigma Of Scandal
August 24, 2012 The university reports it will exceed its enrollment goal as the fall term begins. Still, new students and their parents have some pragmatic questions about how the scandal will affect them.
Law
States Aren't Submitting Records To Gun Database
August 16, 2012 A federal database with the names of mentally ill people barred from buying guns still lacks millions of records it needs to be effective. Fourteen years after it was created, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System isn't receiving the required mental health records from many states.
Business
Natural Gas Giant Tries To Shift Gears
August 8, 2012 Chesapeake Energy is still a leader in America's "fracking"-fueled natural gas boom, but low natural gas prices are making the company less profitable. Now the company is selling some of its assets and shifting more of its efforts into oil and other energy sectors to try to boost its bottom line.
Politics
Jindal's Story Intrigues, But Can It Get Him A VP Nod?
July 29, 2012 Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has a compelling life story that would add some sizzle to Mitt Romney's White House bid. But some worry he might not be a safe choice for vice president on the GOP ballot. One concern is his age. Jindal is 41 but some think he looks even younger than that, and that could be a problem at the polls. NPR's Jeff Brady originally reported this story on Morning Edition.