Andrew Weissmann, one of the best-known lawyers in special counsel Robert Mueller’s office, is set to depart soon from that job and the Justice Department, NPR has learned.
Colleges Use More Than SAT Scores When Deciding Which Students To Admit
The criminal case about parents who allegedly paid bribes to get their children into top schools spotlights the admissions process. Officials look for aspects of the applications that reveal lies.
New Congolese President Pardons About 700 Political Prisoners
President Felix Tshisekedi is signalling a more tolerant approach to political opposition than his predecessor Joseph Kabila.
For Boeing, Costs Of Grounding Jets Have Only Just Begun
Regulators around the world have grounded hundreds of Boeing’s 737 Max planes. The company faces potential hits to its bottom line and its reputation. Delivery delays could affect its suppliers, too.
Dozens Of School Children Feared Dead In Nigerian Building Collapse
The three-story structure crumpled into a pile of concrete slabs Wednesday. About 100 nursery and primary school students are believed to have been inside. At least 37 people have been rescued.
Saudi Women’s Rights Activists Appear In Riyadh Court
Defying international calls for the activists’ release, a Saudi Arabian court began legal proceedings on Wednesday for Loujain Alhathloul and several other women.
Where Will Your Plastic Trash Go Now That China Doesn’t Want It?
Last year, China drastically cut back its imports of plastic waste to recycle. Now the U.S. and other wealthy nations must figure out what to do with their discards.
Overlooked Ingredients In Medicines Can Sometimes Trigger Side Effects
Drugmakers add inactive ingredients to stabilize medications and sometimes to help the body absorb the active ingredients. But the inactive constituents can cause side effects in rare cases.
Call For Global Moratorium On Creating Gene-Edited Babies
An international group of 18 prominent scientists and bioethicists is calling for countries around the world to impose a moratorium on the creation of babies whose genes have been altered in the lab.
Does It Matter Where You Go To College? Some Context For The Admissions Scandal
It’s no surprise that rich people game the system to get their kids into top colleges. Here are some key takeaways as the bribery scandal evolves.
In Midst Of An Oil Boom, New Mexico Sets Bold New Climate Goals
New Mexico lawmakers passed a bill this week mandating state utilities use 100 percent renewable energy by 2045. Meanwhile, oil production in the southeast corner of the state is breaking records.
A ‘Bomb Cyclone’ Is Thwacking The Central U.S.
The storm is bringing high winds, snow, rain and dangerous road conditions. Meteorologists and local officials are warning people across the West and Midwest to cancel travel plans.
Meet The Lagoon’s Forgotten Lady And See ‘The Strangest Movie Never Made’
The Lady from the Black Lagoon tells the story of Milicent Patrick, who designed the Creature’s monster suit. Giraffes on Horseback Salad was a Marx Brothers script scenario written by Salvador Dalí.
U.N. Report Says Massacres In Congo Might Constitute Crimes Against Humanity
A United Nations investigation finds at least 535 men, women and children were killed in December amid a conflict between the Banunu and Batende communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
David Keenan, A Young Singer With An Old Poet’s Soul
During World Cafe‘s Sense Of Place trip to Dublin, we grab a seat by the water to hear the Irish singer-songwriter perform gorgeous songs on acoustic guitar.
College Completion Rates Are Up, But The Numbers Will Still Surprise You
To unlock the benefits of going to college, you need to earn a degree. But average completion rates in the U.S. are surprisingly low and can vary widely depending on what type of school you attend.
Honda Recalls 1.1 Million Vehicles After Air Bag Injures Driver
The defective air bag inflators are supplied by Takata, an auto parts maker that is already part of the largest automotive recall in U.S. history.
‘Sea People’ Examines The Origins And History Of Polynesia
Christina Thompson deftly weaves her fascinating narrative of European travels and attempts to understand the Polynesian puzzle in her new book, though European colonization is not fully addressed.
Opioid Litigation Brings Company Secrets Into The Public Eye
Lawsuits over the way drugmakers have marketed opioids are already putting a dent in companies’ reputations. Litigation has forced the release of internal documents that are shifting the narrative.
Targeting Online Privacy, Congress Sets A New Tone With Big Tech
In a rare area of bipartisan agreement, and after years of little regulation, lawmakers in both chambers say the tech industry needs to do more to protect its users’ personal information.
Gov. Gavin Newsom Suspends Death Penalty In California
California voters are the only ones who can repeal the death penalty, something they’ve rejected twice in recent elections. The governor’s moratorium will spare the lives of more than 700 inmates.
Cardinal George Pell, Former Vatican Official, Sentenced To 6 Years In Prison
He had been convicted of sexually abusing two choir boys in Melbourne, Australia, two decades ago. He is 77 and will be eliglble for parole in three years and eight months.
U.S. Lawmakers Call To Ground The Boeing 737 Max 8. FAA Says ‘No’ For Now
Sens. Warren, Cruz and Romney among lawmakers who want the FAA to ground Boeing’s series of jets involved in recent crashes. Dozens of other countries already have.
Trump Administration Seeks To Close International Immigration Offices
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is in “preliminary discussions” to shutter 23 field offices around the world to save millions. Critics say it will exacerbate a processing bottleneck.
Georgia Woman Arrested And Accused Of Aiding ISIS Cyber Group That Made ‘Kill Lists’
Kim Anh Vo, 20, was charged Tuesday with conspiring to provide material support for the terrorist organization. Prosecutors say she recruited online members, including a minor.
Dozens Of Countries Ground Boeing’s 737 Max 8 Following Deadly Crash In Ethiopia
Sunday’s deadly crash of a Boeing 737 Max 8 in Ethiopia is spurring dozens of countries and airlines to ground the plane. In the U.S., the FAA is demanding design changes for the fleet.
CEO Says Wells Fargo Has Transformed After Scandals; Lawmakers Are Skeptical
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers question whether Wells Fargo has changed its culture away from fraud and mismanagement that have led to billions in fines and penalties against the bank.
In These Divided Times, Is Civility Under Siege?
Civility is about more than simple politeness. It’s a line of respect in public life. It’s a comfort to some and repressive to others. And a majority of Americans believe it’s in a state of crisis.
Ton And A Half Of Cocaine Seized At Port Of New York/Newark
Authorities say 60 packages of the drug worth about $77 million on the street were found in a shipping container.
Refugee Soccer Player Hakeem al-Araibi Granted Australian Citizenship
He fled his native country of Bahrain after being imprisoned. Then he was jailed in Thailand and faced extradition charges. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called him “our newest Australian.”
Paul Manafort, After Receiving 47 Month Sentence, To Learn Punishment In D.C. Case
Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges and admitted that he tried to tamper with potential jurors. Wednesday’s sentencing could lengthen his time in prison.
‘Remain In Mexico’ Immigration Policy Expands, But Slowly
The Trump administration is expanding a hard-line immigration policy that forces asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico for their day in immigration court. But the program itself faces a legal challenge.
Speaker Pelosi Revokes Vice President Pence’s House Office Space
Under Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., the vice president enjoyed ceremonial office space on the House side of the U.S. Capitol. He still has an office on the Senate side as president of the Senate.
Adam Schiff: Evidence Available Already Shows That Trump Should Be Indicted
The chairman of the House intelligence committee says he supports House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s high bar for impeachment but also argued there’s already a strong case against the president.
Under Pressure, Algeria’s Leader Won’t Seek 5th Term — But Delays Upcoming Election
“I particularly understand the message given by youth, in terms of anxiety and ambition for their own future and that of the country,” said 82-year-old President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
U.S. Accuses Actresses, Others Of Fraud In Massive College Admissions Scandal
Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin are among dozens of parents who paid large sums of money to cheat admissions standards at prestigious schools, federal prosecutors say.