Ex-Lacrosse Player Guilty Of 2nd-Degree Murder

Wed, Feb22, 2012

Former University of Virginia lacrosse player George Huguely V was convicted Wednesday in the May 2010 slaying of his ex-girlfriend, who also played lacrosse for the university. Jurors rejected a first-degree murder verdict and possible life sentence, instead finding him guilty of second-degree murder, and recommending a 25-year term.

Virginia House Revises Controversial Abortion Bill

Wed, Feb22, 2012

The amended bill requires women seeking abortions to undergo an external ultrasound, not a more invasive procedure. The state's Republican governor came out against requiring the more invasive procedure after the proposal drew national outrage. The amended bill now returns to the Senate, where it will likely be killed.

Is A Lie Just Free Speech, Or Is It A Crime?

Wed, Feb22, 2012

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday over the constitutionality of a law that makes it a crime to lie about having received a military medal. But the questions posed by the justices ranged far beyond that from deceptive advertising to lying on a date.

Climate Scientist Admits To Lying, Leaking Documents

Wed, Feb22, 2012

Peter Gleick is an outspoken proponent of scientific evidence that humans are responsible for climate change. This week, the MacArthur "genius" grant recipient shocked the scientific community by admitting to lying to obtain internal documents from the Heartland Institute, a group skeptical of climate change.

'We Crush The Cars': Inside The Monster Truck Arena

Wed, Feb22, 2012

The sport — yes, sport — of monster truck driving has come a long way. What started in the late '70s as intermission entertainment for tractor-pulling competitions is now a multimillion-dollar industry that tours the world. "We are a show," says veteran Rod Schmidt, "but yet we're racers."

Obama Takes New Approach To Black Voters For 2012

Wed, Feb22, 2012

While President Obama would have spoken at the groundbreaking for the new National Museum of African American History and Culture no matter when it happened, his appearance Wednesday highlighted a shift in his outreach to African-American voters.

Architect On New Black History Museum Design

Wed, Feb22, 2012

The way Americans learn about African American history is largely shaped by architect Philip Freelon. He's designed most of the country's major African American history and culture museums — from the International Civil Rights Center and Museum in Greensboro, NC, to the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco. And Wednesday there was a groundbreaking ceremony on the National Mall for his highest profile project to date — the new Smithsonian devoted to African American history and culture. Freelon stopped by after the ceremony to talk with Melissa Block about the museum and his design philosophy.

Oil Prices Historically Important In Elections

Wed, Feb22, 2012

Audie Cornish speaks with Jim Tankersley, Economics Correspondent for the National Journal, about how oil prices have affected the outcomes of elections in the past.

Arizona Debate A Key Platform Before Primaries

Wed, Feb22, 2012

The four remaining Republican candidates debate Wednesday night in Mesa, Ariz. Host Audie Cornish talks with Ted Robbins, who is in Arizona in advance of the state's Republican primary next Tuesday.

Obama Calls For Corporate Tax Reduction

Wed, Feb22, 2012

The Obama administration outlined a plan on Wednesday to reduce the corporate tax rate to 28 percent. It would also close many loopholes and impose a minimum tax on businesses. The proposal has little chance on Capitol Hill, but it's a starting point for a political debate this election season.

Justice Department Drops Foreign Bribery Case

Wed, Feb22, 2012

The Justice Department has abandoned its high profile foreign bribery case against businessmen in the military equipment industry after a string of mistrials and acquittals. Prosecutors have spent increasing resources to bring companies to justice under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, but their record recently has been very uneven.

What's Behind The Recent Hike In Gas Prices?

Wed, Feb22, 2012

Oil prices have jumped sharply in the past two weeks, and the price of gasoline has followed suit. Experts are pointing to everything from the tensions with Iran to a decrease in supply as a possible cause. One expert even thinks the rise in fuel prices could be good for the economy.

Then There Were ... Still Four: Buddy Roemer Leaves GOP Presidential Race

Wed, Feb22, 2012

Former Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer seems to have hit on how to get noticed in his bid for the Republican presidential nomination: drop out of the race. Or, more specifically, redouble his efforts by switching to the nascent "Americans Elect" movement while seeking the Reform Party nomination.