Search results for

The nation's governance crisis, driven by economic anxiety, is the political equivalent of what meteorologists call a "blocking pattern" where storm systems get stuck over a particular region due to stationary high pressure systems that prevent the turbulent weather from passing along in the normal way.

Ron Paul is surging in the polls — at least in Iowa — reflecting the implosion of other candidates, his memorable debate performances and eclectic libertarian positions. He's for ending the wars — as well as what he calls the "socialist big government." What is his role in the GOP nomination race? Who is he hurting and helping? Could he conceivably win the nomination? Does he want to be president?

Phil Jackson's new book, The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul, is a journal of Jackson's 2003-04 season spent coaching the Los Angeles Lakers. Hear NPR's Robert Siegel and Jackson.

The 2012 presidential election is more than a year away, but that's not keeping political advertisers from targeting the TV airwaves. However, a survey has found that the TV audience is shrinking — especially the young voters.

Fresh Air's resident linguist explains how the magic of metonymy gave "occupy" its symbolism — and how the word implies a culture that made a bunch of protests feel like a movement.

In Around My French Table, cookbook author Dorie Greenspan revels in the idea that French home cooks take shortcuts just like Americans do -- they just don't talk about it as loudly. She demonstrates how people can make a French version of shepherd's pie -- with and without shortcuts.

All over the world, people have been grilling since they discovered fire, and immigrants to the United States brought their signature flavors with them. Hot dogs and burgers are joined by chorizo, kalbi, yakitori, kebab and more as we fire up the grill for Independence Day.

With the peak of the winter lettuce-growing season in Southern California coming in Janury, a labor shortage is prompting fears of rotting crops. Growers say better border enforcement and better jobs have led to fewer migrant workers.

Football players at Grambling State University in Louisiana refused to play this past weekend, complaining about unsanitary facilities and unsafe equipment. Host Michel Martin talks more about the issue with The Root's Corey Dade, who used to play football at Grambling, and The Nation's Dave Zirin.

At the close of trading, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 391.01 points, or 3.5 percent, at 10,733.83. At one point, the Dow fell 527 points. The Standard & Poor's 500 and Nasdaq composite each closed down more than 3 percent.