The debate over the Affordable Care Act has been at the heart of the government shutdown. Host Michel Martin asks two conservative thinkers why they think shutting down the government is a better option than allowing Obamacare to kick in.
A confrontation between motorcyclists and an SUV resulted in a badly injured biker and the SUV driver being beaten. But who's to blame? The Barbershop guys weigh in.
After years of discrimination from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, black farmers are now getting a $1.25 billion settlement. Founder and president of the National Black Farmers Association John Boyd tells host Michel Martin what this settlement means for farmers and their families.
A new film The Fade shows that from Accra to New Jersey, the barbershop has a special place in the black community. Host Michel Martin talks to the film's director, Andy Mundy-Castle about what he learned from following four barbers across the world.
What's a TV fan to turn to, now that Breaking Bad is over? Host Michel Martin speaks with NPR TV critic and correspondent, Eric Deggans, about who's new on the tube this season and what might be worth a watch.
Government workers across the country are still shut out of their jobs - and they're telling their stories. For the latest on the budget stalemate and how people are affected by the shutdown, host Michel Martin is joined by Federal Diaries columnist Joe Davidson of The Washington Post.
Jazz artist Keiko Matsui poured her heart into rebuilding Japan after the tsunami there. Her latest album, Soul Quest, focuses on love, loss, spirituality and environmental consciousness. She speaks with host Michel Martin about how she sends a message without any lyrics, and why she got detained during her tour in Europe.
Rick Najera's name may not sound familiar, but his work is famous in Hollywood. Host Michel Martin talks with the funnyman about his career and his book Almost White: Forced Confessions of A Latino in Hollywood.
Millennials are often dubbed "young invincibles" for their propensity to stay healthy, and forgo health insurance. Host Michel Martin speaks with Kaiser Health News correspondent Jenny Gold about how the Affordable Care Act will impact "invincibles," and how they might be the key to the program's success.
A new trial could start soon for a Florida woman who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for aggravated assault. She says she was merely standing her ground, and firing a warning shot at her abusive husband. Host Michel Martin speaks with Florida Times-Union reporter Larry Hannan about the case, and the issues it's bringing up.
Ethnic Haitians living in the Dominican Republic are lashing out at the government's decision to strip them of Dominican citizenship. They say it's just another example of the ugly racial tension on the island shared by the two nations. Host Michel Martin speaks with Maria Cardona, Alicia Anabel Santos and Laura Martinez about this week's hot topics in the beauty shop.
South Africans Julian and Ena Hewitt made headlines when they swapped their comfortable home for a shack in the townships. They speak to host Michel Martin about what they call a lesson in empathy.
As the government endures a partial shutdown, we hear stories from people around the country whose lives have been affected. For additional perspective, host Michel Martin is joined by NPR business editor Marilyn Geewax, and Sudeep Reddy, of The Wall Street Journal.
New York Post reporter Stephanie Smith sparked a firestorm online when she wrote about her plan to make her boyfriend 300 sandwiches - in exchange for an engagement ring. Host Michel Martin talks to Smith about her project and the reaction to it.
Six people were arrested recently after a teenage party got out of control in upstate New York. Hundreds of young people trashed a home, leaving a lot of parents wondering, what if that were my child? For more on teens and parties, host Michel Martin is joined by a roundtable of parents.