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NPR News/ProPublica Investigation: Tricare, which covers nearly 4 million troops and military retirees, denies coverage of cognitive rehabilitation to traumatic brain-injury victims, despite consensus from medical specialists who say it improves the quality of life.

For decades, the U.S. and U.S.S.R. were locked in a checkmate that brought the countries to the brink of nuclear war. Now, a new multipolar landscape exists where at least nine countries have nuclear weapons and China is projected to become the world's largest economy.

The California Assembly just voted to approve the nation's first statewide ban on plastic bags. The move follows action taken in several cities. But industry officials say it will be costly -- and will cost consumers use of a good product.

Zhang Yimou and the Beijing Olympics

Despite tough economic times, people showed up in droves to the 18th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival.

In Jamaica, like all over the world, there are deep conversations about the ideal body type. While there are competing norms of beauty, some women are using extreme methods to fit their vision of beautiful, like ingesting chicken pills for broader hips and butts, and bleaching their skin to be whiter. And they're taking health risks to do so.

Pearl Fryar's yard in Bishopville, S.C., has made him something of an art-world star. He's trimmed 400 plants and trees into fantastical shapes — diamonds, mushrooms, hearts and even a square. At 69, Fryar mulls his legacy and is looking to pass on his clippers.

State School Superintendent Tom Torlakson has just started his term in office, and one of his first goals is to sound the alarm. He wants Californians to understand just how badly schools have been affected by three years of deep budget cuts, with possibly more cuts to come. Tom Torlakson will join us in studio and take your calls.

More economists are calling for an end to the mortgage interest tax deduction as a way to help reduce the federal deficit. But real estate professionals worry the move could put a damper on homeownership. With the housing market still shaky, it's unlikely the government will act right away.

A growing number of cities are tearing down freeways that have reached the end of their useful lives. Cities as diverse as New Haven, New Orleans and Seattle are either dismantling major roads or considering it to save money and improve the quality of life for residents.