The number of Americans living under the correctional system fell to 1.6 million in 2010, according to recent government data. Host Michel Martin discusses the decline and efforts to reform the system with former U.S. Attorney General Richard Thornburgh and Adam Gelb, director of the Public Safety Performance Project for the Pew Center on the States.
One Maryland prison is seeing a waiting list for inmates to get into a weekly knitting class. Participants of 'Knitting Behind Bars' learn how to make hats, dolls and other small items. The program's co-founder, Lynn Zwerling, talks with host Michel Martin about how knitting has benefited prisoners.
It's here. It's really here. The presidential election, I mean. And if you like politics or love it as I do, then this is the best of times ... and the worst.
Reporter Robert Melton suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2003. He had to relearn simple tasks, such as brushing his teeth. Host Michel Martin speaks with his wife, Page, about how she adapted to her husband's injury and built a bigger support network around him. The couple's story is featured in this week's Washington Post Magazine.
Sunday marked the 100th anniversary of the African National Congress, which is known for Nelson Mandela's message of equality, as well as recent accusations of government corruption. Host Michel Martin discusses the ANC's complex history with Crystal Orderson of the South African Broadcasting Corporation.
Unemployment dropped in December 2011, but can Americans still count on moving up? Recent reports say America now lags behind Canada, Britain and some Western European nations in terms of economic mobility. Host Michel Martin talks with public policy analyst John Bridgeland and Brookings Institution economic expert Isabel Sawhill.
Three Kings Day is when the three wise men are believed to have visited the baby Jesus. Many cultures, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean, are celebrating on Friday. Festivities are also going strong in East Harlem, Miami, Los Angeles, even Disneyland. Host Michel Martin speaks with Gonzalo Casals, who organizes a parade in East Harlem.
Despite the best intentions and plans for success, many New Year's resolutions fall by the wayside. Jana Reiss, author of the new memoir Flunking Sainthood, spent a year trying to reconnect with her faith. But she admits she failed at every step. Reiss speaks with host Michel Martin about what she learned from failure.
Tell Me More editor Ammad Omar and host Michel Martin comb through recent listener feedback. One listener thinks the Beauty Shop ladies got it wrong when discussing NFL concussion prevention, and another shares appreciation for the George Collinet interview. Others respond to a debate about parents giving brand name items to their kids.
The Barbershop guys talk about the Iowa caucuses, political campaigning, and the NFL playoffs. Host Michel Martin speaks with author Jimi Izrael, political science professor Lester Spence, syndicated columnist Ruben Navarrette, and former Obama administration staffer Corey Ealons.
