NPR logo NPR

Opinion
Low-dose pot-infused cookies, called the Rookie Cookie, sit on the packaging table Sept. 26 at The Growing Kitchen in Boulder, Colo. The state legalized recreational pot use last year.

Low-dose pot-infused cookies, called the Rookie Cookie, sit on the packaging table Sept. 26 at The Growing Kitchen in Boulder, Colo. The state legalized recreational pot use last year. Brennan Linsley/AP hide caption

itoggle caption Brennan Linsley/AP

Commentary

Kennedy: Are We Ready For Big Tobacco-Style Marketing For Marijuana?

Former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy warns that if marijuana is legalized — there are votes Tuesday in Oregon, Alaska and D.C. — kids will be the ones to take the hit.

Venture capitalist Nick Hanauer, with Elise Gould, argues that a robust economy relies on large numbers of innovators and affluent consumers — and that too much inequality prevents too many Americans from joining those groups.

Venture capitalist Nick Hanauer, with Elise Gould, argues that a robust economy relies on large numbers of innovators and affluent consumers — and that too much inequality prevents too many Americans from joining those groups. Samuel LaHoz/Intelligence Squared U.S. hide caption

itoggle caption Samuel LaHoz/Intelligence Squared U.S.

Intelligence Squared U.S.

Debate: Does Income Inequality Impair The American Dream?

A sign of a robust economy that ultimately lifts all boats — or a force that prevents low- and middle-income people from advancing? Experts debate income inequality for Intelligence Squared U.S.

Listen Loading… 50:30
Shirley Parrello's son, Brian, died in Iraq almost ten years ago. Sgt. Kevin Powell was with him that day, and he says he can still picture Brian Parello in the moments after the IED exploded.

Shirley Parrello's son, Brian, died in Iraq almost ten years ago. Sgt. Kevin Powell was with him that day, and he says he can still picture Brian Parello in the moments after the IED exploded. Storycorps hide caption

itoggle caption Storycorps

StoryCorps

After Loss, Marine's Parents 'Gained 20-Something Other Sons'

Lance Cpl. Brian Parrello was 19 when he was killed by an IED; he was the only member of his platoon who didn't come home from Iraq. Since then, his fellow Marines have grown close to his parents.

Listen Loading… 3:35
Waverly Adcock, a sergeant and founder of the West Augusta Guard, prepares his company for inspection and battle at a Civil War re-enactment in Virginia. Sara Smith, whose great-great-grandfather was wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg, holds the Confederate battle flag.

Waverly Adcock, a sergeant and founder of the West Augusta Guard, prepares his company for inspection and battle at a Civil War re-enactment in Virginia. Sara Smith, whose great-great-grandfather was wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg, holds the Confederate battle flag. Courtesy of Jesse Dukes hide caption

itoggle caption Courtesy of Jesse Dukes

The Race Card Project: Six-Word Essays

Six Words: 'Must We Forget Our Confederate Ancestors?'

The Confederate flag is a sign of bigotry to some. For others, says reporter Jesse Dukes, it symbolizes family heritage and defiance — but also what he calls a "willful innocence" about U.S. history.

Listen Loading… 7:47
When Sgt. Paul Braun (right) first met Philip, the Iraqi interpreter assigned to his company, he didn't trust him. But after his tour was over, he worked for years to get Philip a visa to come to the U.S.

When Sgt. Paul Braun (right) first met Philip, the Iraqi interpreter assigned to his company, he didn't trust him. But after his tour was over, he worked for years to get Philip a visa to come to the U.S. Storycorps hide caption

itoggle caption Storycorps

StoryCorps

American Soldier, Iraqi Interpreter: From Strangers To 'Brothers'

When Sgt. Paul Braun was serving in Iraq, his company was assigned an interpreter they called Philip. At first the two men were wary of each other; later, Braun worked to bring Philip to the states.

Listen Loading… 3:49