Around the Nation
Historic Drug Bust Highlights Underground Network
[3 min 49 sec]
The Niemeyer Center for the arts will shut its doors on Dec. 15 after being open for only nine months in Aviles, Spain. It's a victim of political squabbling during difficult economic times.
Curtain Could Fall On A Dazzling Arts Center In Spain
()The Niemeyer Center for the arts in northern Spain is slated to close on Dec. 15, after barely nine months of operation, because of budget cuts. The fate of the Niemeyer could be an omen for the future, as conservative politicians slash funding for the arts and public projects.
Around the Nation
Migrants Say They're Unwilling Mules For Cartels()
December 4, 2011 Traffickers are reportedly forcing illegal border crossers to smuggle drugs into the U.S. For courts along the border, it's a struggle to decide how to deal with terrified migrants, especially when there's no proof to their claims.
Economy
How Europe's Troubles Could Become Ours, Too()
December 4, 2011 If Greece, Spain, Italy or other European governments were to suddenly default on their debts, European banks could find themselves holding worthless assets and becoming insolvent. That could lead to a global financial meltdown worse than the one in 2008.
Around the Nation
Poor Economy Defers Small Idaho Town's Dream()
December 4, 2011 Unemployment is especially stubborn in rural places. In central Idaho, the recession has left Fairfield struggling for survival. Not long ago, it was poised for growth, but this summer, unemployment topped 16 percent.
Sunday Puzzle
Making Changes Is Up To You()
December 4, 2011 Change one letter in each word of a made-up, two-word phrase to get two new words that will start a familiar proverb or saying. Determining which letters to change is up to you.
Music Interviews
The Black Keys: Necessary Roughness()
December 4, 2011 Members of the blues-rock band say playing live in the same room is vital to getting the sound they want on record — and that often means embracing imperfections.
Animals
Name That Tune: Identifying Whale Songs For Science()
December 4, 2011 Researchers need your help to unlock the secrets of whale songs. A new online experiment is recruiting citizen scientists to study killer and pilot whale calls from around the world.
The Record
Spotify Is Good For The Music Industry, Its CEO Says()
December 4, 2011 The 28-year-old founder of the subscription music service stands by his company's business model.
Monkey See
Not Just Any Set: Behind The Scenes At 'Funny Or Die'()
December 4, 2011 Neda Ulaby visits the set of a video from the comedy website Funny Or Die, and she examines how funny videos have become a successful business.
Author Interviews
Short And Sweet Status Updates Tell Their Own Story()
December 4, 2011 In 420 Characters, Lou Beach crafts micro-stories, each the length of a previous character limit on Facebook statuses. What began as a writing exercise for the accomplished illustrator will soon be a published book.
