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U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Chairwoman Steps Up Industry Studies

By: Sharon Rae // November 9, 2012
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During the August 2011 earthquake that rattle the east coast, including parts of the Washington, D.C. metro area, the North Anna nuclear plant in central Virginia experienced peak ground movement at twice the level for which the plant was designed. While there were initial concerns related to structural integrity at the facility, no major damage or complications were reported.

In April that same year, a massive earthquake and tsunami severely damaged the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan, leading to multiple meltdowns.

Allison Macfarlane, the new chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, says that the rash of natural events shows the nuclear industry needs to better study geologic risk. Macfarlane also says the events show the industry has to update its understanding of earth processes.

Arts & Culture

NPR

Brooks: 'I'm An EGOT; I Don't Need Any More'

The screenwriter, producer, director and actor, whose name has become synonymous with American comedy, talks about his penchant for spoofs and his decades-long friendship with Carl Reiner. Brooks is the subject of a new American Masters documentary on PBS.

Food

NPR

Washington State Butcher Spikes Pig Feed With Weed

Despite its name, the "pot pig" experiment isn't an attempt to develop a new meaty treat for stoners. Instead, a Seattle butcher is feeding marijuana seeds, stems and root bulbs to swine as a cheeky money-saving measure.

Politics

NPR

Texas Medicaid Debate Complicated By Politics And Poverty

In Texas, it may be politically unwise to cross the governor, but some politicians and advocates in the poor Rio Grande Valley are starting to speak out in support of expanding Medicaid. Governor Perry opposes all parts of Obamacare.

Technology

NPR

Tweets Capture 'Shock And Awe' At Tornado's Deadly Power

Twitter captures firsthand accounts and reaction from the massive tornado that swept through central Oklahoma.

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