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Gun Background Check System Lacks Money, State Involvement

January 14, 2013
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The national dialogue on gun control has focused attention on the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Federally-licensed gun dealers in all states are required to run a check through the system on any customer looking to purchase a gun. Critics, though, see a flaw in the program. While all states are asked to contribute information to the system — on their convicted criminals, drug abusers, mentally ill — they are not required to. Audie Cornish speaks with Steve Buford, an administrator for the NICS program in California, which is one of the leading state contributors to the database.

Arts & Culture

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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

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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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