In Arizona, the Tucson Unified School District governing board recently voted to suspend the controversial Mexican American studies program. The move came after the state superintendent John Huppenthal deemed the program in violation of a state law banning, among other things, classes that promote resentment toward a race or class. He speaks with host Michel Martin.

The U.S. has repeatedly ranked low in voter turnout, compared to other G8 countries. Jacob Soboroff of the group Why Tuesday? says the antiquated voting law is putting America's democracy on the back burner. He speaks with host Michel Martin about why his nonpartisan group is pushing to move election days.

Prosecutors said those charged took part in an insider trading scheme that netted more than $61.8 million in illegal profits based on trades of a single stock.

California Gov. Jerry Brown gives his State of the State address Wednesday, and things aren't going well in the state financially speaking. Brown has already made huge cuts in government, and faces even more if voters do not back his tax increase ballot measure.

Lancaster is not social networking, but it is fighting crime with real tweets by birds. The city's mayor tells The Wall Street Journal that birds put residents in a "better place." And though police say the causes are many, crime in the city is down.

William Francis Blankenship was handcuffed at the time he allegedly stole a police car. He radioed police, asking for help in finding the handcuff keys. He said the cuffs made it hard to steer. Blankenship has been recaptured.