The 64th Cannes Film Festival wraps up Sunday after another day of screenings and award ceremonies. American screenwriter-directors Woody Allen and Terence Malick premiered big films with heartfelt narratives. Away from the buzz and flashbulbs surrounding their A-list casts, smaller films were winning over audiences. Host Liane Hansen speaks with Washington Post film critic Ann Hornaday about this year's festival.
Haitians who fled to Miami after last year's earthquake have found new sorrow. Used to working and being independent, refugees are now forced to accept welfare and relying on friends and relatives for help. State of the Re:Union host Al Letson explores their stories.
President Obama leaves Sunday night on a week-long trip to Europe. He'll visit with the Queen of England, attend a G-8 summit meeting in France and sit down with a group of central European leaders in Poland. Host Liane Hansen and NPR's Scott Horsely look ahead to Obama's trip to Europe.
Punsters went toe-to-toe Saturday at the annual O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships in Austin, Texas. It was a barrage of clever and corny fighting words, all for the honor of "Punniest of Show." Host Liane Hansen speaks to Gary Hollack, the Pun-Off coordinator.
Farmers along the length of the Mississippi River and near the complex network of levees and spillways are suffering heavy losses this year. The financial and economic burden on agriculture is yet untold, and a timeline for recovery is, in some cases, undetermined. Host Liane Hansen talks with farmer Greg Gabrielson, who has recovered from flood losses before, about how he managed to turn things around.
Sen. Tom Coburn's exit from the so-called "Gang of Six" last week was just another moment of failure for such unofficial Senate groups. Host Liane Hansen talks with Ross Baker, professor of political science at Rutgers University, about why Senate "gangs" haven't had much success at bridging partisan gaps.
As the Louisiana levee system keeps New Orleans and Baton Rouge dry, some cities are preparing to get wet. Water spilling out of the Mississippi River and into the Atchafalaya Basin is starting to rise in more populated areas to the south. With a high-water mark not coming until next week, residents have had plenty of time to prepare. Almost too much time. Blake Farmer of member station WPLN reports.
This week in Washington, policymakers will still be wrestling with the domestic economy and the twin burdens of the federal deficit and debt. Host Liane Hansen talks with NPR's Senior Washington Editor Ron Elving about the issue that's driving the debate in Washington and vexing politicians of both parties: the massive federal budget deficit.
President Barack Obama will address the annual gathering of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee on Sunday. AIPAC is the country's largest pro-Israel lobby, and Obama's remarks come just days after he sought to lay out a vision for a new Middle East. Host Liane Hansen speaks with former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk, who now serves as vice president and director of foreign policy at The Brookings Institute.
