Free Republic

Even at a time of great political division, there is broad consensus that National Public Radio provides a tremendous service. The journalism produced by NPR includes investigations that expose corruption, podcasts that make audiences think, Tiny Desk Concerts that wow and amaze, and coverage of an incredibly broad range of important and interesting issues. Unfortunately, NPR is using contract negotiations with SAG-AFTRA to propose a second class of minimum pay and benefits for new employees. This would undermine the quality work that NPR journalists have provided us, as a country, for many decades.

On the field, the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders have had as bitter a rivalry as any in the NFL but in a sense, they’re now partners. The teams will officially announce Friday that, while they work on stadium deals in their current cities, they will jointly pursue a shared, $1.7-billion NFL stadium in Carson as an alternative. While theirs might seem to be an unlikely pairing -- the Silver & Black and the Powder Blue -- the Raiders and Chargers have actually been closer over the years than many people might think.

Four Chicago Health Department employees and a pair of midwives provided by the University of Illinois at Chicago have been charged with looting condoms, birth control pills and other medical supplies from a health clinic in one of the city's most impoverished neighborhoods. The alleged thefts mark the second time in less than three months that supplies earmarked for indigent patients have been stolen from the Englewood Health Center, 641 W. 63rd. "These people are supposed to be providing services to people in need. They're in the helping profession. Instead, they're helping themselves," said Inspector General Alexander Vroustouris. The latest...

Total tooth loss increased while Americans steadily receive more fluoridated water and food, according to recent government statistics. Fluoride, hailed as a cavity preventive is supposed to enhance tooth retention; but fails expectations. In 1999, 24.4% of Americans over 65 were reported edentulous(1) by the Centers for Disease Control, ranging from 14% in Hawaii (9% fluoridated) to 48% in West Virginia (87% fluoridated). However, the April 2003 Journal of the American Dental Association reports toothlessness averages 30.3% with poor seniors suffering the highest rates at 45.1%.(2) Yet 65.8% of Americans receive fluoridated tap water, up 3.7% since 1992 (3) and...