Proposals for chemical plants to use "inherently safer" design practices have been blocked by industry executives and their allies in Congress, despite deadly accidents and the risk of a potential terrorist attack that could harm an entire community or city.

NPR's Daniel Zwerdling reports on what's known about the two brothers suspected in the Boston Marathon bombing, Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev.

Danny Zwerdling reports on what's known about the two brothers suspected in the Boston Marathon bombing.

Melissa Block talks to Danny Zwerdling about what's known so far in the Texas fertilizer plant explosion. They cover its operations, past safety problems, the history of fertilizer plant explosions, and possible responses by regulators and investigators

President Obama's announcement this week that he's launching a brain initiative generated widespread and enthusiastic media coverage. Researchers, however, are suggesting the initiative has more to do with politics and public relations than research.

An innovative new loan program in Cambodia targeting low-income residents is a throwback to the days when bankers got to know their customers — and trusted them.

When Jeff Barillaro returned from fighting the war in Iraq, he felt lost. Now known as "Soldier Hard," he's rapping about how war has changed troops and their families. His music is developing a following among other vets and their families, who say his music speaks to them and makes them feel less alone.

The U.S. military is spending tens of millions of dollars to test every service member's brain to find out who suffered a traumatic brain injury during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. But an investigation by NPR and ProPublica has found that military leaders are refusing to carry out the testing program.