The State of Things

Science couple Rindy Anderson and Casey Klofstad noticed something weird when they watched television news. Almost all the anchors, both men and women, seemed to have low pitched voices. They decided to work together to find out how people perceive pitch, and how that might affect the way they vote. Host Frank Stasio talks to Rindy Anderson, a research associate in the biology department at Duke University; and Casey Klofstad, associate professor of political science at the University of Miami.

In the wake of recent mass shootings, mental health has been a focus of our national dialogue. Walter Sinnott-Armstrong is a professor of philosophy with an interest in mental illness, in particular psychopathy. He studies the brains of prison inmates to try to gain some insight into the condition. Host Frank Stasio talks with Walter Sinnott-Armstrong, the Chauncey Stillman Professor of Practical Ethics in the philosophy department at Duke University about his life and career, starting with the ethics of psychopathy.

A new governor and a new legislature are in place and ready to make big changes. The UNC system may let in more out-of-state students. And what does the latest Bank of America settlement mean for homeowners?

Ironing Board Sam has been playing rhythm and blues professionally since he was 16 years old in Rock Hill, SC. He's now 73, living in Chapel Hill and his passion for music-making is as strong as ever. Sam is part of Hillsborough's Music Maker Relief Foundation, and he's just released a new album, “Going Up.” He's performing this Sunday, January 13th at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh.