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Fast-food workers across the country protested their low pay this week, while President Obama decried the nation's growing wealth gap, calling it "the defining challenge of our time." Meanwhile, the nation's capital city passed a new minimum wage law.

Since 2001, more than 100,000 troops have left the military with an other-than-honorable discharge. The "bad paper" puts benefits and medical care out of reach, even for those who served in combat. Which raises a simple question: What does America owe those who serve?

While the latest Coen brothers movie, Inside Llewyn Davis, isn't a biopic, it is inspired by the life of a real person: the late Dave Van Ronk. He was a folk and blues singer and a central figure in the folk revival of the early 1960s. NPR's Joel Rose has the story of the musician, who was known for his avuncular presence on the Greenwich Village scene.

Yingluck Shinawatra's move comes as she tries to defuse anti-government protests that began last month. But protest leaders said they will rest only when Thai politics is rid of her family's influence.

Insurers are holding down prices by including fewer doctors and hospitals in their health plans. Consumers may save money, but at the cost of more restrictions on where they can get medical care that is covered.

An NPR poll finds that most elementary school kids have physical education classes just one or two days a week. In response, parents and educators are getting kids to squeeze in walks, jogs and jumping jacks before, after and even during school.

After Angelina Jolie announced she has a genetic variant that raises her risk of breast cancer, many women asked their doctors for the test. Insurers will pay for tests only if there's a clear indication that it would help shape medical care. That's often not the case.

Photographers and a cake baker who oppose same-sex marriage on religious grounds are challenging rulings that compel them to provide wedding services to gay couples. Lawyers have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in.

Time magazine has named Pope Francis its Person of the Year, calling him "The People's Pope." Francis has called on the Roman Catholic Church leadership to emphasize compassion and prioritize caring for the poor. Host Michel Martin speaks to a panel of Catholic leaders to hear their thoughts on Pope Francis.

Starting in the 1980s, leaders in Garden City, Kan., decided that they were going to treat the immigrant influx as a blessing, not a curse. Working conditions are tough, but the jobs offer decent wages, and a good support system provides a brighter future.