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Federal prisons are chronically overcrowded after years of "tough on crime" policies. But a new report finds that a majority of states cut their imprisonment rates and saved millions — while keeping crime down.

The opposition group Syrian National Coalition took considerable heat from inside Syria when it decided to meet with government representatives at the Geneva peace talks. But after several days, coalition members say they're pleased to find their star is rising among Syrians. The talks have also been a kind of trial by fire for the coalition, which says its ability to make its case is improving daily. Syrians also seem fascinated to see government officials caught in face-to-face confrontations with the opposition.

To understand speech, the brain has to quickly recognize the sounds used to form words. Researchers say that process involves groups of highly specialized brain cells that respond to individual sounds produced by the human vocal tract.

A community of dirt-bike enthusiasts in Baltimore is the focus of Lotfy Nathan's feature documentary, a film intrigued by the gray area between "They're a public-safety threat" and "This is a part of our culture."

Adapted from a theater piece, the film dramatizes recordings from the cockpits of six crashing airplanes. Critic Mark Jenkins says the film's portrayal of mortal struggle makes for a claustrophobic intensity.

California Rep. Henry Waxman, elected in 1974 in Watergate's aftermath, has announced his retirement. The Democrat leaves behind one of the most substantive legislative records in the House's recent history, and was instrumental in the passage of the Affordable Care Act.

It's still unclear what spilled and how much, but state officials say the water supply is safe to use and drink. Other public health experts are skeptical — including a local doctor who says his water still has a chemical, licorice smell.

With thousands of oil-related jobs in western North Dakota, some of the region's new workers are putting down roots. But many more commute from states where jobs are hard to come by — and that can mean being separated from spouses and children for weeks at a time.

Advertising during the big game is traditionally the realm of beer, chips and soda. But better-for-you foods will also make a play for viewers' wallets this year. Expect clever ads pitching nuts, yogurt and whole grain cereals.

A new documentary about the war in Syria follows the transformation of peaceful demonstrators into insurgents. Steve Inskeep talks to Orwa Nyrabia, the producer of the film, about the toll of the Syrian civil war on the besieged city of Homs.