China Rising: The history and growing influence of China in Africa

This five-part series, airing on Morning Edition, is part of NPR's six-month cross-program examination of China.

China Rising: Sudan
Monday, July 28
Much is unknown about the relationship between China and Sudan today, but the two countries have ties that go back more than 100 years to a man who clearly demonstrated the adage "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." NPR's Gwen Thompkins has the story of the man - and of this longtime alliance.

China Rising: Sudan & Soft Power
Tuesday, July 29
Despite China's large investments in Africa, it steers clear of moral issues. Its model for operating in Africa can be seen in Sudan. China brings in the infrastructure, manpower and know-how needed to get natural resources out, but doesn't muck around with domestic affairs - that can be bad for business. NPR's Gwen Thompkins reports.

China Rising: Congo
Wednesday, July 30
The Chinese have just signed a multi-billion dollar deal in the Republic of Congo to develop the mining sector and to build roads and hospitals in exchange for tons of minerals. Though many Westerners express suspicion about the Chinese deal, the Congolese say "tant pis" - too bad. Instead of hemming and hawing on the sidelines about good governance and transparency, China came ready to play by Congo's rules. NPR's Gwen Thompkins reports.

China Rising: Zambia
Thursday, July 31
China is quite active in Zambia's Copperbelt Province. The Zambian government is upbeat about Chinese investments and involvement, but there's been anti-Chinese unrest and rioting among Zambian copper workers over low pay and poor working conditions. NPR's Ofeibea Quist-Arcton investigates the situation there.

China Rising: Senegal
Friday, August 1
Chinese investment has funded huge infrastructure projects in Africa and also poured into copper mines and oil fields. The vanguard of these Chinese pioneers in Africa, though, was not a huge investor but an army of small merchants fanning out throughout the continent. Senegal, in West Africa, is one of the countries where they've settled. NPR's Ofeibea Quist-Arcton reports from the capital, Dakar.


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Photo Credit: ©2006 NPR by Jacques Coughlin

Morning Edition's "Crime in the City" Returns!

Walk the mean streets of five cities with top crime novelists who know every dark alleyway. From Boston to L.A., the writers share secrets of the cities they write about and behind-the-crime-scene stories about their work. The intrigue begins this Friday, July 11 on NPR's Morning Edition.

Robert B. Parker's Boston: Friday, July 11
NPR's Lynn Neary tours the Boston of Robert B. Parker, author of the "Spenser" series of private eye novels that were also the basis of the Spenser: For Hire TV series.

Sarah Graves's Eastport: Monday, July 14
Sarah Graves is best known for her "Home Repair Is Homicide" series of novels set in her hometown of Eastport, Maine. NPR's Andrea de Leon investigates the scenic town with the author.

Julie Smith's New Orleans: Tuesday, July 15
NPR's JJ Sutherland heads to the Big Easy, home to both writer Julie Smith and her female cop character Skip Langdon.

Chelsea Cain's Portland: Thursday, July 17
Author Chelsea Cain sets the scene for murder and mayhem in Portland, Oregon with her crime series featuring detective Archie Sheridan in the book Heart Sick and the upcoming Sweetheart. NPR's Ketzel Levine maps out some of the dark places inspiring Cain's writing.

Joseph Wambaugh's Los Angeles: Friday July 18
NPR's Mandalit del Barco takes to the streets of L.A. with author Joseph Wambaugh. The former LAPD detective penned the iconic true crime book The Onion Field as well as novels such as The Choir Boys. In recent years, Wambaugh has started a new fiction series following the quirky pursuits of police officers at Hollywood Station.


Morning Edition airs weekdays 5 - 9 a.m. on WGVU AM & FM.

NPR News: Health Care for All

NPR News presents "Health Care for All," a series looking at the universal health care systems of other wealthy nations and comparing it with coverage in the U.S.

Upcoming Stories:

Wednesday, July 2 on All Things Considered
Germany: Doctors
Germany boasts one of the best health care systems in the world, where virtually all have access to high-tech medicine, cheap drugs, and even dental care. They don't wait long for heart surgery or hip replacements, and all of this costs the country half what the U.S. spends per person. How do they do it? NPR's Richard Knox investigates.

Thursday, July 3 on Morning Edition
Germany: Patients
Germany has the world's oldest universal care system - and arguably its most successful. As in America, most Germans get their health coverage through their employers. But unlike the U.S., the rich pay higher premiums to subsidize insurance for the poor. NPR's Richard Knox talks to two families living in Germany to get a patient's perspective on how the approaches compare.

Wednesday, July 9 on All Things Considered
France: Cancer Care
In France, the sicker you are, the more the government health care system provides for you. NPR's Joe Shapiro explores why this has made France a model for cancer treatment.

Thursday, July 10 on Morning Edition
France: Prenatal Care
Pregnant women and new mothers seem to hold a special status in France. Every expectant mother gets care at minimal costs and mandatory paid job leave. The government even gives mothers payments for things like cribs and diapers. NPR's Joseph Shapiro reports on whether the country can continue to be this generous - and what lessons the U.S. might learn from it.