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The nation's methamphetamine epidemic continues to challenge local law enforcement and child welfare workers across the country. That's the conclusion of a new survey of 500 county sheriffs and 303 county child welfare officials in 45 states.

In some parts of the country, it wouldn't be summer without that fried dough treat, funnel cake. And for one man, who's known in some circles as the Funnel Cake King, they've helped make the American Dream come true. Frank Wilmer, a.k.a. Apple Frankie, talks with NPR's Vikki Valentine about his career in the funnel cake business.

Supergroups have a long tradition in popular music. Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson once joined forces as The Highwaymen. There were the Fania All-Stars, The Four Tenors and Audioslave. Now Conor Oberst, Mike Mogis, Jim James and M. Ward, calling themselves Monsters of Folk, have released their debut album.

Loudon Wainwright's new double album, High Wide and Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project, is a tribute to the old-time country banjo player who died in 1931. The singer-songwriter explains the motivations behind the project — and why Poole was such an influential country pioneer.

Though the Congolese music known as soukous was Africa's biggest pop-music style in the '70s and '80s, it only reached the U.S. in bits and pieces. But a new anthology by the musician known as Franco goes a long way toward completing the puzzle.

McCartney and Youth returned to work as The Fireman for their third and latest release together, Electric Arguments. McCartney entered the studio, without any material, and recorded 13 songs in 13 days. The legendary artist reveals how his alter ego allows him the freedom to experiment.

The former American Idol contestant, whom Paula Abdul dubbed "one funky white boy," just made Fight for Love, his second album since the competition. Yamin dishes on his soul sound, his time in the TV spotlight and, of course, his mom.

Slumdog Millionaire composer A.R. Rahman produced a driving, powerful score that's already earned a Golden Globe. His organic approach to writing draws on a simple desire to make people smile when they listen. The eclectic soundtrack also features collaborations with singer M.I.A.

The Killers' frontman has used the band's hiatus to write and record his first solo album. Flamingo is full of card and dice metaphors and draws heavily from the imagery and excitement of Flowers' glitzy hometown.

"Oh wow," comedian Chris Rock said in response to the Smith attack. Rock did not physically retaliate, though the rest of his words were muted on American TV stations.