NPR funding survives in 2011 budget; GOP had insisted on cut during negotiations

A Republican provision to cut all federal funding to NPR was dropped in Friday's (April 8) late-night deal on the fiscal 2011 budget, according to the Wall Street Journal. That funding, along with money for Planned Parenthood, became a sticking point in the tense standoff between the parties as they negotiated an agreement to keep the government open past a midnight deadline. Under the deal, the GOP won budget cuts of $39 billion for the remaining six months of the fiscal year, far more than either party had expected a few months ago.

Man pleads guilty to death threats against ATC hosts

A man accused of threatening to kill two All Things Considered hosts has agreed to plead guilty to the charges, the Associated Press is reporting. John Crosby, 38, formerly of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, was to go on trial in U.S. District Court in May on charges that he emailed dozens of threats to NPR's Melissa Block and Guy Raz through the network's website. Family members say Crosby suffers from mental illness. His attorney filed notice with the court Thursday (April 7) that Crosby will waive his right to trial and change his plea to guilty. It's not clear whether the move is part of a plea agreement, although acceptance of responsibility typically results in a lower sentence. A hearing on Crosby's change of plea is scheduled for April 15.