Kristen Meinzer

An investigation finds employers abusing a visa program for guest workers

December 8, 2015Business

The H-2 visa program allows US employers to bring in workers from foreign countries if they can’t fill the job with an American. But an investigation finds many abuses of the system.

In this Broadway show, the words are sung, spoken — and signed

November 24, 2015Culture

What could have been: Mitch Albom originally wanted to be a singer-songwriter

November 23, 2015Books

Bill Murray’s latest Hollywood endeavor, ‘Rock the Kasbah,’ has roots in a true story

October 26, 2015Culture

Netflix documentary explores the choices made by the stars behind Internet porn’s biggest genre

May 28, 2015Lifestyle

The moment this bag pops could be terrifying, but it's also a moment when your brain goes into overdrive — and possibly a great learning opportunity.

Here’s what happens after ‘Surprise!’

April 2, 2015Science

Not everyone loves surprises, but Tania Luna says everyone’s brain reacts to them in a similar way. And because our responses are designed to make us extra curious and focused intently on the moment, surprises can be valuable moments.

Rosa Parks is a candidate for the first woman on the $20 bill

Fighting to put a woman on the $20 bill

March 18, 2015Culture

It’s time, one group says, to end the monopoly of men on US paper currency. President Barack Obama thinks it’s about time, too.

Sumatran tiger Melati looks inside a present box put out to celebrate the first birthday of her cub triplets in their enclosure at the London Zoo on February 4, 2015.

Is it time to close all the zoos?

March 10, 2015Science

Who doesn’t love a good zoo? The animals, for one. Many of the most popular attractions at zoos are animals like tigers and bears, who are particularly prone to boredom and depression when cooped up. That’s why some people want to close traditional zoos and take a different approach.

Trying to figure out who will walk away with an Oscar? Let us help

February 21, 2015Culture

The Oscars are Sunday, which means it’s time to brush up on all the movies you missed in 2014 — or get a quick reminder about what you really liked, or loathed, in theaters.

‘I’m surprised at how boring a film about sex can actually be’

February 13, 2015Culture

Critics offer plenty of shade to ”Fifty Shades of Grey” but are sweet on Colin Firth in “Kingsman.” Rafer Guzman, film critic for Newsday, and Kristen Meinzer, culture producer for The Takeaway, guide us through this week’s releases.