Comic book writer Harvey Pekar, best known for the American Splendor series, died early this morning at his home in Cleveland, Ohio. We have this appreciation from NPR’s David Gura.

ASCAP — the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers — has taken action against bars and restaurants in 13 states. As NPR’s David Gura reports, ASCAP accuses them of playing copyrighted music illegally.

Saxophonist and teacher Fred Anderson has died. NPR’s David Gura says he was a cornerstone of the jazz scene in Chicago.

Eighteen Americans will receive lifetime honors from the National Endowment for the Arts. NPR’s David Gura says they are recognized for their contributions to jazz, opera, and traditional arts.

The National Endowment for the Arts will bestow lifetime honors on 18 American artists. As NPR’s David Gura reports, the group includes composers, drummers and a family of jazz musicians.

Jose Saramago, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, has died. As NPR’s David Gura reports, he will be remembered for his imaginative fiction and his outspokenness.

“Fiddling With An American Alternative To Suzuki,” NPR’s All Things Considered (April 26th, 2010)

American violinist Mark O’Connor has been a sideman for country stars and a soloist with symphony orchestras. Last week, he released his 36th album. But now, O’Connor has undertaken his biggest project yet: He wants to change the way young people learn how to play the violin.  NPR’s David Gura reports.

“Poet Lucille Clifton: Everything Is Connected,” NPR’s Weekend Edition (February 28th, 2010)

Lucille Clifton, a pioneering American poet, passed away on February 13th, of complications from cancer. We wanted to mark her passing and the works she leaves behind, so NPR’s David Gura wrote this appreciation.

“Bess Lomax Hawes, Musical Folklorist, Dies,” NPR’s All Things Considered (December 6th, 2009)

Bess Lomax Hawes, a folklorist, musician and teacher, has died. In the 1970s, as the head of the folk arts program at the National Endowment for the Arts, she increased federal funding for traditional music and folk arts across the United States. NPR’s David Gura has this remembrance.

“Chef Chang’s Momofuku: A Romance With Ramen,” NPR’s Weekend Edition (October 31st, 2009)

A hip New York chef makes food inspired by his love for fresh, simple ingredients and classic Asian dishes. David Chang has four restaurants in his Momofuku empire and has just published a cookbook.  NPR’s David Gura has this profile.

“Schools Go For Gold At Solar Decathlon,” NPR’s All Things Considered (October 12th, 2009)

How energy efficient is your home? Maybe you’ve weather-stripped your doors or sealed a drafty window, but can you move your walls depending on where the sun is, or monitor your electricity usage with your phone? Those are just some of the features on display here in Washington, D.C. on the National Mall. Twenty teams are competing in this year’s solar decathlon. The goal is to design, build and operate the most attractive, effective and energy-efficient solar-powered house. And as NPR’s David Gura reports, there’s efficient and then there’s efficient.

“Vineyard Resorts To Trading On Obama’s Name,” NPR’s Morning Edition (August 21st, 2009)

President Obama and the first family will travel to Martha’s Vineyard on Sunday for a weeklong vacation. And business owners on the resort island off the coast of Massachusetts are primed and ready for his visit — and the extra money they hope it will bring.  NPR’s David Gura reports.

The winners of the 2009 Pulitzer Prizes for journalism were announced on Monday, and several of the awards went to the staff of The New York Times.  NPR’s David Gura reports.

The winners of the 2009 Pulitzer Prizes for journalism were announced on Monday.  Five of the fourteen awards went to The New York Times.  NPR’s David Gura has more.

The 2009 Pulitzer Prizes for letters, drama, and music were announced earlier today.  NPR’s David Gura reports.