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Large-scale pageantry opened the Sochi Olympics on Friday, in a symbolically rich opening ceremony that was marred by an early and highly visible mistake — one of five massive Olympic rings failed to fully appear.

The U.S. recently approved a drug that can quickly cure hepatitis C in many patients. But its high price means the treatment is out of reach for millions of people in the developing world. Now the pill's manufacturer is talking with Indian producers to reduce the treatment cost to $2,000. But critics say the price drop won't be enough.

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock appointed his number two, John Walsh, to serve out the term of longtime Democratic Sen. Max Baucus, who was confirmed Thursday as U.S. ambassador to China. The appointment gives Walsh a brief incumbency advantage going into an expected tough fall battle.

Hundreds of thousands of people are put on probation every year. Now, a study by Human Rights Watch finds private probation contractors are racking up profits and effectively criminalizing poverty. Host Michel Martin discusses the issue with HRW's Chris Albin-Lackey and Rhonda Cook of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Bewildered in the wine aisle or staring at a wine menu? A cheeky chart offers solid advice on getting the most bang for your buck, whether you're looking for wines to cook, date or get drunk with.

After consistent improvements in 2013, employment growth has downshifted over the past two months. Economists fear that could be pointing to slower growth in 2014.

Pakistan's government and the Pakistani Taliban are holding a first round of peace talks in Islamabad. Expectations are low for any substantial progress toward ending what has been a particularly bloody insurgency. Some analysts believe that the Pakistani military will soon launch a major offensive against the militants in their strongholds along the border with Afghanistan.

The 2014 Winter Olympics officially opened Friday with a ceremony celebrating Russian culture and introducing Olympic athletes from around the world. NPR's Robert Smith was at the ceremony in Sochi and joins us to recount the pomp and pitfalls on display.

The U.S. Labor Department reported disappointing hiring numbers on Friday. In January, employers added just 113,000 jobs, though the unemployment rate fell slightly to 6.6 percent.

Iran is preparing for a national holiday celebrating the Islamic Revolution 35 years ago, and NPR's Peter Kenyon is among the few foreign journalists in Tehran for the event. He's found that the optimism that greeted President Hassan Rouhani's election last year has moderated — but not vanished.