VIDEO: The Made in America store is the realization of a dream for owner Mark Andol, who not only firmly believes in buying American, but also insists on hiring American. Located in upstate New York, Andol’s shop carries about 7,000 different items that have one thing in common — they’re all certified as having been crafted in America.

ON THIS DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY On April 30, 1803, the United States buys the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million. The Louisiana Purchase more than doubles the size of the young nation. (Current US map highlighting the land acquired by the US from France.)

More US colleges are seeking out students from rural areas in order to balance out the exchange of ideas. Many American higher education officials believe that such students have a different way of thinking than students from heavily populated areas like cities, and they want to add a wider range of perspectives to the higher education mix.

Recycled oyster shells could end up on your plate for a second, third or fourth time. The discarded shells get a new life after being returned to the water as homes for baby oysters.

VIDEO: New Hampshire has the nation’s highest opioid death rate. More people die per capita from fentanyl in the small northeastern US state. The synthetic opioid is more powerful than heroin and can be more lethal. First responders are on the front lines of the deadly epidemic and VOA checks in to see how they’re coping.

Autism is often met with stigma and superstition in parts of Africa. Youngsters with autism are sometimes labeled as ‘devils’ and some believe the disorder is punishment for a parent’s bad behavior, or an affliction that can be prayed away. VOA recently hosted a program to help demystify and deepen understanding of autism spectrum disorder.

VIDEO: China’s technology companies are expanding at a rapid pace. Their focus is on artificial intelligence as well as the speed at which data can flow between smart devices. Chinese companies are spending lots of money developing 5G, the fifth generation of wireless technology that will transfer up to 10 times more data per second than the current 4G technology.