Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• More questions for doctors in new age of health care
  The combination of consumer-driven health care, the Internet, and drug advertisements, has many patients asking many more questions of their doctors. But increasingly, doctors are being asked to ask more questions of their patients. Insurance companies are among the parties interested in the answers. But some of those answers may also provide valuable information for the doctors, too. Tom Crann talked about the issue with Dr. Jon Hallberg.4:48 p.m.
• Peace in the House
  Modern news headlines are a constant reminder of religious conflict; Jews and Muslims battling over land in Israel and Palestine, Hindus and Muslims fighting over territory in Kashmir, and riots across the Muslim world in response to drawings of the prophet Mohammed. But a concert in Minneapolis suggests there's another side to the story.5:15 p.m.
• Local Muslim reaction to cartoon controversy
  A Pakistani cleric announced a $1 million bounty for killing a cartoonist who drew the Prophet Muhammad as thousands joined street protests after Friday prayers. Denmark, which first published the cartoons, temporarily closed its embassy and advised its citizens to leave Pakistan. In Minnesota, we've asked members of the Muslim community to reflect on the controversy.5:23 p.m.
• Hatch keeping low profile as competitors score points at business forum
  A candidate forum on business issues was the latest in which Attorney General Mike Hatch chose not to participate. Some Democrats are wondering why Hatch is keeping a low profile on the campaign trail.5:48 p.m.
• Sky ride
  It's not exactly winding roads thru the French Alps, but tonight some 50 cyclists will take on the tough terrain of the St. Paul Skyway system an the first ever "Skyride." The course is a mile long, and includes such treacherous obstacles as doorways, stairwells, and even carpeting, not to mention the narrow glass-enclosed raceway. Tom Crann talked with Steve Nilsen, sports-marketing manager for Red Bull, which sponsors the event.5:53 p.m.
• Coping with loss
  It's a natural part of the human experience to grieve when dealing with loss, especially the loss of a loved one through death. But what about the loss of a loved one through a prolonged illness, such as Alzheimers? Or through violence or war, where the loss may be sudden and there may not even be a traditional funeral or a body to bury? The quality of grief in those cases is different. Pauline Boss, a professor of therapy at the University of Minnesota, is known for the pioneering work in this field of "ambiguous loss." Her new book is called "Loss, Trauma and Resilience: Therapeutic Work with Ambiguous Loss."6:19 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Series Looks at Notable 'African American Lives'
  Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s new PBS miniseries African American Lives takes an in-depth look at his own family tree, along with the histories of such luminaries as Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Mae Jemison and Bishop T.D. Jakes. He talks to Robert Siegel with about the project.
• Chicago Imposes Ban on Buskers
  An ordinance passed by Chicago's city council bans performances along part of North Michigan Avenue, one of the city's busiest shopping districts and a place where street performers can make good money by playing their instruments on the sidewalk.
• U.S. Man Held in Iraq Fights Move to Iraqi Custody
  Lawyers for a naturalized U.S. citizen who is being held as an enemy combatant in Iraq are asking a federal court to block his transfer to Iraqi custody. The U.S. government says the man is linked to al Qaeda in Iraq and should be moved.
• Avian Flu Confirmed in Nigerian Birds
  Scientists confirm that potentially deadly bird flu has infected poultry in Nigeria. The H5N1 virus already has killed more than 80 people in Asia and Turkey, along with millions of birds. Now, scientists worry that bird flu has gained a toehold on a continent ill prepared to deal with the disease.
• New Jersey Police Crack Sports Gambling Ring
  New Jersey authorities has accused Rick Tocchet, former NHL player and current assistant coach for the Phoenix Coyotes, as being behind a multimillion dollar gambling ring. Authorities say the ring had connections to organized crime, about a half-dozen other players, and the wife of hockey great Wayne Gretzky.
• T. Rex Had Humble Origins
  The most famous of all the giant meat-eating predators that walked the Earth actually started out rather small, at least as dinosaurs go. A fossil dubbed the "crowned dragon" shows it was a 90-million-year climb to the top of the food chain for T. rex.
• Understanding New Findings on Low-Fat Diets
  After the recent news that a low-fat diet does little to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease or stroke for older woman, many people are understandable confused about the benefits of giving up the foods they loved. Dr. Walter Willett of Harvard School of Public Health talks to Michele Norris about what the findings mean.
• Alabama Church Fires Under Investigation
  Federal and state officials are investigating a series of church fires in rural Alabama. Arson is suspected in the nine church fires that have occurred since Friday. Brett Tannehill of Alabama Public Radio reports.
• Funding for Wide-Ranging Kids' Health Study Axed
  The Bush administration has canceled funding for the most ambitious study of children's health ever designed -- prompting outrage among scientists and public health officials. The study was to investigate the causes of widespread obesity and asthma, among other childrens' health problems.
• Polish Role in Secret CIA Prisons Under Probe
  Poland's new President Lech Kaczynski meets President Bush in Washington, D.C., Thursday. Cooperation between the two countries in the fight against terrorism has been under investigation in Europe. Poland is at the center of allegations that the CIA was operating secret prisons there and using Polish airports to transport terrorist detainees.
• Congress Urged to Deploy Troops on Mexico Border
  An incident along the U.S.-Mexican border in Texas two weeks ago has led to demands on Capitol Hill that the United States deploy military forces along the border. That pressure comes as controversial border security legislation passed by the House awaits action by the Senate.
• 'Twilight of the Superheroes' Explores the Senses
  Critic Alan Cheuse reviews Twilight of the Superheroes by Deborah Eisenberg, a collection of stories that offers new ways of seeing and feeling.
• Critic's Picks for Classical Music Grammys
  The music industry's stars will gather in Los Angeles Wednesday night for the 48th annual Grammy Awards. Music reviewer Tom Manoff shares his favorites among the classical music nominees.
• Chicago Camera Proposal Raises Privacy Concerns
  In an effort to reduce crime in Chicago, Mayor Richard Daley wants cameras installed throughout the city at any business open 12 hours a week or more. Some residents are concerned about privacy.
• Top General Sees Troop Cuts Coming in Iraq
  The top U.S. commander in Iraq says American troop strength in the country could be significantly cut in 2006 if a stable government is formed and training of Iraqi forces continues at its current pace. Gen. George Casey says local police and military have made considerable progress in recent months.

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