All Things Considered for June 13, 2012 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Former Gov. Jesse Ventura takes on 'gangs' in government
Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura has published a new book criticizing the two-party system. It's called "DemoCRIPS and ReBLOODlicans: No More Gangs in Government." Ventura shared his views on the influence of money on politics with Tom Crann of All Things Considered on Wednesday.4:49 p.m.
Commission approves historic deal between tribe, horse track
The Minnesota Racing Commission approved a historic business deal between the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and the Canterbury Park horse track.5:17 p.m.
IBM hopes its Watson will become doctor's sidekick
Watson, IBM's artificial intelligence supercomputer, could help doctors wade through loads of research data and apply that knowledge to treating patients.5:23 p.m.
Heavy May rainfall leads to more pollution in Minn. rivers
Minnesota state agencies and environmental groups have made reducing farm field runoff into fields a major priority. But the task will be difficult, if the record May rains are any indication.5:50 p.m.
Showboat teaches U of M theater students old-time tricks
While drama students study the classics all year at the University of Minnesota, the biggest dose of theatrical reality for many of them comes in the shape of melodrama on an old boat.5:54 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

U.S., Russia Accused Of Arming Opposite Syrian Sides
The U.S. has claimed that Russia is sending attack helicopters to the Syrian government, but Russian officials dismiss the allegation. Meanwhile, there are reports of a big surge in clandestine arms shipments to the Syrian rebels.
The Pentagon's Biggest Threat In Years? Budget Cuts
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta testified about the defense budget on Capitol Hill Wednesday.
French First Lady Sets Country A-Twitter
President Francois Hollande's companion, Valerie Trierweiler, tweeted her support for a candidate running against the president's ex, Segolene Royal. Some hailed Trierweiler's independence; others say it was a clear jab at Royal and undermines Hollande.
'That's A Clown Question, Bro' Or The Rhetorical Comeback Rounding Twitter
The phrase was coined by baseball phenom Bryce Harper during an interview with a Canadian journalist.
New Internet Suffixes Are The Web's Newest Frontier
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers — or ICANN — announced Wednesday which companies or entities have applied to administer top level domains like ".google" or potentially ".drink." Some say it has implications for consumers because it could increase potential for Internet fraud.
As Home-As-B&B Service Grows, So Does Controversy
The online service for short-term rentals in private homes known as Airbnb got a boost when it was featured at the recent Apple conference. But the company has also drawn in attention in cities like San Francisco, where legal concerns over everything from liability and safety to upset landlords have led to scrutiny. Audie Cornish speaks with Fast Company reporter Austin Carr about what Airbnb is up against.
Colo. Fire Now One Of The Biggest In State History
Colorado's High Park Fire northwest of Fort Collins has topped 46,000 acres, making it one of the largest wildfires in the state's history. It's also destroyed more than 100 buildings. But firefighters are beginning to gain ground and have started containing the blaze.
Climate Change May Spark More Wildfires In Future
A new study shows that in coming years, the frequency of wildfires will increase because of climate change. Audie Cornish talks to Max Moritz, lead author of the study at University of California-Berkeley.
Stories Differ After Israeli Soldiers Kill Palestinian
A Palestinian man who was killed by Israeli soldiers earlier this year did not make many headlines. Rashid Shawakha was fatally shot in the occupied West Bank one evening in late March. Israeli authorities initially declared him a terrorist. But months later, new details have raised fresh questions about how and why he died.
Water War Continues In Iowa After Flooding Recedes
It's been a year since massive flooding along the Missouri River damaged Iowa cities. Those that live along the river are still cleaning up and say they want an economic impact study to put into perspective just how much they've lost. Meanwhile, environmentalists say the river has been over-industrialized and put it on a list of top five endangered rivers in the U.S. They're calling on Congress to fully fund a recovery program.