All Things Considered for June 14, 2006 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Reflections from a conservative African-American
Actor Joseph C. Phillips, a conservative African-American, finds himself at odds with popular notions of how black Americans are supposed to speak and think. He discusses his views in his new book, "He Talk Like a White Boy: Reflections on Faith, Family, Politics and Authenticity."4:19 p.m.
Unemployment report provides early campaign fodder
The five-year low is a cause for celebration for Gov. Tim Pawlenty who touted it Tuesday as another sign of an economy on the right track.5:20 p.m.
Stolen computers hold private data
Three computers stolen from the state auditor's office last week contain private data of about 2,400 people. The information was part of a sampling for audit purposes. It pertains to local government employees and program recipients from 19 public entities. The state auditor's office says social security numbers were the most sensitive type of data. Five-hundred people's Social Security numbers were on the computers.5:46 p.m.
Jamming with John Williams and Dean Magraw
St Paul based guitarist Dean Magraw, and Chicago-based accordianist John Williams have a new album of celtic music. It's called "Raven." The two musicians have played together regularly but never released a CD, so it's eagerly awaited by their fans.6:17 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Thousands of Police Hit Baghdad's Streets
More than 40,000 Iraqi forces, along with U.S. troops, are involved in a security sweep of the nation's capital, as a much-ballyhooed security operation begins in Baghdad. For many Iraqis, the most immediate result of the huge police presence has been huge traffic jams.
Bush Praises Iraq's New Leader;
President Bush talked today about his meetings in Baghdad with the new Iraqi government. Fresh from his surprise visit to the Iraqi capital, the President held a previously unannounced news conference in the White House Rose Garden.
Bush Ties His Legacy to Iraq
President Bush's uncompromising stance following his trip to Baghdad may make him a hostage to history, says NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr. Bush's entire legacy rests with the Iraq war.
Health Services Secretary Faces Travel Inquiry
Members of Congress are looking at whether Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt acted appropriately in using a private jet meant for public health emergencies to promote the new Medicare prescription drug benefit.
Illinois Lawyer Accused of Selling Vacant Property
A disbarred lawyer in Berwyn, Ill., a Chicago suburb, has been arrested and charged with selling vacant properties that belonged to churches and other non-profits -- all without their consent. Philip Radmer is accused of a scam which allegedly made him more than $650,000. Robert Siegel talks with Robert Becker of The Chicago Tribune; the paper's coverage helped lead to Radmer's arrest.
Boring Beetle Ignites Conservationist Concerns
The Emerald Ash Borer beetle is invading the Midwest. The small green Chinese bug has been eating its way through Michigan, where more than 15 million trees have been devastated over the past few years. Now, it's been found in Illinois.
After School, Kids' Workloads Grow Heavier
Over the past few years, kids' after-school schedules have become increasingly packed with organized extracurricular activities. Michele Norris talks with three fourth-graders and their principal about the downsides and benefits of a packed schedule.
Kids That Are Driven, and Parents Who Love Them
For parents whose overscheduled kids attend activities from sports to school plays, the extracurricular lifestyle means a lot of driving. For commentator Desiree Cooper, it sometimes came to spending three hours a day in her car. Cooper is a columnist for The Detroit Free Press.
When an Athlete Gets Hurt in the Off-Season
A professional quarterback's motorcycle accident is raising some question about players' contracts. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger crashed his motorcycle Monday, at a time when he was neither wearing a helmet or legally allowed to drive a motorcycle.
Cleaning House, and Cherishing Memories
Housecleaning is a necessary evil. But at what point do mementoes become clutter -- and when should the memories of a home be taken out to the curb? Commentator Marion Winik pondered those questions recently when she helped clean out her mother's house.