All Things Considered for June 12, 2008 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

U of M Regents prepared to support light-rail plan
The University of Minnesota is poised to sign on to an agreement to build a street level light rail line through campus.2:45 p.m.
How a Vietnamese-Australian became an American literary sensation
Critics have been showering accolades on short story writer Nam Le for his first book, "The Boat."2:49 p.m.
Austin residents taking flood waters in stride
The City of Austin is slowly filling up with water, but this time, the city is prepared. Austin is experiencing its eleventh major flood in the past 30 years.3:19 p.m.
Long waiting list for public housing gets longer
Officials with the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority say they expect more than 15,000 people to apply for Section 8 housing vouchers by the end of the week.3:23 p.m.
Dancing for the land beneath their feet
Ananya Dance Theater's new dance 'Daak,' or 'Call to Action,' takes a closer look at the land we stand on.3:53 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

The Perilous Path of FAA Whistle-Blowers
Dozens of men and women have stepped forward this year to report safety issues. But some say taking on the role of whistle-blower is "excruciating" and "disturbing" — and that it can ruin a career.
Trip Illuminates Life on Bases Across Afghan Desert
On a four-day journey across a network of bases in southern Afghanistan, NPR's Ivan Watson and David Gilkey experience what life is like for troops in the war-torn country. It's a life of largely primitive conditions, interminable dust and scorching heat.
Privacy vs. Profit on the Internet
The nation's eighth-largest Internet service provider has a new plan to monitor its customers' online activity — everything from Web searches and e-mail to reading sports scores — in order to create targeted advertising. But privacy experts are pushing back.
South Korea Protests Target U.S. Beef, Closer Ties
South Korean protesters took to the streets this week, angry over a new trade deal that would allow the importation of U.S. beef. Fears of mad cow disease prompted a ban on U.S. beef several years ago. South Korean trade officials visiting Washington this week are hoping to reach a compromise that will calm fears at home.
Gates to NATO: Send More Troops to Afghanistan
The future of NATO's role in Afghanistan and Kosovo was on the agenda at the alliance's annual ministerial meeting in Brussels Thursday. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates again prodded NATO allies to send more troops to Afghanistan. Meanwhile, NATO has agreed to begin training security forces in Kosovo later this year.
In Italy, Bush Calls for Tough Stand on Iran
President Bush, at a news conference in Rome Thursday, reiterated the need for a tough stand on Iran's nuclear program. Iran and Italy are major trading partners and the issue is a sticking point between Bush and his ally, Italian Prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.
Bush Impeachment Derailed, but Echoes Remain
A House resolution to impeach President Bush on the grounds he took America to war under false pretenses, proposed by Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), has failed to progress. The process brings to mind presidents and impeachment — and how political opponents use the tool.
For Latino Voters, Obama Has Catching Up to Do
Hispanic Democrats have warned Sen. Barack Obama he risks losing the Latino vote in the general election. His Republican rival John McCain has already made some inroads with Latinos. Obama's national Latino vote director met with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus today.
Judge in Obscenity Trial Linked to Porn Web Page
An obscenity trial scheduled to begin this week in Los Angeles was halted after it was discovered that the judge for the trial had uploaded sexually explicit images to a personal Web site bearing his name.
High Court Deals Setback to Bush Guantanamo Plans
Foreign terrorism suspects being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, have rights under the U.S. Constitution to challenge their detention in civilian courts, the Supreme Court ruled Thursday. The decision is another setback for the Bush administration over its treatment of prisoners being held indefinitely and without charges at Guantanamo.