All Things Considered for June 16, 2009 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Foreclosure tough on single women
Foreclosure is a scary proposition for any family. But for single people, who don't have a spouse's income or emotional support to tap, saving a home from foreclosure can be especially tough.4:50 p.m.
Dr. Jon Hallberg on Obama's health care speech to the AMA
Yesterday, President Obama outlined his hopes for reforming the nation's health care system in a wide ranging speech before an audience of doctors in Chicago. Our medical analyst Dr. Jon Hallberg had some reaction from his perspective as a physician.4:54 p.m.
Local governments, human services take brunt of budget cuts
Gov. Tim Pawlenty has released his plan to erase a $2.7 billion budget deficit, with local governments and state subsidized health care programs taking significant hits.5:20 p.m.
Smaller cuts still a problem for educators
Education officials admit Gov. Tim Pawlenty's cuts to their budgets could have been much worse, but they say the governor's steps will still bring negative consequences.5:24 p.m.
Liberian conference has Minnesota ties
About 500 people are gathered in the West African nation of Liberia this week to discuss the affects of county's violent recent history. Ahmed Sirleaf, of the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission Diaspora Project in Minneapolis, is moderating parts of the conference and talked to All Things Considered from Monrovia, the country's capital.5:50 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

In New Model, County Offers Low-Cost Health Care
A new program in Howard County, Md., aims to provide the uninsured access to health care. Despite impressive incentives, only 200 of the county's 10,000 uninsured have fully enrolled. Program Director Peter Beilenson says he is learning valuable lessons that could well serve the larger health care debate.
Schwarzenegger Sticks To 'No New Tax' Promise
California's controller said last week that the state is less than 50 days away from, in his words, a government "meltdown." Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger remains adamant that his approach — major spending cuts and no new taxes — is the only way to go.
Musical Therapy For A Long, Hot Summer
Summer is a time for cultural froth — action movies, pulp novels and hot dogs on a stick. David Was suggests that no heavy lifting is required when it comes to music as well. Here are some of his lighter-than-air suggestions for the dog days before us.
Orszag Defends Health Care Overhaul Plan
The Obama administration is proposing an ambitious overhaul of the health care system. White House Budget Director Peter Orszag says the transformation of the $2 trillion sector is unlikely to occur without some jostling or concerns being raised.
Critic Disappointed At Health Care Proposal
As part of its effort to overhaul the health care system, the Obama administration has called for billions of dollars in cuts in hospital reimbursements. Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association, has expressed disappointment and concern at the call.
Drivers Expect Steep Road Ahead For Gas Prices
The average price for regular unleaded in California has hit $3 a gallon, and other states aren't far behind. And even though analysts don't expect gas prices to get as high as they did last year, some drivers already have been desensitized into believing $3 is a bargain.
In Afghan Heat, Marines Prepare For The Storm
At Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan's Helmand province, Marines of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment, wait — and worry — before they begin their final push into Taliban territory. They are the vanguard of 21,000 U.S. troops deployed as part of President Obama's new Afghanistan strategy.
A Marine Daughter's Graduation Without Dad
Sgt. Maj. Robert Breeden, a Marine with America's Battalion, is on the 13th deployment of his long career in the military. In Afghanistan, the Marine is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his country, but he is already making smaller sacrifices on the homefront. This month, he missed his daughter's high school graduation.
Economic Reports Show Slow Rebound For Economy
The U.S. Commerce Department reports that construction of new homes and apartments jumped more than 17 percent last month, the third straight month of improvement. Another government report showed inflation is tame. It's still a terrible market, but there now are some reasons for optimism.
U.S. Wants Cell Phone Tax Law Repealed
The Obama administration is asking Congress to repeal a widely ignored tax on the personal use of company cell phones. Doug Shulman, commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, said the 1989 law had been rendered obsolete by the passage of time and technological advances.