All Things Considered for June 23, 2011 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Art Hounds
Each week Minnesota Public Radio News asks three people from the Minnesota arts scene to be "Art Hounds." Their job is to step outside their own work and hunt down something exciting that's going on in local arts.4:45 p.m.
Minnesota Timberwolves prepare for 2nd round draft pick
Britt Robson, who writes about the NBA for Sports Illustrated.com, joined All Things Considered to talk about the Minnesota Timberwolves as they prepare for the draft and other happenings with the team.4:50 p.m.
Twin Cities program helps patients discuss end-of-life planning
Hospitals in the Twin Cities are creating Minnesota's first large-scale program for health care involving end-of-life planning.4:54 p.m.
Judge Gearin: No ruling this week on shutdown case
State officials and special interest groups appeared in court Thursday to describe which services should be deemed essential and what kind of court intervention is appropriate if the government shuts down on July 1.5:20 p.m.
Child care could take a hit in government shutdown
A government shutdown could be costly for low-income parents that receive child care subsidies, and centers that rely on full enrollment to stay afloat.5:24 p.m.
Doctors can now renew licenses early in case of shutdown
A Minnesota physician's group has worked out a deal that allows doctors to renew their licenses earlier than usual.5:54 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Clinton Testifies On Afghanistan, Pakistan
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, more of a hawk than the president on the war in Afghanistan, testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on U.S. goals and progress in achieving them in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. As the U.S. troops begin to pull out, what is the strategy for the remaining troops? How does the U.S. plan to work with a hostile and unstable Pakistan?
What Challenges Lie Ahead In Kabul?
NPR's Tom Bowman and Quil Lawrence talk to Michele Norris about the situation on the ground in Afghanistan.
Nike Swoosh Designer Discusses Her Iconic Creation
It's the 40th anniversary of the Nike Swoosh. Designer Carolyn Davidson talks about creating the symbol when she was a college student. She's happy no one recognizes her: Although her symbol is famous, she's not.
Obama Taps Petroleum Reserve
In a surprise move, the Obama administration said it would tap the strategic petroleum reserve to offset the crude supply lost to the civil war in Libya. The coordinated plan with the International Energy Agency will release 60 million barrels from emergency supplies around the world. Oil prices plummeted on the news, and shares of energy company stocks tumbled as well.
Legendary Mobster Hides In Plain Sight
For 16 years, authorities pursued the legendary crime boss James "Whitey" Bulger. When his capture was announced Thursday, it came to light that one of the most wanted men in America was living out a relatively public life in the upscale California community of Santa Monica. Robert Siegel talks with former U.S. marshal Victor Oboyski about how one goes about hiding in plain sight.
Trying To Lose Weight? Study May Have Some Pointers
A new study from the Harvard School of Public Health followed more than 120,000 people over the course of as many as 20 years, to see what they ate and how it affected their weight. Some of the findings are surprising, including these: Nuts and yogurt were most closely correlated with weight loss. And potatoes of any kind caused the most weight gain. Michele Norris talks with one of the authors of the study, Walter Willett from the Harvard School of Public Health.
A Squash's Journey: From The Shelf To The Hungry
Americans waste an estimated 150 billion pounds of food a year — much of it from supermarkets. Now Walmart and the nation's food bank network are trying to reverse that trend. To see how the system is going, NPR followed squash and corn from Walmart's shelves to a food bank to those who need it the most.
Math Videos Go From YouTube Hit To Classroom Tool
Former hedge fund manager Salman Khan first made short videos to help his young cousins learn math and science. They became wildly popular online, and now, some adventurous school districts are trying to bring Khan's approach into the classroom.
Pottermore Brings Harry Potter To The Digital World
Pottermore, a new website from Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, will offer digital versions of the books, plus exclusive content from Rowling and a place for fans to post.
Alleged Boston Mob Boss Arrested
After more than 16 years on the run, Whitey Bulger, one of the nation's most infamous mob bosses, was arrested last night in Santa Monica. It came as a result of a tip-off following a nationwide FBI appeal. Bulger, who is accused of nearly 20 murders, was also an FBI informant.