archive
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
The Salt
How Genomics Solved The Mystery Of Ireland's Great Famine
Although scientists have known that a fungus-like organism caused the potato blight that triggered the Great Famine in Ireland in the 1840s, they didn't know which strain was the culprit. But they do now, thanks to the genes in some 19th century potato samples.
The Two-Way
Man Killed By FBI In Florida Was Linked To Boston Suspect
A friend of the man killed Wednesday in Orlando says the FBI was questioning the man about his connection to Tamerlan Tsarnaev, one of the men suspected of planting the bombs in Boston.
The Two-Way
Eric Garcetti Wins L.A. Mayor's Race
In a non-partisan race in which two Democrats were the top contenders, the city councilman has edged out City Controller Wendy Greuel.
The Two-Way
Anthony Weiner Jumps Into Race To Be NYC Mayor
The former congressman's career appeared to be over when he resigned in 2011 because of an extramarital sexting scandal and his lies about it. Now, he tells voters, "I've made some big mistakes. ... I hope I get a second chance to work for you." The Democratic primary is set for Sept. 10.
The Two-Way
Book News: Newly Found Pearl Buck Novel To Be Published This Fall
Also: shameless book blurbs; new plays from Ayad Ahktar; and a first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone draws a record price at auction.
The Two-Way
In Oklahoma, Rescue Efforts Give Way To Recovery
Officials think they've found all the survivors, and victims, of the massive tornado that devastated the community of Moore. The official death toll stands at 24. More than 230 people are said to have been injured.
Politics
Garcetti Holds Slim Lead As L.A. Picks New Mayor
Councilman Eric Garcetti held a slender edge Tuesday in early returns over city Controller Wendy Greuel to become the next Los Angeles mayor, while slow-coming returns suggested it could take a day or more until a winner emerges.
Politics
Anthony Weiner Launches Bid To Become NYC Mayor
The ex-congressman whose career imploded in a rash of raunchy tweets two years ago said in a YouTube video announcement late Tuesday that he's in the New York City mayoral race. He'd said last month he was considering it.
Planet Money
Why Apple (And Lots Of Other Companies) Wound Up In Ireland
It goes back to a single page in a report written decades ago by U.S. consultants, and funded by the U.S. State Department.
Parallels
West Bank Businesses Seek Growth Amid Uncertainty
Political unpredictability in the region hampers all kinds of businesses: from stone-cutters and shoemakers to IT. Business owners in the West Bank say Secretary of State John Kerry's commitment to remove barriers to commerce might go further than actual cash.
Research News
Quantum Or Not, New Supercomputer Is Certainly Something Else
NASA and Google have come together to buy a new kind of computer that the manufacturer says runs on the strange laws of quantum mechanics. But some physicists counter that the machine, known as the D-Wave Two, has never demonstrated a phenomenon known as "quantum entanglement."
Your Money
Instead Of Snoozing In Savings, Let's Put $5,000 To Work
It's a hard time to be a saver. The return on a savings account doesn't even keep up with inflation, and that has led many savers to ask: What should I do with my money? NPR's Uri Berliner takes $5,000 out of his own personal savings and explores various investment opportunities.
Shots - Health News
Boomer Housemates Have More Fun
Some single baby boomers are moving into group houses, a college-era solution to their modern needs. Housemates share costs, socialize, and cheer each other on through life's thick and thin.
Sweetness And Light
Backing Becks: Don't Knock The Soccer Star's Talents
After the announcement that David Beckham is retiring, there's been much discussion about how good of an athlete he's really been. Sports commentator Frank Deford says Beckham's talents have been overlooked.
