September 30, 2009
Wednesday's Show Full Rundown >
U.S. Afghan Strategy Hinges On Reliable Ally In Kabul
()A critical factor in the success of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan is a legitimate government in Kabul. Incumbent President Hamid Karzai is expected to be declared the winner of the fraud-marred August election. But the relationship between Karzai and the Obama administration is on shaky ground.
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World
Despite Pakistani Concerns, Envoy Welcomes U.S. Aid()
A U.S. aid package would give Pakistan $7.5 billion over the next five years. Husain Haqqani, the Pakistani envoy to the U.S., says that while conditions placed on the package have upset Pakistanis, many of the concerns will go away once the two countries build trust.
Health
Progress In Treating HIV; Still A Long Way To Go()
More than 4 million people in low- and middle-income countries are currently receiving life-preserving drug treatments for HIV, a 39 percent increase in one year. Still, in many countries in Africa, the number of people infected continues to rise, and funding for treatment is in danger.
U.S.
Swine Flu Sweeps Through Austin, Hitting The Young()
Twenty-six states are experiencing high H1N1 virus activity — most in the lower half of the nation, according to the CDC. In Austin, Texas, hundreds are seeking treatment; most of them are young and resilient enough to get through it. One medical center recently erected three field tents on its parking lot to deal exclusively with swine flu.
U.S.
GAO Faults FEMA On Nationwide Alert System()
FEMA has made little progress on an emergency-alert system despite a 2006 executive order that called for improvements in the system in light of the Sept. 11 attacks, congressional investigators say. A GAO official tells NPR the way things stand now, many parts of the country will be without information if there is an emergency.
Education
What Should Go Into A Teaching Degree?()
The majority of classroom teachers are trained in traditional colleges of education. But that training has come under intense scrutiny. Critics say too many teachers leave poorly prepared for the enormous changes taking place in the real world of teaching.
Music Reviews
Pianist Marc-Andre Hamelin: Haydn Made Easy()
The Canadian pianist's latest release is a collection of "easy" sonatas by Joseph Haydn. With lyrical proclamations and high-minded fun, Hamelin reveals Haydn's mastery of melody, harmony and form.
World
France Telecom Suicides Spark Concern()
The death of a French Telecom employee this week marks the 24th person in the company to commit suicide in the past 18 months. Some say huge layoffs brought on by the economic downturn could be a major factor in the large number of suicides. The company's chief executive Didier Lombard faces calls for his resignation.
