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Wednesday

World

If Deported, Accused Smuggler May Face Death in China

Lai Changxing is an accused smuggler who faces extradition from Canada back to his native China for trial. Lai, who fled China in 1999, is accused of overseeing a massive o smuggling operation. But Canadian courts could refuse to return Lai to China; Canada has no death penalty, while China does.

If Deported, Accused Smuggler May Face Death in China

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Sports

Barbaro Stabilizes, but His Future Is Uncertain

Dr. Dean Richardson, the horse surgeon that operated on Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro after his devastating injury in the Preakness Stakes on May 20, has been optimistic about Barbaro's progress in the past week but says he is still wary of his future as a stud. Breeding Barbaro in the future would require that he mount mares using his injured hind leg. Melissa Block talks with Richardson.

Barbaro Stabilizes, but His Future Is Uncertain

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Religion

Federal Religious Discrimination Lawyer Criticized

In 2003, The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division created a position called the Special Counsel for Religious Discrimination. Eric Treene, who has held the job since it was created, identifies religious discrimination cases and brings lawsuits. But some critics say Treene is too involved in the public sphere.

Federal Religious Discrimination Lawyer Criticized

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Diversions

Happy Birthday, Mr. President, from Art Fans

President Bush turns 60 years old on July 6. Whether or not you get invited to his party, you can send him a greeting. A New York City performance artist is traveling the country, collecting people's thoughts so they can share them with the president.

Happy Birthday, Mr. President, from Art Fans

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World

Suffering Persists After Zimbabwe Razing Campaign

As Zimbabwe's economy collapses under 1,000 percent inflation, many of the people uprooted by a slum-clearance campaign last year remain homeless and unemployed. Human-rights activists in the Southern African nation say the country is on the verge of social upheaval.

Suffering Persists After Zimbabwe Razing Campaign

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Author Interviews

'Cockeyed': An Unsentimental Take on Blindness

On his 18th birthday, Ryan Knighton was diagnosed with a condition that would eventually leave him blind. Fifteen years later, with his sight almost completely gone, he's written a book of his observations.

'Cockeyed': An Unsentimental Take on Blindness

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Sports

Little Leaguers Talk About Bonds and Steroids

San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds recently eclipsed Babe Ruth's home run record, but his achievement is overshadowed by allegations Bonds has taken performance-enhancing drugs. Mark Moran of member station KJZZ visited a Little League team in Phoenix to see what coaches and kids think about Bonds and the steroid allegations.

Little Leaguers Talk About Bonds and Steroids

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The Impact of War

Post-Traumatic Stress Treatment Costs Soar

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has watched the amount of money paid to cover treatment for claims of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) rise significantly in the last five years. Some researchers believe veterans who aren't eligible for PTSD compensation are claiming disability. But efforts to redefine PTSD is alarming some veterans' advocates.

Post-Traumatic Stress Treatment Costs Soar

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Golfer John Daly, 'In and Out of the Rough'

How does one man rack up $50 million in gambling loses? Pro golfer John Daly says he did, and became notorious for his fast living in the normally tame world of golf. He recounts his adventures in a new memoir, My Life In and Out of the Rough.

Golfer John Daly, 'In and Out of the Rough'

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Iran's Nuclear Ambitions

U.S. Makes Overture to Iran on Nuclear Talks

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says the United States is ready to join in direct talks with Iran about that country's nuclear program. But Iran must first halt uranium enrichment before talks can begin. The United States has not had diplomatic relations with Iran since 1979 and sent the message through the Swiss ambassador to the U.S. Steve Inskeep talks to Matthew Bunn of Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.

U.S. Makes Overture to Iran on Nuclear Talks

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Culture

'Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death'

Writer and director Melvin Van Peebles talks to Ed Gordon about his latest project, a new production of his 1971 Broadway hit, Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death -- a critically lauded play with music about black street life.

'Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death'

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Science

Forecasting the 2006 Hurricane Season

The 2006 hurricane season officially begins on Thursday. Dom Hammack, a staff writer for the Biloxi Sun-Herald, and William Gray, leader of the Colorado State University Hurricane Forecast Team, discuss predictions and preparation for this year's storms.

Forecasting the 2006 Hurricane Season

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Sports

Tennis Coaching Debate Simmers at French Open

In anticipation of a French Open face-off between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, host Steve Inskeep talks to Bud Collins. The Boston Globe columnist, and NBC commentator, talks about the role of coaches during tennis matches.

Tennis Coaching Debate Simmers at French Open

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