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Thursday

Doubts Emerge In Case Against Former IMF Chief

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the former head of the International Monetary Fund, and his wife, Anne Sinclair, leave a Manhattan court on June 6. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

The Two-Way

Doubts Emerge In Case Against Former IMF Chief

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who is charged with assaulting a hotel maid in Manhattan, is due in court Friday for what's being described as a proceeding that could ease his bail conditions. Sources say government officials have uncovered inconsistencies by his accuser.

On 'Morning Edition': Carrie Johnson talks with Steve Inskeep

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Toyota Ads Steered To Minority Buyers

Customers walk past a Toyota FJ Cruiser. Toyota brought in 19 percent of African-American buyers, 22 percent of Latino buyers and 33 percent of Asian-American buyers. Yoshikazu Tsuno/Getty Images hide caption

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Yoshikazu Tsuno/Getty Images

Business

Toyota Ads Steered To Minority Buyers

Experts say Toyota markets to minorities better than any other car company. And it shows: The company's tailored ads bring in about 19 percent of black buyers, 22 percent of Latino and Hispanic buyers, and 33 percent of Asian-American buyers.

Toyota Ads Steered To Minority Buyers

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Greek Americans React To Turmoil Abroad

WBEZ

In Greece Thursday, lawmakers passed a bill clearing the way for international financial aid that is crucial to solving the country's debt crisis. As the country's Parliament debated austerity measures this week, thousands of Greek protesters took to the streets — sometimes clashing with police. In Chicago, Greek Americans and immigrants watch the turmoil in their home country with dismay.

Greek Americans React To Turmoil Abroad

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First-Class Movie Theater To Open In South LA

A new set of urban entrepreneurs in Los Angeles is attempting to bring first-class movie theaters to a community that often receives second-class service. Sixteen years ago, "Magic" Johnson opened a multiplex in South Los Angeles that became a metaphor for how urban entrepreneurship could work. But Johnson sold "the Magic" 10 years later, and the theaters declined so badly they closed.

First-Class Movie Theater To Open In South LA

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Politics

Debt Ceiling Fight Sparks Political Shame Game

After a tongue-lashing from President Obama, the Senate is canceling its recess next week. Lawmakers have yet to strike a deficit-reduction deal to raise the debt ceiling, and they have to act by Aug. 2 to avoid a possible default. The impasse has led to a flood of scolding on Capitol Hill.

Debt Ceiling Fight Sparks Political Shame Game

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National Security

DOJ Investigates Deaths Of Two Detainees

The Justice Department has announced that it has opened criminal investigations into the deaths of two detainees held in U.S. custody. The DOJ also announced that it has concluded its investigation of alleged detainee abuses at the U.S.-run prison at Abu Ghraib and other sites. Melissa Block talks to NPR's Carrie Johnson for more.

DOJ Investigates Deaths Of Two Detainees

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'Mr. Petunia' Helped Beautify Quaint Mich. Town

WCMU

In the small northern Michigan town of Charlevoix — recently named one of America's prettiest towns by Forbes.com — Dale Boss is known as the man who helped make it beautiful. Some call him "Mr. Petunia." He's lived in Charlevoix for all of his 80 years. Thirty years ago, he launched the effort to plant five miles of petunias through the heart of the city. The program has taken root, and every summer for the past three decades, this cheerful man has headed out at 4 a.m. seven days a week to water his beloved flowers. He's put more than 43 million gallons of water on 1,740,000 petunias.

'Mr. Petunia' Helped Beautify Quaint Mich. Town

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Women's World Cup 2011: A Quick Guide

Soccer fans attend the women's World Cup opener between Germany and Canada. In Germany, the game drew a TV audience of more than 18 million, or a quarter of the country's population — better stats than some men's matches garner. AFP/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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AFP/AFP/Getty Images

The Two-Way

Women's World Cup 2011: A Quick Guide

The U.S. team is ranked No. 1 in the world, and they won gold in the recent Olympics. But they're not the clear favorite to win World Cup — that would be Germany, which is both the defending champion and the host country.

Growers Nervous As Washington Eyes Farm Subsidies

Federal subsidies for farmers have been an essential element of the U.S. agricultural industry for decades. But as both political parties look for ways to cut the deficit, payments to growers are under the microscope, and farmers are bracing for leaner times.

Growers Nervous As Washington Eyes Farm Subsidies

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Books

How To Make It As An Independent Bookseller

Denver's Tattered Cover Book Store has been a focal point for the city's literary community since 1974. Owner Joyce Meskis explains the challenges of operating an independent bookstore in an ever-changing climate, and the future she sees for the nation's independent booksellers.

How To Make It As An Independent Bookseller

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History

Chicano Movement's Denver Roots Run Deep

Many cite Denver as the birthplace of the American Chicano movement. Its leaders today are largely the children of the "Crusaders for Justice" who launched a nationwide civil rights movement in the 60s and 70s.

Chicano Movement's Denver Roots Run Deep

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Gates Awarded Medal Of Freedom At Farewell Tribute

President Obama presents Secretary of Defense Robert Gates with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony Thursday on the River Parade Field at the Pentagon. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images hide caption

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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

National Security

Gates Awarded Medal Of Freedom At Farewell Tribute

President Obama bestowed the medal during a ceremony marking Defense Secretary Robert Gates' last day on the job. Gates said his tenure as Pentagon chief "has been the greatest honor and privilege of my life, and for that I will always be grateful."

Debt Deadlock Chills Consumers

President Barack Obama discusses the debt limit and federal deficit during a news conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, June 29, 2011. Carolyn Kaster/ASSOCIATED PRESS hide caption

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Carolyn Kaster/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Economy

Debt Deadlock Chills Consumers

At Wednesday's press conference, President Obama urged congressional leaders, and particularly Republicans, to be more open to negotiations when it comes to raising the debt limit and cutting the deficit. To learn what the continued standoff between Republicans and Democrats will mean for the U.S. economy, host Michel Martin speaks with NPR's Senior Business Editor Marilyn Geewax and Wall Street Journal reporter Sudeep Reddy.

Debt Deadlock Chills Consumers

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