All Things Considered

Monday through Friday on News and Talk and News and Classical 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

On May 3, 1971, at 5 p.m., All Things Considered debuted on 90 public radio stations.

In the 40 years since, almost everything about the program has changed, from the hosts, producers, editors and reporters to the length of the program, the equipment used and even the audience.

However there is one thing that remains the same: each show consists of the biggest stories of the day, thoughtful commentaries, insightful features on the quirky and the mainstream in arts and life, music and entertainment, all brought alive through sound.

All Things Considered is the most listened-to, afternoon drive-time, news radio program in the country. Every weekday the two-hour show is hosted by Robert Siegel, Michele Norris and Melissa Block. In 1977, ATC expanded to seven days a week with a one-hour show on Saturdays and Sundays, currently hosted by Guy Raz.

During each broadcast, stories and reports come to listeners from NPR reporters and correspondents based throughout the United States and the world. The hosts interview newsmakers and contribute their own reporting. Rounding out the mix are the disparate voices of a variety of commentators, including Sports Commentator Stefen Fastis, Poet Andrei Codrescu and Political Columnists David Brooks and E.J. Dionne,

All Things Considered has earned many of journalism's highest honors, including the George Foster Peabody Award, the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award and the Overseas Press Club Award.

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News/Talk

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After The Housing Bust, Revisiting Homeownership

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Credit Chris O'Meara / AP

Nationwide, home sales are up, mortgage rates are down and in many places, owning a home is as attractive as renting for the first time in years.

Credit Chris Arnold / NPR

Jared and Emily Medeiros purchased their Sharon, Mass., home when they realized it had become more affordable to buy than in recent years.

By Chris Arnold

Originally published on Mon June 4, 2012 4:44 pm

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For generations, owning a home has been a key part of the lifestyle most Americans aspire to. But when the mortgage crisis exploded in 2007, it brought down the U.S. housing market — and the entire economy along with it.

The ensuing recession was an assault on the American dream of homeownership itself. The tidal wave of foreclosures, the crash in home prices and tighter lending standards have left some Americans unable or simply too nervous to buy a house.

12:52 pm

Mon June 4, 2012

'Personal Space': Relics From Synth Soul's Early Days

Credit Courtesy of the artist

Electronic soul artist Jeff Phelps with his synthesizers.

By Oliver Wang

Originally published on Mon June 4, 2012 4:44 pm

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Early synthesizers were supposed to imitate or re-create other existing sounds, but as anyone can tell you, they mostly sounded like synthesizers. That distinctive whine and wheeze captivated all manner of pop artists, from prog-rockers to classical composers to soul musicians. However, back then, synthesizers were so expensive and bulky, you needed a major-label budget and an entire studio wall to install them.

12:51 pm

Mon June 4, 2012

California's Top-Two Primary System Faces First Statewide Test

Credit Spencer Platt / Getty Images

Abel Maldonado, a former California state senator and current congressional candidate, pushed for the change to the top-two primary system. He says he thinks the system will lead to "more open-minded and more reasonable" officials.

By Tamara Keith

Originally published on Mon June 4, 2012 2:45 pm

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When voters go to the polls in California's primary on Tuesday, instead of only being able to vote for candidates in their own party, they will be able to vote for anyone they please.

Tuesday will be the first statewide test of California's new open primary system, where the top two candidates move on to the general election, regardless of party. Backers hope this system will favor moderates.

In California, there aren't very many purple areas. The state has strongly Democratic regions and strongly Republican regions — and the Democrats dominate.

12:22 pm

Mon June 4, 2012

Do These Pants Make Me Look ... ? Body Scans For A Better Fit

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Credit OptiTex

OptiTex creates digital models of clothes for department stores like Target and Kohl's. These computer designs let stores create or tweak new styles without actually stitching prototype garments.

Credit Bodymetrics Ltd.

In a few stores, customers can enter a Bodymetrics pod to be scanned and measured for clothing.

By editor

Originally published on Mon June 4, 2012 4:44 pm

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3:25 pm

Sun June 3, 2012

Assad Denies Role in Houla Massacre

By editor

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Transcript

GUY RAZ, HOST:

It's WEEKENDS on ALL THINGS CONSIDERED from NPR News. I'm Guy Raz.

In two days, voters in Wisconsin will decide whether or not to recall their governor, Republican Scott Walker. It's been one of the most expensive statewide races in American history. And the stakes in that election could have national implications for unions, for deficit hawks, for businesses, even for President Obama's re-election. We'll tell you why in a moment in our cover story today, but first to some news out of Syria.

3:25 pm

Sun June 3, 2012

'Family Feud' Host Richard Dawson Remembered

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Richard Dawson, the actor and original host of Family Feud, died Sunday at the age of 79. He hosted the show for nearly 10 years, ending in 1985. The actor and original host of the popular TV show died Sunday at the age of 79.

Presidential Race

3:09 pm

Sun June 3, 2012

Wisc. Recall: A Trial Run For The Presidential Race

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Credit Jeffrey Phelps / AP

A supporter of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (right) talks with a supporter of Walker's Democratic opponent, Tom Barrett, at a recall election rally Friday on Friday.

Credit Scott Olson / Getty Images

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker tour Quad Graphics during a campaign stop for Walker in Sussex, Wis., last week.

Credit Scott Olson / Getty Images

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett greets former President Clinton at a Get Out The Vote Rally on Friday.

By editor

Originally published on Sun June 3, 2012 3:25 pm

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Voters in Wisconsin will decide Tuesday whether or not to recall Republican Gov. Scott Walker. It's been one of the most expensive statewide races in American history, and the stakes in that election could have national implications, for unions, for deficit hawks, for businesses, even for President Obama's re-election.

The vote over whether to recall Walker is so important, it's drawn millions in outside money and some of the biggest political stars in the country. Now millions of dollars are flowing in, too.

2:01 pm

Sun June 3, 2012

How Reliable Are Surveys?

By editor

Originally published on Sun June 3, 2012 3:25 pm

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Transcript

GUY RAZ, HOST:

And if you're just tuning in, this is WEEKENDS on ALL THINGS CONSIDERED from NPR News. I'm Guy Raz.

Have you ever received an unsolicited phone call from someone asking you questions about your politics or your buying habits or your likes and dislikes? Well, those surveys have long been important tools for corporations and political campaigns. But here's the thing - did you ever refuse to answer those questions or just hang up altogether?

2:01 pm

Sun June 3, 2012

Thousands Mark Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee

By editor

Originally published on Sun June 3, 2012 3:25 pm

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Transcript

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "GOD SAVE THE QUEEN")

GUY RAZ, HOST:

A day of, what else, pomp and circumstance in London today.

(SOUNDBITE OF BOAT HORNS)

RAZ: Boats of all sizes blew their horns in celebration traveling past the queen on her own vessel on the River Thames. It's the queen's diamond jubilee, a celebration of her 60th year on the throne.

UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: Three cheers for the queen. Hip, hip...

UNIDENTIFIED GROUP: Hooray.

UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: Hip, hip...

UNIDENTIFIED GROUP: Hooray.

2:00 pm

Sun June 3, 2012

In Calif. Election, A Fight For Second Place

By Sasha Khokha

Originally published on Sun June 3, 2012 3:25 pm

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Transcript

GUY RAZ, HOST:

This Tuesday, a congressional race in California's rural Central Valley will come down to a fight for second place. As Sasha Khokha of member station KQED reports now, the race pits a farm worker-turned-astronaut against the son of a disgraced congressman.

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12:54 pm

Mon June 4, 2012