All Things Considered for April 6, 2011 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Reporter discusses tight Wisconsin judicial race
Assistant Attorney General JoAnne Kloppenburg currently has a narrow 204-vote lead over incumbent Justice David Prosser.4:49 p.m.
MnDOT unveils 2011 construction projects
The Minnesota Department of Transportation on Wednesday announced its road construction projects for 2011, totaling nearly $900 million.4:54 p.m.
House passes bill to trim state workforce by 15 percent
Republicans in the Minnesota House passed a budget bill Wednesday that would cut spending on state government operations by 34 percent over the next two years. The measure would reduce the state's workforce by 15 percent, freeze wages and consolidate services.5:20 p.m.
Sandbag dikes go up in Fargo-Moorhead as river nears crest
Volunteers and homeowners built sandbag dikes today in Fargo-Moorhead, preparing for a possible crest on the Red River this weekend. Despite the threat, many residents say this year's flood fight is less stressful than the past two. City officials are worried that homeowners are not taking the flood threat seriously.5:24 p.m.
In flood's path, 'Everything that means everything to me'
Mara Solberg and her husband Warren live 300 feet from the Wild Rice River on their Horace, N.D., farm. They expect both roads from their home will be impassable soon, but don't plan to leave.5:46 p.m.
Writer recounts lessons learned in solitude
Philip Connors once had what some people would consider a dream job: He was an editor at the Wall Street Journal. However, in the space of a few weeks, he set it all aside to become a fire watcher. His new book, "Fire Season," recounts what he's learned about history, ecology and solitudesitting on top of a tower in New Mexico looking for smoke.5:53 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Budget Talks Continue Among Lawmakers
Lawmakers still show no sign of a settlement to avert a government shutdown. It would happen at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. Talks continued in private between Republican and Democratic leaders. And on a trip to Pennsylvania Wednesday, President Obama warned about the consequences of a shutdown. Wednesday afternoon on Capitol Hill, House Speaker John Boehner accused the president of showing no leadership. Michele Norris talks to NPR national political correspondent Mara Liasson about the politics of the budget shut down.
Rep. Schakowsky Speaks On Budget Talks
Melissa Block speaks with Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) about the budget — and the possibility of a government shutdown.
Wis. Supreme Court Race Faces Recount
Tuesday's state Supreme Court race in Wisconsin will shape a court that could rule on Gov. Scott Walker's collective bargaining plan. With only one justice being able to swing the court, all eyes are on these results.
'We Cut The Head,' But 'The Animal Is Still Alive,' Tunisian Activist Says
Sihem Bensedrine is the force behind Kalima ("the word") an independent Internet radio station in Tunis. She says her nation is on the road to democracy, but that remnants of the old regime remain in power.
Library Of Congress Adds De La Soul, Others To Collection
A look at the songs added to the library this year, including selections by Steely Dan, The Sons of the Pioneers and others.
Response To Arab Uprisings Causes U.S.-Saudi Rift
In a rare open disagreement with the Obama administration, Saudi's King Abdullah chastised the president for abandoning Egypt's former President Hosni Mubarak, a longtime ally. The Saudis have since developed a more aggressive regional policy.
In Egypt, April 6 Movement Marks Anniversary
Melissa Block speaks with Mohammed Adel, spokesman for the April 6 Movement, about the anniversary of the group's founding and the state of transition in Egypt.
Poetry With An Edge: The Acerbic Wit Of Alan Dugan
In honor of National Poetry Month, former poet laureate Robert Pinsky shares the work of one of his favorite writers, Alan Dugan, who died in 2003. Pinksy says Dugan was an amusing, soulful and engagingly nasty poet who sang the truth — often with a splash of high-grade vinegar.
They've Never Met, But 2,051 Singers Perform Together
Choral composer Eric Whitacre recruited vocalists from 58 countries via YouTube to sing his work. Whitacre's Virtual Choir 2.0, featuring his piece "Sleep," makes its debut Thursday night.
DVD Picks: 'Anything Goes'
To freshen up your DVD queue, this Bob Mondello suggests Anything Goes, a Cole Porter musical that was performed live on TV — with unexpected, yet, hilarious results — by Ethel Merman and Frank Sinatra.