Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Long-term budget pain assured by shutdown solution
  The state's failure to fix the underlying problems of the state budget means Democrats and Republicans could be at odds for years to come.3:20 p.m.
• Early childhood advocates worried about Race to the Top chances after session
  For all the talk at the Minnesota State Capitol this year about early childhood education, supporters only won part of what they wanted. Legislators approved $4 million in scholarships for needy families, but they did not include a system to rate child care providers.3:24 p.m.
• Long-term budget pain assured by shutdown solution
  The state's failure to fix the underlying problems of the state budget means Democrats and Republicans could be at odds for years to come.5:20 p.m.
• Early childhood advocates worried about Race to the Top chances after session
  For all the talk at the Minnesota State Capitol this year about early childhood education, supporters only won part of what they wanted. Legislators approved $4 million in scholarships for needy families, but they did not include a system to rate child care providers.5:24 p.m.
• Bachmann adamantly opposes raising debt ceiling
  The Minnesota congresswoman burnishes her conservative credentials at the National Press Club.5:51 p.m.
• Boston Scientific to cut 1,400 positions
  Boston Scientific announced today 1,400 employees will be cut to streamline operations.5:55 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• House Postpones Vote On Boehner's Debt Ceiling Bill
  The House is postponing the vote on House Speaker John Boehner's debt limit plan. The delay raises questions whether the GOP in the House has the votes to pass the bill. Michele Norris talks to NPR's Andrea Seabrook for more.
• Blunt Discusses Boehner's Debt Ceiling Bill
  Robert Siegel interviews Republican Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri about House Speaker John Boehner's bill to raise the debt ceiling — and what the Senate might do if it passes the House.
• Conservatives, Progressives Discuss Debt Ceiling
  Rep. Michelle Bachmann will vote against House Speaker John Boehner debt ceiling plan because it lifts the debt ceiling, and she has promised her fans she won't vote for that. As she speaks to National Press Club Thursday, MoveOn.org holds a rally opposing cuts to programs on Capitol Hill.
• Some Question Recent Flood Management Decisions
  As Missouri River states continue to fight record flooding, many residents are angry at how federal officials managed the rivers and the flooding. While some praise the Army Corps of Engineers for saving their town, others along the river — especially those from downstream states where the water is headed — are asking Congress to look into how the corps balances often-competing interests and chooses which towns to save.
• Designer Wins Right To Sell 'Star Wars' Stormtrooper Outfits In The U.K.
  The designer who made the original stormtrooper suits for Star Wars wins a big court case. He's now free to make and sell replicas of the outfits, in Britain at least.
• In Chicago, A Test Of Wills Over A Budget Deficit
  Former White House adviser Rahm Emanuel is no stranger to tough negotiations. And as Chicago's new mayor, that's where he finds himself now. Faced with a daunting financial hole next year, the mayor has proposed laying off hundreds of city workers.
• Military Spouses Face Especially Grim Job Prospects
  In this economy, who in their right mind would quit their job and move to a new city where they don't have any contacts? That's exactly what thousands of military spouses do each year. They don't have a choice. The unemployment rate for military spouses is 26 percent.
• Polygamist Religious Leader Fires His Lawyers
  Michele Norris speaks with NPR's Wade Goodwyn, who is in San Angelo, Texas, for the opening of the trial of polygamist leader Warren Jeffs. Just as opening statements were about to begin, Jeffs fired his lawyer, and he told the judge he wants to defend himself.
• Updates: IKEA Workers; Male Circumcision
  Workers at an IKEA subsidiary plant in Danville, Va., voted Wednesday to join a union. We update a story we did last month on the conditions at the plant. Our other update is about a ballot initiative in San Francisco. A California superior court judge says voters there will not get to decide whether to make male circumcision illegal in the city.
• Mariachi El Bronx: Mariachi Punks Put It All On the Line
  The new album by the L.A. punk band-turned-mariachi ensemble is lively and surprisingly kitsch-free.

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