All Things Considered for September 1, 2010 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Minn. survey: Job vacancies up 32 percent over last year
Job vacancies were up 32 percent in the period from April through June compared to the same time last year, according to a report released Wednesday.5:20 p.m.
Met Council, U of M reach a deal on Central Corridor
The Metropolitan Council and the University of Minnesota have finally struck a deal on how to weave a light-rail train through the university's sensitive research corridor.5:24 p.m.
Duluth nurses reach agreement with St. Luke's
Negotiators for 400 nurses reached a tentative agreement on a contract with St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth early Wednesday, following an all-night negotiating session.5:50 p.m.
Bankrupt ethanol co. wants refund from corn farmers
Farmers in Minnesota who had the bad luck to sell corn to a bankrupt ethanol company are now being asked to repay most of the money they earned.5:54 p.m.
Day five: What are they judging?
Judges here are looking for weight, strength and a good luster. What are they judging?5:57 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

At War's End, U.S. Ship Rescued South Vietnam's Navy
On April 30, 1975, the Vietnam War officially ended. U.S. Navy ships involved in evacuating Americans and Vietnamese were steaming away from Vietnam — except one. The USS Kirk got a mysterious order to head back. Its mission? To lead the remnants of the South Vietnamese navy to safety.
Anxiety, Anger Over Gaza Attacks Still Alive In Israel
Most Israelis view Gaza as hostile territory ruled by a terrorist group, Hamas, committed to the destruction of the Jewish state. Though cross-border violence has subsided recently, Israelis still feel under attack and remain in a state of hyper-vigilance.
Ryan Bingham: Bull Rider, Songwriter
Last year, the singer-songwriter's song "The Weary Kind" won an Oscar for the movie Crazy Heart. Like the lead character, Bad Blake, Ryan Bingham used to be the singer fighting to be heard over the din of a bowling alley. But now, at 29, he's out with his third album, Junky Star.
Obama Opens New Round Of Mideast Peace Talks
President Obama opened a new round of Middle East peace talks at the White House on Wednesday. He's holding bilateral meetings with the leaders of Israel, Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority. The president's goal is to start a process that will ultimately resolve the big issues -- settlements, borders, Jerusalem, refugees -- so that a two-state solution can be implemented. For more, Robert Siegel talks to NPR's Mara Liasson.
Corruption Allegations Surround Kabul Bank
The Central Bank of Afghanistan has taken over the country's leading private bank amid a new corruption scandal involving allies of President Hamid Karzai. For more, NPR's Robert Siegel talks to Joshua Partlow of the Washington Post.
Forgiveness In Fla.: Reconciling After GOP Primary
Florida's Republican primary race for governor was a divisive one, and the Democratic candidate, Alex Sink, has been using it to her advantage. Now the GOP nominee, Rick Scott, is reaching out to former foes to create a united front. But some GOP leaders, including his former opponent, have not yet come on board.
The Saudi Prince, The Mosque And Fox News
The parent company of Fox News shares a financial backer with the imam who is at the center of the firestorm over the proposed construction of an Islamic center in New York City. The second-largest holder of voting stock in News Corp. is Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal. Waleed has given generously to initiatives pursued by the imam of the proposed center.
Letters: Iraq, USS Kirk
Listeners respond to Tuesday's coverage of the formal end to U.S. combat operations in Iraq, and our story about the USS Kirk -- the site of a dramatic rescue in the days before the Fall of Saigon in 1975. NPR's Robert Siegel and Melissa Block read from listeners' e-mails.
Women's Salaries Back On Top For Younger Set
Unmarried women between the ages of 22 and 30 are making 8 percent more than men in the same demographic, according to a new analysis of government data by a private research firm. It's partly because more women are college educated. But overall, women still make less than men.
New Oval Office Rug, Made In America
NPR's Melissa Block talks to Rich Ruggeri, vice president and co-owner of Scott Group Custom Carpets of Grand Rapids, Mich. -- a carpet manufacturer that made President Obama's new Oval Office rug. Scott Group also made President Clinton's Oval Office rug. Ruggeri says every aspect of the rug, including the wool and the cotton backing, were made in America.