All Things Considered for September 7, 2011 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

WEIGH IN: Is rural health care getting better or worse?
When it comes to health care in rural Minnesota, are you an optimist or a pessimist?3:54 p.m.
Mall of America visitors unknowingly end up in counterterrorism reports
The security unit at the Mall of America stops and questions on average 1,200 people each year. The interviews at the mall are part of a counterterrorism initiative that acts as the private eyes and ears of law enforcement authorities but has often ensnared innocent people, according to an investigation by the Center for Investigative Reporting and NPR.4:06 p.m.
New ATF chief inherits agency fighting for survival
The Obama administration is counting on a new leader, B. Todd Jones, to try to get the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives back on track.4:40 p.m.
Minn. heroes' stories diverge on fighting terrorism, a decade after 9/11
Ten years ago, two people with Minnesota ties tried to thwart the Sept. 11 terrorists. A decade later, their stories point to sharply different views on how America should best respond to terrorism.4:50 p.m.
1 in 10 Minnesota households struggles with hunger, USDA report says
The number of Minnesotans who struggle to put enough food on the table remains high.5:17 p.m.
Minn. terror suspect sent home to await sentencing
A federal judge in Minneapolis Wednesday approved the release of a Somali man who's been in custody for more than two years on terror charges while he awaits sentencing.5:20 p.m.
Cube Critics: Aliens and epidemics
Cube Critics discuss films containing violence against aliens, violence between brothers, and a deadly epidemic.5:54 p.m.
Mall of America visitors unknowingly end up in counterterrorism reports
The security unit at the Mall of America stops and questions on average 1,200 people each year. The interviews at the mall are part of a counterterrorism initiative that acts as the private eyes and ears of law enforcement authorities but has often ensnared innocent people, according to an investigation by the Center for Investigative Reporting and NPR.6:06 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Daughter Channels Sept. 11 Grief Into Film, Activism
Carie Lemack, who lost her mother on Sept. 11, says she will never quit trying to prevent that kind of tragedy from happening again. Ten years later, Lemack is still on that mission — and she's not only founded two nonprofits, she's also made an Oscar-nominated documentary and is on a first-name basis with Sen. John Kerry.
In GOP Debate, Candidates Likely To Focus On Perry
On Wednesday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California, the leading Republican candidates for president will meet for a debate. It's the first featuring newly minted frontrunner Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
Perry Takes Hard Line On Environmental Issues
Texas Gov. Rick Perry is taking a hard line on the campaign trail when it comes to the environment. He has dismissed global warming and climate change. The Perry administration in Texas has a long record of going after the Environmental Protection Agency.
Letters: U.S. Post Office; Fingerboarding
Robert Siegel clarifies Tuesday's reporting on the U.S. Post Office's funding woes — and reads listener letters about fingerboarding.
USDA: Increased Food Aid Kept Hunger Rate Steady
Despite the bad economy, the number of Americans who struggled to get enough to eat did not grow last year, and in some cases declined, according to new government data. Still, a near-record number — almost 49 million people — were affected.
Packers Fans Eager For Season Opener, Jobs Speech
During President Obama's jobs speech, Green Bay Packers fans will be preparing to watch the home team play. The Packers take on the New Orleans Saints in the NFL season opener. We know fans are excited about the game. But some people in Green Bay are just as eager to hear Obama's proposals.
Witnesses Fail To Link Mubarak To Killings
The trial of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak continued in Cairo Wednesday. Witnesses for the prosecution failed to connect Mubarak or his interior minister to the fatal shootings during protests that led to Mubarak's ouster.
Syrian Forces Stage Raids In Rebellious Central City
Syrian security forces stage new raids in the central city of Homs, a hotbed of opposition to the regime of Bashar Assad. Residents report shooting throughout the night and into Wednesday morning, with several deaths confirmed. The operation was launched as Syria postponed a planned visit to Damascus by the secretary general of the Arab League, which has been pushing for a halt to military operations against protesters.
Buddy Holly At 75: A Tribute To An Unlikely Star
Listen to Me is a pan-generational tribute featuring Natalie Merchant, Ringo Starr and more.
Under Suspicion At The Mall Of America
Since Sept. 11, the nation's leaders have warned that government can't protect the country on its own — private businesses and civilians have to do their part, too. Now NPR and the Center for Investigative Reporting have found that, at least in one community, these kinds of programs are entangling ordinary people with the police and FBI.