All Things Considered for September 17, 2008 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Border Patrol under fire in Grand Marais
The Border Patrol finds itself in the public cross-hairs in Grand Marais. The federal law enforcement agency was already on the defensive over plans two years ago to build a new regional post and detainment compound. Now, a Border Patrol agent stands accused of criminal traffic violations in a fatal accident last fall.4:45 p.m.
New novel set on northern Minnesota Indian reservation
A new novel by Jim Proebstle, "In the Absence of Honor," is set on a northern Minnesota Indian reservation. The story weaves themes of greed, tribal casino corrution and murder.4:53 p.m.
35W bridge will be closely monitored
Hundreds of sensors, some placed inside the bridge's concrete during construction, will send data to the University of Minnesota for analysis.5:21 p.m.
St. Paul business owners vent about the RNC
St. Paul business owners vented about their experiences during the Republican National Convention this morning. But local businesses also offered their thoughts on what went right -- and what city officials could do better if a convention this size ever returns to St. Paul.5:52 p.m.
Minneapolis City Council will not direct police evaluation of RNC
The Minneapolis police department will put together a report about events during the Republican National Convention, but council members will not be able to influence the content of the evaluation.5:57 p.m.
After a losing start, Vikings change quarterback strategy
The Vikings are off to a two-loss start for the season. Now, coach Brad Childress has decided it's time for a change of quarterbacks. Sean Jensen of the Pioneer Press joined Tom Crann to discuss these and other moves by the franchise.6:20 p.m.
Can't afford a stadium? Slap your name on a slug
Sure, Target will soon have its name splashed across a 40,000-seat baseball stadium. But Jeff Goodhartz got his handle on a Central American sea worm.6:24 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Taxpayers Could Profit From Loan To AIG
The federal government's bailout of insurer AIG includes a loan of up to a whopping $85 billion — of taxpayer money. Some analysts say the deal is likely to make the government a tidy profit, while others say it was a bad move.
Rock En Espanol Takes Hold In North Carolina
Like many other parts of the country, North Carolina has seen an influx of Spanish-speaking immigrants. The transition hasn't always been smooth. But now, Charlotte's rock en Español musicians and fans are counting on rock's tried-and-true secret weapon — three chords and a great melody — to inspire a change.
Money Market Fund May Have Led To Dow Slide
Stocks have fallen despite the government's $85 billion rescue of American Insurance Group. The Dow fell by nearly 450 points. One analyst says the troubles of a huge money-market fund unnerved investors. The fund lost money in the Lehman Brothers collapse.
Impact Of AIG Bailout Examined
The federal government has bailed out American Insurance Group with an $85 billion rescue package. Diane Brady, senior editor at Business Week, says though it's technically a loan, the package is a bailout because AIG could have gone bankrupt.
GOP Money Power Takes On Obama Fundraising
McCain is taking public funds for the fall campaign, so his budget is a fraction of Obama's. But the Republican National Committee is balancing the scales, by spending party money on TV ads for the McCain-Palin ticket. In the week following the conventions, the GOP outspent the Obama camp on ads.
Looking At The 'Sunny' Side Of Life
To call the show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia an unlikely success is something of an understatement. It dares to joke about abortion, the Israeli-Palestinian debate and even cancer. Plus, it's set in Philadelphia — not New York or Los Angeles.
U.N. Tribunal Holds Hearing On Karadzic Trial
The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia has held a hearing on the Karadzic case. The judges met with the prosecution and defense to discuss preparations for the trial of former Bosnian-Serb leader Radovan Karadzic.
Pollsters For McCain, Obama Discuss Gender, Race
Ed Goeas, a GOP strategist who is polling for the Mccain campaign, says Sarah Palin's selection as John McCain's running mate gave the ticket a 20-point turnaround with white women. Cornell Belcher, who is part of Barack Obama's polling team, says the so-called Bradley Effect is less of a factor now than in the past.
Moose Hunting For Dummies
Sarah Palin has not only buoyed John McCain's poll numbers — she's brought a bright, shining light to one of Alaska's most enduring pasttimes: moose hunting. Joe Dilley, owner and operator of Joe's Guide Service in Soldotna, Alaska, says the fun in moose hunting ends when you pull the trigger.
Woody Allen Routine On Moose Hunting Recalled
In a political season where moose hunting has become highlighted, Woody Allen's standup routine in which he tells a tall tale about how he shot a moose is recalled. The moose lives and comes in second in a costume party contest — to a Jewish couple in a moose costume.