All Things Considered for September 18, 2012 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Klobuchar, Bills debate unemployment, deficit
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar and her Republican challenger, state Rep. Kurt Bills, met for their second one-on-one debate this morning in Duluth Tuesday, trading jabs on the deficit and unemployment.3:48 p.m.
Occupy movement inspires sign protest in Little Falls
Little Falls is more than a thousand miles from lower Manhattan, the birthplace of the Occupy Movement that began a year ago this week. But in this central Minnesota town the movement has at least one champion who is now fighting to keep up her personal protest on behalf of the 99 percent.4:45 p.m.
Charges against state trooper show track record of unprofessionalism
The Minnesota State Patrol sergeant at the helm of a suspended drug training program has a documented track record of unprofessionalism.4:50 p.m.
Pull-tab gambling approved by state board
The Minnesota Gambling Control Board approved electronic pull-tab gambling this morning. A new iPad-based version of the tradtional pull-tab games could start today at bars and restaurants that run charitable gambling.5:18 p.m.
Klobuchar, Bills debate unemployment, deficit
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar and her Republican challenger, state Rep. Kurt Bills, met for their second one-on-one debate this morning in Duluth Tuesday, trading jabs on the deficit and unemployment.5:48 p.m.
White House welcomes champion Minn. Lynx
The Minnesota Lynx are at the White House starting at noon (central). The White House is providing this feed.6:24 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Romney Conflated Different Groups With '47 Percent'
In secretly-recorded comments released Monday, GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney referred to some 47 percent of Americans who pay no income tax, are dependent on the federal government for assistance, and will vote for President Obama no matter what. Something near 47 percent falls in each category, but they are three distinct groups.
Romney's '47 Percent' Argument Counterproductive
Robert Siegel talks with Jonah Goldberg, National Review contributing editor, about the video released Monday of presidential candidate Mitt Romney, speaking to supporters at a private off-the-record fundraiser. In the video, Romney said nearly half of Americans believe they are victims and dependent on the government. He is not planning to apologize for the comments, but admitted that they were not elegantly stated.
Link Between BPA And Childhood Obesity Is Unclear
In a study, researchers found that among white kids and teens, higher BPA levels were associated with more than twice the risk of obesity. But higher BPA levels didn't affect childhood obesity risk for blacks and Hispanics.
U.S.-Afghan Patrols Halted After Insider Attacks
The U.S. command in Afghanistan has suspended joint patrols by U.S. and Afghan forces. The move comes as the military tries to figure out how to stop insider attacks by Afghans against U.S. and NATO troops.
Chicago Teachers Union Delegates Vote On Contract
The Chicago Teachers Union's House of Delegates is set to vote on calling off the strike on Tuesday. On Sunday the delegates voted down a proposed contract offer, saying they needed more time to consider it. The surprise rejection revealed divisions within the union that may make it hard to agree on a contract.
With Hats And Umbrellas, Senegalese Fill A City Niche
In many cities around the world, certain ethnic groups are often associated with particular occupations. Cheikh Fall, like many other Senegalese immigrants in New York, makes his living as a street vendor. He lives by the motto, "Work like you're never gonna die, and worship like you will die tomorrow."
Biden A Vital Surrogate For Obama On Campaign Trail
Vice President Joe Biden has been an important surrogate for President Obama this year, as he was four years ago. Biden especially excels at connecting with white, working-class voters — a group with which the president has struggled.
Book Review: 'Black Dahlia and White Rose'
Alan Cheuse reviews Joyce Carol Oates most recent story collection, Black Dahlia and White Rose. Cheuse teaches creative writing at George Mason University.
Shorts Inspire Music In 'Sounding Beckett' Trilogy
Samuel Beckett, the author of Waiting for Godot, is known for the spare, modern rhythms of his plays. Now, as Jeff Lunden explains, the off-Broadway show Sounding Beckett brings together three of the playwright's short works with new pieces of contemporary music they inspired.
Romney Still Doing Damage Control For '47 Percent'
Anytime a candidate calls an unexpected press conference in the evening, you know it's not good news. We look at the latest news and political fall out from the release of Mitt Romney's remarks at a private fundraiser. The comments were made in May and the recording was released by Mother Jones magazine.