All Things Considered for September 19, 2007 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Dakota County attorney is man of many sides
Dakota County Attorney Jim Backstrom has gained a reputation as a tough prosecutor. But Backstrom also has a side that belies his law-and-order persona.4:50 p.m.
Rich contract awarded for I-35W bridge replacement
Flatiron/Manson won despite submitting the high bid - $233.7 million - and proposing the longest timetable for the work, 437 days.5:20 p.m.
Ridder made impression at Star Tribune
Newspaperman Par Ridder has earned the rare distinction of becoming the former-publisher of both of Minnesota's largest newspapers within the same year.5:50 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Maliki Calls Blackwater's Actions a Crime
A joint commission of Iraqi and U.S. officials is examining incidents involving the Blackwater security firm, including the deaths of civilians in a melee last week in Baghdad. Prime Minister Maliki is directing harsh rhetoric at the company.
Mystery Surrounds Israeli Strike in Syria
Israeli jets bombed a target in Syria in a night raid on Sept. 6. Unnamed Israeli and U.S. intelligence sources tell journalists the attack was prompted by possible nuclear cooperation between North Korea and Syria. Experts familiar with Syria's nuclear activities have their doubts.
The Sound of Vanishing Languages
A study based supported by the National Geographic Society and the Living Tongues Institute for Endangered Languages identifies regions around the world where languages are dying. We hear some words from these disappearing languages.
Does Arkansas Have a Heart for Huckabee?
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has charmed voters around the country in a bid for the Republican presidential nomination. But what's the verdict back home on his 10 years as the state's chief executive?
White House Hopefuls Hold Fundraisers Abroad
Rudolph Giuliani is raising campaign cash in London. Only U.S. citizens and green-card holders can legally give to U.S. campaigns. But Giuliani, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are all holding events for Americans living in the British Isles.
Japan Set to Pick New Prime Minister
On Sunday, Japan's Liberal Democratic Party will select a successor to Shinzo Abe, who resigned. Moderate Yasuo Fukuda is vying with Taro Aso, a conservative former foreign minister. The man chosen will be prime minister.
Adoptions of Guatemalan Babies Prompt Closer Look
About 4,000 children from Guatemala are adopted by American families each year. Now, the U.N., the U.S. government and Guatemalan officials are worried that babies have become such big business.
Unpaid Patrols to Hit Philadelphia Streets
In the face of rising homicide rates, Philadelphia's police chief has plans to recruit 10,000 volunteers to patrol city streets and be on the lookout for criminal activity. They would be unpaid and unarmed.
Lifeguards to Recreate 70-Year-Old Stunt at Sea
San Diego lifeguard Darrell Esparza and four colleagues are set to retrace a 1934 stunt where two lifeguards rowed from San Diego to Santa Catalina Island, then sailed back with improvised sails.
Full Impact of Fed Move Will Take Time
The stock market extends a rally that began Tuesday after a bigger-than-expected cut in interest rates by the Fed. The move is seen as likely to boost consumer spending. But it may be some time before the rate cut affects the credit markets.