All Things Considered for September 22, 2008 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Monday, September 22, 2008

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

South American soldiers find new hope at Mayo
Soldiers from Colombia are brought to the Mayo Clinic for treatment of their wounds.4:45 p.m.
Author Charles Mann explains the crisis beneath our feet
The soil in the American Midwest is among the most fertile ground on the planet, but the world's supply of soil is changing. To find out how, Tom Crann sat down with author Charles Mann, who's wrote about the soil crisis in the September issue of National Geographic.4:50 p.m.
Local bankers work to calm customer fears
The financial crisis that has brought the nation's biggest investment banks to their knees is creating an image problem for banks far away from Wall Street.5:15 p.m.
Senate candidates weigh in on Wall St. bailout
The major party U.S. Senate candidates are weighing in on the proposal to give the Treasury Department $700 billion to buy bad debt from Wall Street investment banks.5:20 p.m.
Campaigns spring up on both sides of amendment
Supporters and opponents are gearing up for a battle this fall on a statewide campaign over a constitutional amendment.5:50 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

McCain Holds Lead With Rural Voters: Is It Enough?
A new survey of rural voters shows Republican presidential nominee John McCain with a 10-point lead among this key group. But this may not be enough to overcome Democrat Barack Obama's expected margins in the nation's cities.
Burning Spear: Reggae On Course
Reggae music has gone a lot of places over the years, from minimalist dub to culture-warring dancehall. Almost 40 years on, Spear still hews to the reggae basics: a deep, easy groove; brassy R&B flavorings; and a mystical take on history. His new CD is Jah is Real.
'Vigil' Sheds Somber Light On War-Torn Afghanistan
In Nadeem Aslam's new novel, The Wasted Vigil, post-Sept. 11 Afghanistan is a vast field of human misery, physical distress and wounds — both physical and psychic.
With Change, Era Of Investment Banks Ends
Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, the last two big independent investment banks, announced Sunday night they are scrapping the old business model and becoming commercial bank-holding companies. The news came as a shock for those who work on Wall Street.
Amid Bailout, Value Of Assets Debated
The Treasury Department's bailout plan will turn on how it values billions of dollars of securities backed by troubled subprime mortgages. There is little agreement on how to value those assets. How the question is resolved will determine whether the plan succeeds.
Solar Streetlights Come To Baghdad
Baghdad has introduced solar streetlights. It's a remarkable achievement for a country with a war-ravaged infrastructure. But some residents are asking why the government is spending its resources on this while it can't provide electricity to their homes.
Iranian President Sounds Off On Israel
Morning Edition's Steve Inskeep has interviewed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Ahmadinejad explains his comments that he would like to see Israel wiped off the map. The full interview will run on Morning Edition Tuesday.
In Europe, Excesses Blamed For Money Meltdown
Europe has yet to experience the same problems as the U.S. with its financial system. Europeans credit greater regulation and more conservative fiscal policies. Financial experts blame the excesses of the "Anglo-Saxon" model of capitalism.
Listeners' Economic Questions Answered
The past week has seen the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the sale of Merrill Lynch, the government's rescue of AIG and the $700 billion bailout. Listeners had questions on various aspects of the meltdown. Robert McTeer, distinguished fellow at the National Center for Policy Analysis and former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, and NPR's John Ydstie offer their insight.
Illinois Renters Given Time To React To Foreclosures
Some Chicago renters don't know their building has been foreclosed on until the eviction crew arrives. Cook County, Ill., authorities have encountered this so often that they've now come up with a plan to give unsuspecting renters more time to move.