All Things Considered for September 29, 2008 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Monday, September 29, 2008

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Campaigns court young voters
Historically, people under 30 have voted in lower numbers than other groups. But this year, there are signs that low voter turnout among youth is a thing of the past.4:45 p.m.
Iraq War veteran shares experience through poetry
The experience of the Iraq War has been widely documented. But literary reaction to this war has been rare. That's what we get from poet -- and former Army Sergeant -- Brian Turner. Turner talked to Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Crann while visiting the Twin Cities for a reading.4:52 p.m.
How Minnesota's delegation voted on the bailout
Minnesota's congressional representatives split their votes on the $700 billion rescue bill for the financial services industry. The U.S. House rejected the measure this afternoon.5:20 p.m.
Petters resigns in wake of fraud investigation
Less than a week after a federal raid on his home and corporate headquarters, Twin Cities businessman Tom Petters has resigned from the company that bears his name.5:24 p.m.
Speaking out about a bicultural life
Members of one Twin Cities' spoken word group are exploring their love of poetry and performance by writing about what it's like to be Latinos in the Midwest.5:54 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Prosecutor To Probe Firings Of U.S. Attorneys
Attorney General Michael Mukasey has appointed federal prosecutor Nora Dannehy to pursue possible criminal charges against Republicans who were involved in the firings of U.S. attorneys. The move was recommended by a Justice Department report on the firings.
Kansas City Mayor's Wife Causes A Stir
Gloria Squitiro, wife of Kansas City, Mo., Mayor Mark Funkhouser, says that after 30 years together, she knows how her husband thinks. So she set up shop in City Hall and offered to answer questions when he's busy. But the City Council wants her out.
Robert Downey Sr., Underground And Off The Cuff
Robert Downey Jr. is a name well-known to moviegoers, but did you know that the actor's father also happens to be in the movie business? Robert Downey Sr. is an acclaimed director whose early underground films have just been restored.
House Rejects Bailout Plan
In a surprise turn, the House of Representatives defeated the Bush administration's $700 billion bailout plan. Democrats joined with Republicans in a bipartisan rejection of the bill.
For Many, Bill Didn't Sufficiently Aid Main Street
The House of Representatives rejected the proposed $700 billion bailout of Wall Street. Proponents said the measure was needed to stabilize the economy. Many members, facing re-election in a few weeks, said it didn't do enough for Main Street.
Congressman Who Backed Bailout Aghast At Failure
Third-term Democrat Jim Marshall of Georgia cast his vote in favor of the bill, knowing his support for the measure could cost him his seat. Talking just before the House's rejection of the measure, Marshall was dumbfounded at the failure.
Markets Plunge On Bailout's Rejection
Stocks are down sharply after the House of Representatives rejected a $700 billion bailout of Wall Street. At one point, the Dow Jones industrial average was down more than 700 points.
Wachovia Becomes Latest U.S. Bank To Be Sold
Charlotte, N.C.-based Wachovia has been bought by Citigroup. It is the latest major bank that has been sold in order to stave off collapse. The deal was orchestrated by the government's Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Europe Acts To Stave Off Financial Collapse
Europe is engaged in its own bank rescue bailouts. The governments of Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg rescued financial firm Fortis over the weekend to prevent a domino-like spread of failure. Britain is nationalizing mortgage lender Bradford & Bingley.
Authorities Struggle To Thwart Pirates' Plundering
The highly trafficked waterway between Yemen and Somalia has seen a spike in violent hijackings by pirates in recent years. Increased patrols by the U.S. and Russian navies have done little to make the waters safer.