All Things Considered for November 6, 2006 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Monday, November 6, 2006

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Crossing over
The University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute is releasing a study today that looks at the talents artists contribute to various sectors of the economy, and how they might be better utilized. Minnesota Public Radio's Marianne Combs reports.4:50 p.m.
Split-ticket voters
Tom Crann hears from two voters who are splitting their ballots, voting for one party for one race, and another party in a different race.4:53 p.m.
State, federal candidates hit road as campaign winds down
With the final debate behind them, the candidates for governor hit the road Monday with a series of campaign stops to energize their voters and search out those who are still undecided.5:20 p.m.
Northwest Airlines mechanics vote to end strike
Northwest Airlines mechanics and cleaners have officially ended their nearly 15-month old strike against the Eagan-based carrier.5:23 p.m.
Campaign roundup
Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire, Sea Stachura, and Brandt Williams check in with congressional candidates.5:48 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Analyst: Iraq Issue May Force Party Realignment
Voters around the nation are set to choose their representatives Tuesday. The selection process comes down to party loyalty, incumbents' performance and issues like the Iraq war. Thomas Patterson, of Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government, says there is no civics-book ideal, but one issue may tip the scale.
Parties Ready Accusations, Challenges for Election
In the final days before the 2006 midterm election, there are charges that Republicans are trying to intimidate voters, and that Democrats are turning a blind eye to voter fraud. Republicans say they're just trying to make sure there is no illegitimate voting, citing a case of fraudulent registrations.
Complex Reactions to Saddam Verdict in Arab World
Citizens of Arabic countries have a variety of reactions to the death sentence delivered Sunday to Saddam Hussein. The emotions vary by country, says Khaled al-Maeena, editor-in-chief of the English-language Arab News, based in Saudi Arabia. Many in Kuwait and Iran believe Saddam was a tyrant.
The 2006 Election Lacks a Vision for the Iraq War
National elections held during wartime often hinge on specific plans -- but that's not the case in 2006, says NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr. He contrasts the current election with others he has covered, including those that took place during wars in Korea and Vietnam.
Gulf Coast Wetlands Being Destroyed, Critics Say
Along the rebuilding Gulf Coast, critics say there is too little thought given to preserving wetlands, as developers fill in the areas. In response to criticism from environmentalists who say the Army Corps of Engineers isn't enforcing federal wetlands-protection rules, the Corps is proposing that the rules be loosened.
States Toughen Federal Mercury Pollution Rules
In 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency set the first requirements for coal-fired power plants to reduce mercury pollution from their exhausts. At the time, there were complaints that the new rule wasn't protective enough.
Helium Shortage Looms for United States
The United States is in the midst of a helium shortage. Large-scale users are not yet in crisis mode, but helium is in short supply because several overseas plants aren't up and running. And soon, the federal helium program will shut down for nearly two weeks.
Dire Predictions and Disastrous Votes: Election Ads
Melissa Block talks with voice-over artists Dennis Steele and Scott Sanders about how to make a threatening voice for a political ad.
Webb, Allen Vie to Win Key Virginia Senate Race
In one of the races expected to determine control of the Senate, incumbent Republican George Allen and his Democratic challenger, Jim Webb, campaign at full throttle in the Virginia communities of Vienna and Norfolk.
Analysts: Tight Senate Race, Democratic House
Melissa Block talks with Jennifer Duffy and Amy Walter of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. Duffy is the Managing Editor, and will talk about Tuesday's Senate contests; Walter is the Senior Editor, and will talk about the House races.