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

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Bachmann focused on House race, not presidential campaign debt
Unlike her last re-election effort when the tea party was coming into its own and Rep. Michele Bachmann was a rising star, she's now an unsuccessful presidential candidate with more than $1 million in campaign debt hanging over her head.5:24 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Panetta Condemns Latest U.S. Troop Photo Scandal
Newly-published photos show U.S. troops in Afghanistan posing with the dead bodies of insurgents. The incident, first reported by The Los Angeles Times, occurred in 2010. It's the latest setback for the military's counterinsurgency strategy, which depends on winning the hearts and minds of the Afghan people.
Months Into Kony Mission, U.S. Action Unclear
In the Central African Republic, U.S. Special Forces soldiers are on the hunt for Joseph Kony, the brutal leader of the rebel group the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). The LRA has been responsible for abducting tens of thousands of children and turning them into sex slaves or killers. The U.S. military set up its outpost in the country four months ago. Audie Cornish talks to Washington Post reporter Sudarsan Raghavan, who wrote about the U.S. involvement.
Back To The Future: Seattle's Space Needle Turns 50
Originally built as a tourist attraction for the 1962 World's Fair, the Needle's design was inspired by an abstract sculpture of a dancer. As the city celebrates the structure's golden anniversary, the Jetsons-era tower is getting a fresh coat of paint to return to its original glow. "You still kind of believe in that future," says one fan.
Struggle In Congress To Re-Up Domestic Violence Act
Both the White House and a number of female senators are pushing for a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which is set to expire this year.
Most Small Businesses Don't Quite Fit The Political Picture
The House is scheduled to vote Thursday on a GOP measure to cut taxes on small businesses, ostensibly to create jobs. An analysis of government data shows that most small businesses don't have any employees beyond the owner. To qualify for the new tax break, they'd have to change that.
Spain Scrambles To Avoid A Financial Bailout
Spain's borrowing costs have risen sharply, renewing fears that Europe's fourth-largest economy could be headed for a major crisis. The country has slashed billions in spending, but unemployment and debt are still rising. Many are wondering whether the austerity could be doing more harm than good.
Argentina Tries To Nationalize Oil Company
Argentina's Congress is expected to approve a bill to nationalize the country's largest oil company. Melissa Blocks talks with Simon Romero, the Brazil bureau chief for The New York Times.
After Decades Away, Tourists Return To Liberia
A cruise ship made a bit of history in Liberia this week: When it docked, its 150 passengers became the largest group of tourists to visit the West African nation since the 1970s. As piracy and terrorism make traditional destinations less attractive, alternatives such as Liberia may take their place.
What Makes A Movie Quote Memorable?
Researchers at Cornell University have analyzed thousands of movie quotes to figure out why some are more memorable than others. Melissa Block and Audie Cornish have more.
London Smash 'Two Guvnors' Comes To Broadway
A British comedy that was the fastest selling ticket in the history of London's West End opens on Broadway tonight with its original cast. As Jeff Lunden reports, One Man, Two Guvnors is full of whimsically portrayed stereotypes — and is based on 500-year-old comic traditions.