All Things Considered for September 8, 2010 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Photographer Alec Soth seeks escape's dark side
The award-winning Twin Cities-based photographer travels the world to capture images of intangible things like love and dreams.4:50 p.m.
No charges filed against gang strike force members
Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman says his office will not press charges in the case of the now-defunct Metro Gang Strike Force.5:20 p.m.
In Duluth, nurses' union settles with second hospital
A lengthy labor dispute between Duluth nurses and two local hospitals appears to be all but over, as nurses reached a tentative contract agreement with one of those hospitals Wednesday afternoon -- a week after the other hospital settled.5:24 p.m.
Report links severe weather to global warming
A report issued today by Environment Minnesota said "extreme weather" is likely the result of a warming planet.5:47 p.m.
Ask Dr. Hallberg: Flu season and a pneumonia vaccine
MPR News medical analyst Dr. Jon Hallberg joined All Things Considered's Tom Crann on Wednesday to provide an update on this year's flu vaccine, along with information about a shot to prevent pneumonia.5:54 p.m.
State unveils first new traffic signal in 40 years
Minnesota officially turned on the state's first new type of traffic signal in 40 years in Lake Elmo today. It's a flashing yellow arrow, intended to make left turns safer and easier. The signal is expected to eventually blink on in traffic lights statewide.6:26 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Businesses Wonder How Much Tax Breaks Will Help
In his latest attempt to help the economy, President Obama is proposing a new round of tax breaks for businesses. But it's unclear whether companies would rush out to take advantage of them. And even if they did, would the incentives really create jobs?
BP Report Shares Blame For Rig Explosion
BP has released the results of an in-house investigation into the causes of the blowout at its well in Gulf of Mexico on April 20. The report identifies eight separate failures -- either of equipment or human judgment -- that led to the disaster.
BP Report An Exercise In Finger-Pointing
Local officials and congressional investigators said BP was shirking responsibility by passing the blame in its internal report of the oil rig explosion in the Gulf. And companies that BP pointed a finger at were quick to point a finger back.
Tax Code Works To Some Companies' Advantage
The federal tax rate for U.S. corporations is nearly 40 percent, the second-highest among industrialized nations. Critics say the best way to create jobs would be to lower it. But others say various tax breaks, exemptions and deductions have some paying far lower taxes.
Reflections On Mayor Daley's Tenure
On Tuesday, Chicago mayor Richard Daley announced that he won't seek re-election after more than two decades as mayor. The news was a shock to many Chicagoans. We'll hear what some residents of the Second City think of Daley's legacy.
Veteran Chicago Reporter On Daley's Legacy
Melissa Block talks with veteran Chicago reporter Carol Marin about the legacy of Richard M. Daley, and how it compares to that of his father, Richard J. Daley. Marin says both mayors had autocratic styles, but that the son learned from the father. She says when Richard J. Daley leaves the major's office, he leaves behind a physically transformed city, but he also leaves behind a terrible crime problem and schools that haven't been much improved.
The Paradox Of 'Lady Matador's Hotel'
Alan Cheuse reviews The Lady Matador's Hotel by Cristina Garcia. The novel weaves the stories of six residents of a hotel in an unnamed Central American capital. One of the guests is a Japanese Mexican-American matadora in town for a bullfight.
Practicality May Outlast Debate On Islamic Center
If the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan is an example, the planners behind the proposed Islamic center near ground zero have more than politics to consider. While the JCC took 11 years and $95 million to finish, the Islamic center fundraising has just begun.
Religious Laws Long Recognized By U.S. Courts
Oklahoma State Rep. Rex Duncan has proposed a state constitutional amendment to bar U.S. judges from considering any foreign law, including Islamic law, in their decisions. But U.S. laws already allow for some consideration, and experts say U.S. law will always have the final word.
Clinton: Situation In Sudan A 'Ticking Time Bomb'
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described tensions in Sudan between the North and the South as a "ticking time bomb of enormous consequence." Her comments come ahead of a referendum in which southern Sudanese are widely expected to approve independence for their oil-rich but deeply impoverished and infrastructure-poor region.