All Things Considered for September 15, 2010 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

PoliGraph: Byberg right on Peterson's voting record
Turning the Poligraph on the 7th Congressional District, we fact-check the claim by GOP Candidate Lee Byberg that incumbant DFLer Collin Peterson votes with Democratic leaders 90% of the time. It's true, but Peterson is having a strong influence on legislation before it gets to a vote.4:45 p.m.
Patients, hospitals having problems with revised GAMC program
Three months after the state implemented a scaled-back health care coverage program for its poorest residents, many patients are waiting months for basic medical services and hospitals have lost millions of dollars in uncompensated care.4:50 p.m.
Rural hospitals take unique approach to health care for the poor
A growing number of hospitals are taking unusual steps to cut their losses and still provide care for the poorest of the poor.4:53 p.m.
Feds want tougher pipeline rules after accidents
A gas explosion in California and the largest oil spill ever in the Midwest have raised new doubts about the safety of tens of thousands of miles of pipeline in the United States.5:20 p.m.
Proposed asphalt plant in Roseville faces resident opposition
A major Twin Cities asphalt manufacturer has run into strong opposition over a new plant in Roseville. If opened, the company's south Minneapolis plant (pictured) could be closed.5:24 p.m.
Red River flood diversion project delayed
The agency on Wednesday said the move is necessary because the impacts downstream from the proposed long-term flood control project are greater than first anticipated.5:50 p.m.
Restoring public artworks to their former glory
It's only in recent years that communities have understood the need to care for, preserve or even restore public art works when they've been damaged or defiled. They've mainly been turning to one woman to get the job done.5:53 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Susan Rice, U.S. Ambassador To United Nations: Situation In Sudan Is 'Precarious'
NPR's David Greene spoke with Susan Rice, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, about the situation in Sudan, ahead of referendum votes there.
Mideast Peace Deal Faces Hurdle Over Settlements
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas met for a second day to talk about a peace deal. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that the parties were "getting down to business," but it was unclear how they would overcome a dispute over Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
Treasury's Tricky Task: Cutting Ties To AIG
The Treasury Department is in talks with AIG to find ways to make the insurance giant independent again after bailing it out two years ago. But extricating the government from AIG is a complex and delicate task. One problem: The company still owes the Fed and Treasury some $100 billion.
Tea Party Shows It Is Force To Be Reckoned With
NPR's Mara Liasson talks with David Greene about the role of the Tea Party movement heading into the midterms.
Mayor's Loss Puts D.C. Schools Chief's Job On Line
Washington, D.C., mayor Adrian Fenty's loss in Tuesday's Democratic primary puts the future of his schools chancellor Michelle Rhee in doubt. D.C. schools have become a national laboratory for school reform under Rhee. But she's been a divisive figure in the city and it's unlikely that Vincent Gray, the likely winner in November, will keep her.
New Media Strain Government Tolerance In Syria
Facebook and Twitter link young Syrians to the wider world. Even the autocratic regime has been forced to accommodate the aspirations of younger generations. People are better informed, but not empowered.
Border Patrol Asserts Authority Up North
While national debate is focused on Arizona's immigration law, a quieter change in the enforcement of citizenship and visas is happening along parts of the northern border. In upstate New York, federal agents are boarding trains and buses up to 100 miles from the border, asking passengers for documents. The checks are sweeping up some foreign college students and researchers who are in the country legally, and it's causing friction with area universities.
Birds Disoriented By Trade Center Memorial Lights
The Tribute in Light is part of the Sept. 11 memorial celebration. Two beams represent the World Trade Center towers that are no longer part of the skyline. This year, birds entered the beams and were pulled from their migratory path. Host Melissa Block speaks with John Rowden, associate director for citizen science and outreach for the New York City Audubon. He's an ornithologist who recorded the birds caught in the memorial lights.
Justin Townes Earle: From Nashville To New York City
On Harlem River Blues, the singer-songwriter puts the staples of American music in the context of his adopted home. He infuses country, blues, soul and folk with the highs and lows for which New York is known -- inspiration and desperation, energy and exhaustion, working too much and great temptation.
Questions Surround Del. Senate Hopeful O'Donnell
In the latest win for the Tea Party, Delaware's Christine O'Donnell beat long-term Rep. Mike Castle for the GOP Senate nomination. The outcome rocked the party and led many to ask: Who is Christine O'Donnell? Beneath her energy and charm are some questionable credentials and odd past statements.