All Things Considered for September 16, 2011 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Friday, September 16, 2011

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Biologists: BWCA fire will help moose habitat
Count Minnesota's moose experts among those quietly celebrating the fire that has burned more than 150 square miles in the Boundary Waters.4:50 p.m.
Access to 'suspicious-activity' reports now restricted after MOA security details revealed
Minnesota's public safety commissioner has quietly restricted so-called "suspicious-activity reports" from public scrutiny, a move that came after news organizations collected data on the Mall of America's counterterrorism program.4:54 p.m.
Dayton pledges support for homeowners affected by BWCA fire
The governor said today the state will do whatever it can to protect homes threatened by the fire. Officials also warned the blaze would "wake up" in coming days as dryer conditions take hold.5:20 p.m.
Court drops charges against man awaiting retrial for daughter's murder
Charges are dropped against Michael Hansen, an Alexandria man who served six years in prison for the 2006 murder of his daughter before a judge overturned the conviction in July.5:43 p.m.
Villa Rosa stands out as something rare in rap
Villa Rosa features two emcees who both have established identities as solo artists and see their artistic partnership as an equal playing field.5:52 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

N.Y. Special Election Shows Obama's Trials To Come
The heavily Jewish and Democratic 9th district voted Republican, reflecting the president's weakening support. Some analysts attribute the loss to the conservative Jewish community's distrust of Obama's stance on Israel, while others point to polls that say the economy was a more significant factor.
Abbas Plans To Ask U.N. For Palestinian Statehood
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announces that he will present the Palestinian bid for statehood recognition directly to the U.N. Security Council next week. This, despite the threat of a U.S. veto. Abbas said U.N. recognition of a state on territory seized by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War will allow the Palestinians to negotiate with Israel as equals.
Week In Politics: Special Election; Jobs
Melissa Block speaks with our regular political commentators E.J. Dionne, of the Washington Post and Brookings Institution, and David Brooks, of the New York Times.
This Summer, 3-D Ticket Sales Disappoint
A new 3-D version of The Lion King is opening in theaters on Friday. A couple of years ago, industry executives thought 3-D movies — with their higher ticket prices — were supposed to save the movie industry. However 3-D ticket sales weren't dazzling this summer.
A Beloved Car Of Cops And Cabbies Meets Its End
Sales of the ubiquitous Ford Crown Victoria jumped 140 percent in August before its factory closed this week. At one body shop in Chicago that's open 20 hours a day fixing mostly Crown Vics, one cab driver explains the appeal of the car and its siblings: "It's very strong. Even if you get [in an] accident, you are safe every time."
Obama Signs Patent Overhaul Bill
Hoping it will spur innovation, President Obama signed a bill Friday overhauling the nation's patent laws. The law switches to a "first to file" rule for granting patents. It also allows new challenges to existing patents. But critics say it will not help individual inventors get their ideas to market. Melissa Block talks to NPR's Laura Sydell for more.
Pa. May Change Electoral College Allocation Rules
Republican leaders in Pennsylvania's Legislature want to change how Electoral College votes in the state are allocated. Changing from a winner-takes-all system to a proportionate one based on congressional districts could help the GOP candidate gain a few extra votes in 2012. But the plan is controversial — even among Republicans.
Al Sharpton's Unlikely Rise To MSNBC Host
MSNBC's newest opinion host is the Rev. Al Sharpton, a figure much better known for a past in which he cast more heat than light. With his new job, Sharpton is now on his third act in public life: from a civil rights activist to a player in the Democratic Party to, now, a cable talk show host.
NFL Sees Record Passing, Scoring
The first week of the NFL season produced some surprising results — and unlikely offensive fireworks. Was this an anomaly or a signal that this may no longer be your father's NFL? Sportswriter Stefan Fatsis talks to Michele Norris.
A Celtic Cure: Soldiers Use Hurling To Heal After War
Hurling, the sport that was created by ancient Celtic warriors, has found a niche following among some soldiers in the U.S. A group of National Guardsmen in New Hampshire formed a team to stay in shape after Middle East deployments. But they found benefits much more than physical.