All Things Considered for September 23, 2010 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Pawlenty declares state of emergency in flood zone
Gov. Tim Pawlenty has declared a state of emergency due to the flooding in southern Minnesota. The order activates the National Guard to provide emergency relief.3:50 p.m.
Art Hounds
Each week Minnesota Public Radio News asks three people from the Minnesota arts scene to be "Art Hounds." Their job is to step outside their own work and hunt down something exciting that's going on in local arts.4:45 p.m.
Shorter contracts the trend for union city employees
Budget uncertainty is leading many Minnesota cities to negotiate one-year contracts with their unionized employees, instead of for longer terms. Neither the unions nor the cities want to lock in agreements that are not going to be financially workable.4:50 p.m.
NPR's Scott Simon on adoption: 'It's been a wonderful, emotional experience'
Most of us know Scott Simon as the host of NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday. But in his new book "Baby, we were meant for each other" he explores another hugely important part of his life - as an adoptive father.4:55 p.m.
Pawlenty declares state of emergency in flood zone
Gov. Tim Pawlenty has declared a state of emergency due to the flooding in southern Minnesota. The order activates the National Guard to provide emergency relief.5:20 p.m.
Residents, officials fight flooding in Owatonna
Rain surged through southern Minnesota for hours on Thursday, adding more to the already record precipitation in the region. From Pipestone to the Mississippi River, there were reports of water overflowing ditches, clogged storm sewers and flooded basements.5:23 p.m.
Record low traffic deaths in Minnesota, but problems remain on rural highways
Minnesota is on track to see the lowest number of traffic deaths since the 1940s and many credit stronger seat belt laws and crackdowns on impaired driving.5:50 p.m.
News Cut: a fresh eye on today's stories
Bob Collins, author of MPR's News Cut blog, joins us on the air with his take on today's news.5:55 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Revealing, Reveling In Einstein's Relativity
Einstein's theory of relativity posits that time -- what we perceive to be regular, consistent ticks on our watches -- isn't actually constant. Thought experiments from the early 1900s challenged our understanding of time, and now scientists have actual data to back Einstein up.
Obama Appeals To U.N. To Back Mideast Peace Efforts
One year ago, President Obama appeared before the United Nations General Assembly to usher in what he called a new era of American engagement. On Thursday, he was back in New York, asking world leaders for their help establishing a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Advice On A New Obama Economic Adviser
The Obama administration is starting to do some outreach to find a replacement for Lawrence Summers. Advocates are pushing for a businessperson, a populist, a consensus builder or a woman to become the new head of the National Economic Council.
The State Of The NFL
NPR's David Greene talks to Peter King, senior football writer for Sports Illustrated, about the state of the NFL.
Execution Of Virginia Woman Stirs Objections
Teresa Lewis was executed Thursday evening for plotting the 2002 murders of her husband and stepson. The 41-year-old woman's supporters argued her mental capacity should have exempted her from the death penalty. But the U.S. Supreme Court denied her petition.
No Clear Path Yet For Many Obama Judicial Nominees
More than 100 federal judicial slots are open, but Republicans continue to keep many of Obama's nominees bottled up in the confirmation process.
Republicans Take Aim At Outspoken Liberal In Florida
Rep. Alan Grayson represents a district that -- until his election -- had long been Republican. Now, demographics are changing in his favor, and he's one of the House's top Democratic fundraisers. But opponent Dan Webster predicts that the well-honed GOP machine will beat Democrats in getting out the vote.
Sen. Feingold Faces Tight Race In Wisconsin
NPR's David Greene talks to Mordecai Lee, a professor of governmental affairs at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, about the U.S. Senate race there. Democrat Russ Feingold, an anti-war voice and champion of campaign finance reform, is in a tough fight to hold his seat against a political newcomer, Republican Ron Johnson.
India's Commonwealth Games Face Hurdles
Athletes from around the world are supposed to be arriving in New Delhi this week for the Commonwealth Games. But many teams have delayed their arrivals, some athletes have canceled, and India is frantically trying to salvage the event. NPR's Robert Siegel talks to Digvijay Singh Deo, an associate sports editor for CNN-IBN television in New Delhi, India.
A Bawdy Milton Poem, Or 17th Century Fraud?
A little-known poem has been retrieved from the Oxford University archives, which appears to reveal a 17th century attempt to besmirch the reputation of John Milton, the author of Paradise Lost. The poem is a bawdy ditty laden with sexual innuendo, and is labeled "by Milton." However, since Milton is best-known as a great religious and political polemicist, it hardly fits with the rest of his work -- and some academics believe the poem was actually the work of a jealous political rival.