All Things Considered for September 24, 2009 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Art Hounds: Theater Unbound, Rain Taxi Reading Series, Oslo Chamber Choir
This week's Art Hounds lead us to a female-focused theater company, a reading series featuring two women poets and a Norwegian vocal ensemble that contains -- women. No theme here though.4:44 p.m.
A new generation of Hmong women pursues college
The number of Hmong women pursuing college is growing in Minnesota. But a college education can be hard won in families that traditionally encourage daughters to marry young and raise families.4:50 p.m.
Support for Mayor Rybak runs high as he aims for third term
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak is expected to easily win his third term in office, but unlike previous election campaigns, this time Rybak has the support of the DFL machine as well as all 13 city council members.5:20 p.m.
Gym using boxing to keep kids out of gangs
While officials in Rochester tackle an increase in violent crimes in the last year on the streets, one man is using the boxing ring to help at-risk kids stay off the streets and out of gangs.5:24 p.m.
Robert Lipsyte talks about 'Life (Part 2)'
There has never been a population explosion like the Baby Boom in American history. It's been an especially turbulent year for this "biggest generation" with retirement funds disappearing, and a health care system in flux. That means there's plenty to talk about on the Twin Cities-produced TV program "Life (Part 2)".5:52 p.m.
MN Orchestra gets Osmo Vanska for 4 more years
Osmo Vanska is going ot be on the podium of the Minnesota Orchestra until 2015 and he talked to Tom Crann about his renewed contract with the organization.6:20 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

U.S. Reassesses Taliban Role In Fight Against Al-Qaida
As the Obama administration explores new options for Afghanistan, there is renewed focus on a key premise of the current strategy: preventing the Taliban from regaining control. But questions are growing over the threat the Taliban actually pose to U.S. national security interests.
Surprise! Water Found On Moon's Surface
Three different space probes have gathered evidence that the top layer of the moon's surface contains hidden stores of water. The moon is generally thought to be a dry place, and the discovery comes as an unexpected — and exciting — surprise for researchers.
Wall Streeters Weigh Life After 'Giant Pool Of Money'
Glen Pizzolorusso and Jim Finkel each made a fortune in the mortgage industry. Then the bubble burst. The global economic crisis forced them to reconsider what they believed about life and the investment world they lived in. One is spending time in school, the other cleaning up the debris from toxic assets.
Hondurans Stage Dueling Presidential Protests
Thousands of protesters took to the streets Thursday in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa to hold demonstrations in support of the two men who have laid claim to the nation's presidency.
Comedian Ansari Enjoys Playing Sleazebag On TV
Aziz Ansari was doing stand-up the entire time he was studying business at New York University. Now, he plays public servant and jerk Tom Haverford on NBC's new sitcom Parks and Recreation. Ansari says it's "always fun to play a dude who's kind of a sleazebag."
Bad Boy Skier Bode Miller Set To Return To Slopes
Bode Miller announced his skiing and Olympic plans at a news conference in Los Angeles on Thursday. Miller quit the U.S. Ski Team two years ago and formed his own ski training team.
Denver Suspect Charged In Bomb Plot
A federal grand jury in New York has charged Najibullah Zazi, a 24-year-old Denver-area man, with conspiring to set off bombs in the United States. Zazi appeared in federal court in Denver Thursday. The new indictment raises the stakes in the terror case that first went public last week.
U.N. Commits To Nuclear-Free World
The U.N. Security Council, in a session chaired for the first time by a U.S. president, adopted a U.S.-sponsored resolution committing all nations to work for a world free of nuclear weapons. The goal was laid out partly as a message to Iran and North Korea.
Inskeep Discusses Ahmadinejad Interview
Diplomats from many nations walked out Wednesday when Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made his speech to the U.N. General Assembly. On more than one occasion, Ahmadinejad has questioned whether the Holocaust happened. NPR's Steve Inskeep spoke to the Iranian president. Inskeep discusses the interview.
Police, G-20 Protesters Clash In Pittsburgh
Protesters and police clashed Thursday in Pittsburgh after police tried to break up a march opposing the Group of 20 summit. Leaders of the world's 20 biggest economies are meeting in the city to discuss the world's economic recovery.