All Things Considered for September 28, 2010 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Southern Minn. flooding spills into fifth day
Flood waters from last week's rain continue to close roads and divert motorists in southern Minnesota.4:50 p.m.
Flooding puts soybean, corn harvest behind schedule
Officials are still calculating the damage, but some farmers are reporting heavy losses. Many fields are flooded and may not be harvested until they freeze.4:54 p.m.
Child poverty grows in Minnesota
The Census Bureau is out with new data that reveals more detail about the economic pain American families experienced in 2009. It was a tough year for children, as the rates of child poverty went up.5:20 p.m.
Ask Dr. Hallberg: Testing for sickle cell anemia
The governing body of college sports is now requiring all Division I athletes to be tested for the gene for sickle cell anemia.5:24 p.m.
MN officials: After search, no break in Wetterling case
Tests on items taken this summer from a central Minnesota farm near the site of Jacob Wetterling's abduction have yielded no break in the 1989 case.5:50 p.m.
Epic production explores history of Afghanistan
The politics of Afghanistan have confounded the West for centuries. A new production opening tomorrow at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis is designed to provide some explanation. "The Great Game: Afghanistan" is an epic show, lasting seven and a half hours.5:54 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Tough Transition Awaits N. Korean Heir-Apparent
North Korea has put the third son of Kim Jong Il on a path to be the nation's next leader. Little is known about the son, Kim Jong Un. But it's safe to say he is young, inexperienced and likely to face some very difficult challenges once he takes over from his father.
The Political Difficulties Facing President Obama
President Obama campaigns across the country this week in the hopes of improving his party's outlook for November. NPR's Mara Liasson looks at all the things that didn't work out the way the White House thought they would.
In Campaign Swing, Obama Seeks To Rally Base
President Obama held a backyard conversation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Tuesday morning. In the evening, he held an outdoor rally at the University of Wisconsin, hoping to regenerate some of the enthusiasm Democrats felt in 2008. Melissa Block talks to NPR's Scott Horsley.
Republicans Block Bill To Tax Firms That Export Jobs
Democrats are trying to leave Washington by striking a note on jobs and the economy. Toward that end, they brought up a Senate bill Tuesday to tax companies that send jobs overseas and reward those that bring them back; Republicans blocked it.
Among New MacArthur 'Geniuses': Marine Biologist, Type Designer, TV Show Creator
This year's class of MacArthur Fellows, recipients of unrestricted $500,000 awards, include Matthew Carter, a type designer; Kelly Benoit-Bird, a marine biologist; and David Simon, the creator of "The Wire"
U.S. Airstrikes Target Afghan Insurgents' Safe Havens
As the U.S. military cracks down on insurgent groups in Afghanistan, survivors are fleeing to safe havens across the border in Pakistan, where they regroup. U.S. officials say winning the war will include ramping up drone strikes to destroy those sanctuaries.
Calif. Gubernatorial Candidates Face Off In Debate
In the California governor's race, Republican Meg Whitman and Democrat Jerry Brown debate for the first time Tuesday night.
A Toss-Up In Washington State Senate Race
All Things Considered continues its look at political races across the nation -- today, the toss-up for the Senate in Washington state. Sen. Patty Murray has held the seat for 18 years. Her Republican opponent, Dino Rossi, says that her time in the Senate has been ineffective, and that she needs to go. The race is seen as a toss-up by many political watchers. NPR's Melissa Block talks to Matt Barreto, political science professor at the University of Washington, in Seattle.
Brilliant To Dead: The High Art Of 'Lampoon' Satire
In the spring of 1970, a daring new product hit American newsstands. It was called National Lampoon, and it made its name with sex- and drug-laden satire of everyday American life. Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead is Lampoon contributor Rick Meyerowitz's account of the magazine's best years.
Afghan Government Sets Up Peace Council
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has appointed members of a "peace council," tasked with seeking a negotiated settlement with the Taliban. The council includes a number of well-known warlords.