All Things Considered for November 8, 2011 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

American Indian voices take to the airwaves
Four new radio stations are on the air across northern Minnesota, and each is eager to serve American Indian audiences.3:54 p.m.
Years after Somali men left Minn., youth decry extremism
Young Somali-American community leaders in Minnesota are stepping up to keep their peers on the right path. But some are still struggling with a lack of support, the pressures of negative media attention, and the problem of the so-called "Starbucks dads."4:50 p.m.
Dayton pressures GOP leaders to take up stadium issue
DFL Gov. Mark Dayton is turning up the heat on Republican legislative leaders to get them to take up the Vikings stadium issue soon.5:20 p.m.
Q&A: Interpretation of Metrodome lease still disputed
Vikings officials say the 30-year lease expires at the end of this football season, but others disagree.5:24 p.m.
Dayton says GOP senator imperiling health grants
Gov. Mark Dayton says one Republican member of the Minnesota Senate is putting the lives of sick children and the elderly in jeopardy by putting a hold on federal funds directed to the state of Minnesota.5:50 p.m.
Ask Dr. Hallberg: New studies cast confusion on conventional wisdom
Lately, it seems every week new data contradicts conventional wisdom in the medical field.5:54 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Disappearances In Lebanon Haunt Syrian Activists
Earlier this year, an elderly, former Syrian opposition leader disappeared in Lebanon. Family members say Shibli al-Aisamy, 89, is being held in a Syrian prison, and have pleaded for mercy. The case underscores Syria's repression of the anti-government movement, even outside its own borders.
Can Obama Make History Again?
The president's support among independents has collapsed; his overall approval ratings are well below those of other presidents who went on to win a second term; and unemployment is expected to stay near 9 percent until Election Day. To get re-elected in 2012, he'll have to defy the odds.
In Indiana, Some Buses Stop Shuttling Kids For Free
While property taxes used to cover school bus transportation, Indiana voters passed a cap on the state's property tax rate last November, forcing some districts to cut costs. Now, Franklin Township is charging families monthly fees for their kids to ride the bus — and the superintendent isn't happy he has to do it.
Cain Speaks On Sexual Misconduct Allegations
GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain undertook his first serious interviews since the allegations by a Chicago woman on Monday of sexual misconduct when she was seeking help from Cain during a job hunt. NPR's Tamara Keith joins Robert Siegel to explain.
Paterno Cancels Weekly News Conference
Guy Raz speaks with NPR's Mike Pesca about the growing scandal in the Penn State football program. Longtime coach Joe Paterno abruptly canceled his weekly news conference Tuesday, amid reports that members of the school's board are pushing for him to step down.
Conservative Appeals Court Judge Writes Opinion Upholding Health Law
The 2-1 ruling by the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., affirms the health insurance mandate at the core of law. The majority found the mandate to be consistent with Congress' constitutional authority to regulate interstate commerce.
Volokh Discusses Cigarette Warning Messages
Robert Siegel talks to Eugene Volokh, an expert on compelled speech at the UCLA School of Law, about the status of graphic warning symbols and messages on packs of cigarettes.
Rockford, Ill., Shuts Off Streetlights To Save Money
Guy Raz speaks with Corina Curry, a reporter at the Rockford Register Star, about the streetlight removal program in Rockford, Ill. In order to close a budget gap, the city is turning off 2,400 — or 15 percent — of the city's streetlights. The move is supposed to save the city half a million dollars, but residents have complained about its effect on public safety.
Despite Heavy Campaigning, Santorum Trails In Polls
Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum has visited all 99 counties in Iowa in his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. But his grassroots efforts don't seem to have yielded dividends in fundraising or public support.
Leonardo DiCaprio Brings The Complex 'J. Edgar' To Life On Film
Leonardo DiCaprio tells Guy Raz about the things he does and doesn't admire about J. Edgar Hoover, the character he plays in Clint Eastwood's new film.