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Janesville Debate: Dissecting Ryan's Claim, Obama's 'Promise' & The Facts

Credit Scott Olson / Getty Images

Weeds were already growing in the parking lot outside the GM assembly plant in Janesville, Wis., on May 4, 2009.

By Mark Memmott

Originally published on Wed September 5, 2012 8:02 am

There are claims flying back and forth today over whether Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan has falsely accused President Obama of breaking a promise to make sure a GM plant in Ryan's hometown stayed open.

We posted earlier about Ryan's words in his acceptance speech Wednesday and the "false" rating they got from PolitiFact.com.

12:24 pm

Thu August 30, 2012

Cole Porter Scores An Interracial Couple's Highs And Lows

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Credit Sasha / Getty Images

Cole Porter's "Begin the Beguine," a favorite song of listener Melanie Cowart's parents, became a fitting symbol for their relationship.

Credit Melanie Cowart

Melanie Cowart's mother and father.

By editor

Originally published on Thu August 30, 2012 4:09 pm

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As summer winds down, All Things Considered is winding down its series "Mom and Dad's Record Collection."

11:54 am

Thu August 30, 2012

Family Band On World Cafe

Credit Courtesy of Caleb Seppala

Family Band.

By editor

The Brooklyn-based ambient-folk duo Family Band is a collaboration between visual artist turned frontwoman Kim Krans and her husband, former heavy-metal guitarist Jonny Ollsin. Together, they craft beautifully dark, folk-influenced songs, which they fittingly describe as "heavy mellow."

11:33 am

Thu August 30, 2012

Anti-Trafficking Barista In Houston, Texas

Credit Courtesy of A 2nd Cup

Serving coffee at A 2nd Cup.

By Michelle Coffey

My friend Erica Raggett is one of those rare individuals who, when she heard about something atrocious, didn't forget about it, feel sad about it, or throw money at it.

She did something about it.

The just-opened A 2nd Cup is Erica's vision of a non-profit coffee shop that seeks to raise awareness of human trafficking in the Houston community, partner with other anti-trafficking organizations and fund aftercare solutions for survivors.

10:42 am

Thu August 30, 2012

CNN Camerawoman: Racial Taunts Aimed At Her Could Happen Anywhere

By Mark Memmott

"This situation could happen to me at the Democratic convention or standing on the street corner. Racism is a global issue," CNN camerawoman Patricia Carroll, in an interview with an institute that promotes diversity in the news media, says of the ugly racial taunts directed her way Tuesday night at the Republican National Convention in Tampa.

10:32 am

Thu August 30, 2012

For Afghan Leaders, Facing Death Is A Fact Of Life

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Credit Mamoon Durani / AP

The aftermath of a truck bomb in Kandahar, the main city in southern Afghanistan, which wounded the provincial police chief and killed two civilians Monday. Taliban attacks against Afghan officials are up sharply this year.

Credit Ahmad Nadeem / Reuters via Landov

Afghans bury the mayor of Kandahar, Ghulam Haidar Hamidi, after he was killed in a suicide bombing in July 2011. Afghan officials have extensive security but are still vulnerable to attack.

By Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson

Originally published on Thu August 30, 2012 6:17 pm

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Almost daily, Taliban assassins target Afghan government officials and community elders with ambushes or bombings. The United Nations says such killings are up more than 50 percent compared to the same period last year.

On Monday, the target was the powerful police chief in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province. A suicide bomber struck the convoy of Gen. Abdul Raziq, who survived the attack and is at a U.S. military hospital recuperating from burns and other injuries.

10:13 am

Thu August 30, 2012

Audra McDonald: Shaping 'Bess' On Broadway

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Credit Michael J. Lutch / Courtesy of the American Repertory Theater

Audra McDonald plays Bess in the current Broadway production of Porgy and Bess.

Credit Michael Wilson / Courtesy of Nonesuch Records

Audra McDonald.

Credit Michael J. Lutch / Courtesy of the American Repertory Theater

The women of Porgy and Bess dance.

By editor

Originally published on Thu August 30, 2012 11:46 am

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This interview was originally broadcast on May 15, 2012. Audra McDonald plays Bess in the opera Porgy and Bess, which closes on Broadway next month. Porgy and Bess won two Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical.

10:00 am

Thu August 30, 2012

David Alan Grier's 'Sporting Life' On Broadway

Credit Courtesy of the American Repertory Theater

In Porgy and Bess, David Alan Grier plays the drug dealer Sporting Life, a role closely associated with Sammy Davis Jr. and Cab Calloway.

By editor

Originally published on Thu August 30, 2012 10:14 am

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This interview was originally broadcast on May 22, 2012. David Alan Grier plays Sporting Life in the opera Porgy and Bess, which closes on Broadway next month. Porgy and Bess won two Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical.

9:58 am

Thu August 30, 2012

Romney's Need To Please Tugs In Different Directions

Credit Michael Conroy / AP

Analysts say one of Mitt Romney's goals in tonight's speech as he accepts the GOP presidential nomination is to "establish some connection" with Americans who are struggling.

By editor

Originally published on Thu August 30, 2012 10:57 am

Mitt Romney has a tough to-do list.

He has to walk an ideological tightrope. As he accepts the GOP presidential nomination tonight, Romney will try to fire up partisans in the convention hall and watching at home, without turning off moderates and independent voters.

He also has to convey certain intangible qualities. The former Massachusetts governor will want to appear presidential while also attempting to lift his low "likability" ratings.

9:54 am

Thu August 30, 2012

Don't Forget All Politics Is Local, Mayor Says

By editor

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Most of the focus at the Republican National Convention has been on politicians at the top of the ticket. But Mesa, Arizona Mayor Scott Smith is leading a delegation of mayors to Tampa for the RNC. He talks with host Michel Martin about some of the issues local leaders are hoping the national politicians don't forget.

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