Some highlights from the show today.1:06pm: Mitt Romney's rivals are facing outraged backlash from within the GOP over their attacks on Romney's business record. Rick Perry equated firms like Bain Capital, which Mitt Romney founded, to "vultures," and Newt Gingrich has asked Romney to answer how many jobs he cut as he bought and sold companies. The attacks are now being condemned by leading Republicans who worry it gives ammunition to Democrats, and South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint says he's concerned about the criticism of "free market principles" by fellow Republicans.1:34pm: A new website was launched yesterday similar to the whistle blower website Wikileaks, but for the Appalachian region and surrounding states. Several local spin-offs have attempted to mirror Wikileaks, which published sensitive government documents from unknown sources. Now, Honest Appalachia will attempt the same. It was formed from a small, but growing, number of young activists and programmers, and WFPL’s Devin Katayama will speak with Honest Appalachia’s 22-year-old developer Garrett Robinson.1:40pm: This may be music to a child's ears: Schools, strapped for cash, have been cutting the arts, sports, and after-school activities -- now many are cutting a day. The Washington Post reports that nearly 300 school districts across the country have cut a school day from the week to save money. Four day weeks have been around since the 1930s, but mostly in rural areas, where the cost of bussing students is so high. One school that recently turned to a four day week is North Branch, Minnesota.1:49pm: Ryan Tedder is up for a Grammy Award this year for his work as a producer on songs by Jennifer Hudson, Adele, Gavin DeGraw and Beyonce. He's also in high demand as a songwriter; he co-wrote "Rumour Has It" with Adele, and "Halo" with Beyonce. With his own band, OneRepublic Ryan Tedder had such hits as the 2006 song "Apologize." We'll check in with him.
Brad Yost is a senior producer for LPM. Email Brad at byost@lpm.org.