All Things Considered for February 2, 2010 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Progress report from Haiti
Many groups are helping earthquake victims in Haiti, including the American Refugee Committee, based in Minneapolis. The ARC's Monte Achenbach is back after spending two weeks in Haiti, and he spoke with MPR's Tom Crann.4:20 p.m.
Future unclear for workers of burned St. Charles plant
A few weeks ago, company officials with North Star Foods said they would not rebuild a poultry processing plant that burned down last April, and workers in the southeastern Minnesota town of St. Charles are unsure of their future.4:50 p.m.
Precinct caucuses to start slimming gov's race
Politically active Minnesotans head to partisan precinct caucuses across the state on Tuesday to start culling a crowded governor's race.4:54 p.m.
Obama's budget offers mixed results for Minnesota
The $3.8-trillion federal budget proposed by President Obama this week holds some promises, and some worries, for Minnesota.5:20 p.m.
Progress report from Haiti
Many groups are helping earthquake victims in Haiti, including the American Refugee Committee, based in Minneapolis. The ARC's Monte Achenbach is back after spending two weeks in Haiti, and he spoke with MPR's Tom Crann.5:50 p.m.
Future unclear for workers of burned St. Charles plant
A few weeks ago, company officials with North Star Foods said they would not rebuild a poultry processing plant that burned down last April, and workers in the southeastern Minnesota town of St. Charles are unsure of their future.6:24 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Roadblocks May Keep Guantanamo Prison Open
In Obama's first week in office, he vowed to close Guantanamo within a year. That deadline has passed. Now with Congress pushing against trying alleged Sept. 11 plotters in civilian courts and the administration having trouble finding countries willing to accept detainees, it looks like the prison may not close anytime soon.
Green Groups Oppose Obama On Nuclear Power
President Obama's proposed 2011 budget would triple the money available to companies who build nuclear power facilities. Obama supports nuclear energy as a way to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental groups oppose the move, maintaining that nuclear power plants generate harmful toxic waste.
Haitian Orphanage Finds Grace In A Time Of Despair
In earthquake-decimated Haiti, there is hope outside of the coastal city of Leogane: The Canadian military and a U.S. aid group have teamed up to rebuild an orphanage. It's one of the first rebuilding projects in an area that was reduced almost entirely to rubble.
The Simon Cowell All-Stars Sing For Haiti
Cowell, known for his acerbic putdowns of pop-star wannabes on American Idol, has become part of a campaign to put together a Band Aid-style benefit song for victims of the Haiti earthquake.
Software Company Helps Revive 'Sleeping' Language
Rosetta Stone, which focuses on teaching languages to tourists and business travelers, is helping the Chitimacha tribe of Louisiana resuscitate its native tongue. The last native speaker passed away in 1940, and the tribe hopes shiny new software will attract youth to the language.
Texas Rancher An Unlikely Environmentalist
Fried chicken tycoon David Bamberger converted some of the most badly damaged and overgrazed hill country into a showpiece of environmental restoration. It's still a working ranch, with cattle and goats, but the management practices used are an example to many in Texas.
Sci-Fi Novels To Keep You Awake At Night
Two new novels should keep science fiction fans happy through the winter: Charlie Huston's Sleepless, the story of an insomnia plague, and Douglas Preston's Impact, in which human beings find themselves threatened by strange bombardments from the direction of Mars.
Joint Chiefs Chair Backs End To Military Gay Ban
The nation's top military officer told senators Tuesday he supports overturning the law barring gays from serving openly in the ranks. Adm. Mike Mullen's comments were the first time a senior active-duty officer has called for ending what's known as don't ask don't tell, which has forced thousands of gay servicemen from the ranks since it was enacted in 1993.
Rep. Hunter: Repealing 'Don't Ask' Will Hurt Military
Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) says repealing the law that bans gays from openly serving in the military will hurt the cohesiveness of the armed forces. Duncan, who served in the Marine Corps in both Afghanistan and Iraq, says most people in the military would be uncomfortable if the "don't ask don't tell" policy were repealed.
Former Senate Staffer Laments Rise In Use Of Cloture
A former Senate staffer says the dramatic rise in the use of cloture in the Senate is making the chamber dysfunctional. Ira Shapiro says the difference between the Senate now and in the 1960s is that four decades ago Senators had strong individual views, but recognized the need to reconcile those views either by compromise or by voting.