All Things Considered for February 13, 2009 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Friday, February 13, 2009

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

How do high schools regulate dances?
From "twerking" to bumping and grinding, schools vary their approaches to inappropriate dancing.4:45 p.m.
TCF Bank moving headquarters to Sioux Falls
TCF Financial, parent company of TCF bank, says it will move the bank's headquarters to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.5:20 p.m.
Is this the worst Valentine's Day ever?
The slumping economy is hitting flower shops, jewelers and restaurants hard. Even the most ardent lovers, it seems, may have a broken heart this year.5:23 p.m.
Judges: No widespread problem with rejected ballots shown
Judges in Minnesota's U.S. Senate trial say Republican Norm Coleman has not yet shown a widespread problem with rejected absentee ballots.5:50 p.m.
Dr. Billy Taylor comes to celebrate MLK
There is a rare treat for Twin Cities music fans this weekend when jazz piano legend Dr. Billy Taylor comes to perform with the VocalEssence.6:20 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

The Real World: 'We're Not Looking Forward To It'
Many young Americans are experiencing their first recession as adults. At a local cafe in Atlanta's hip Cabbagetown neighborhood, some patrons and workers expressed uncertainty about finding jobs after college and saving for retirement. Others see an upside: less pressure to grow up.
Economic Crisis, Unemployment Take Emotional Toll
During this economic downturn, there have been a staggering number of layoffs, and almost every day brings news of more. While many people are resilient in the face of unemployment, for some it means depression and panic.
Andrew Bird: Words As Instruments
The singer and multi-instrumentalist relies on violins, guitars and whistling to craft a unique sound that's difficult to describe. On his latest album, Noble Beast, Bird even uses his words as instruments, creating lyrics from archaic and esoteric words that conform to the melodies in his head.
House Passes Stimulus Measure
The House of Representatives passed Friday President Barack Obama's $787 billion economic stimulus plan. The 246-183 vote came with no Republican support. Seven Democrats voted against the measure and one voted present. The Senate takes up the measure next.
Stimulus, Gregg Dominated Week In Politics
The House approved the economic stimulus and Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) withdrew his nomination to be secretary of Commerce. Ruth Marcus, of the Washington Post, and David Brooks, of The New York Times, review the week in politics.
Baseball's Steroid Revelations Examined
This week, baseball's Alex Rodriguez admitted to using steroids from 2001 to 2003. Sportswriter Stefan Fatsis says Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig could try to punish Rodriguez, but he would likely face a challenge from the players' union.
Cause Of Buffalo, N.Y., Crash Being Probed
A Continental Airlines turboprop crashed into a neighborhood outside Buffalo, N.Y., Thursday, killing 50 people. The wreckage burned throughout the night, making it difficult for investigators to begin looking into the cause of the crash.
Activists Among Crash Victims
The crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407 left no survivors. Among the dead were Beverly Eckert, a widow of the Sept. 11 attacks who became a tireless advocate for U.S. intelligence reform, and Alison Des Forges, a senior adviser at Human Rights Watch.
Zimbabwe Opposition Leader Arrested
Zimbabwean security forces arrested Friday a senior opposition figure. The detention highlighted the difficulties facing the political marriage between longtime President Robert Mugabe and his new prime minister, Morgan Tsvangirai.
Salmonella-Linked Peanut Firm Files For Bankruptcy
Peanut Corp. of America, the company at the heart of the salmonella outbreak, filed for bankruptcy Friday. Meanwhile, Texas health authorities closed the company's plant in Plainview after finding filthy conditions. The company must now recall all products ever shipped from the plant.