All Things Considered for June 9, 2008 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Monday, June 9, 2008

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

American Indians prefer to reflect on their own history
Minnesota marks 150 years of statehood this year, but not everyone is celebrating. American Indian tribes in Minnesota were here long before the state was. For many Indians, the history they remember is one of repression, broken promises and loss of culture.4:44 p.m.
Cleanup about to begin in Fillmore County
The rain-swollen Root River flooded dozens of homes in Fillmore County, and one man had to be rescued by boat, authorities said.5:19 p.m.
Winona begins ferry service to cope with bridge closing
The City of Winona launched its first rented ferry across the Mississippi RIver today. More than 2,500 people living in Wisconsin commute to Winona for work.5:24 p.m.
Extraordinary life brings honorary teaching license
84-year-old Henryk Gurman, survivor of a Russian forced labor camp, gets a rare, honorary teaching license.5:50 p.m.
News Cut: The vice presidential two-step
Governor Pawlenty has been a steadfast supporter of U.S. Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign thru the twists and turns that have led to McCain's emergence as the presumptive Republican nominee. Through the campaign, Pawlenty's name has been floated as a possible Vice Presidential candidate for McCain. Typically, Pawlenty has been denying his interest in the job and dismissing the talk as hypothetical. Well, the talk heated up again this weekend when Pawlenty opened the door to the possibility, slightly. Bob Collins writes Minnesota Public Radio's News Cut blog and he has been considering the Governor's delicate political dance.5:54 p.m.
News Cut: The vice presidential two-step
Governor Pawlenty has been a steadfast supporter of U.S. Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign thru the twists and turns that have led to McCain's emergence as the presumptive Republican nominee. Through the campaign, Pawlenty's name has been floated as a possible Vice Presidential candidate for McCain. Typically, Pawlenty has been denying his interest in the job and dismissing the talk as hypothetical. Well, the talk heated up again this weekend when Pawlenty opened the door to the possibility, slightly. Bob Collins writes Minnesota Public Radio's News Cut blog and he has been considering the Governor's delicate political dance.6:20 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Al Franken's Senate Bid No Laughing Matter
Al Franken is best known as a funnyman, but this fall, he hopes to convince Minnesotans that he is dead serious about representing them in the U.S. Senate. But off-color jokes over a 35-year comedy career may dog him on the campaign trail.
India Cow Killer Bagged, but Deaths Continue
A few years ago, urban cows in Lucknow, India, began starving to death. They had plenty of garbage to graze on, but were getting skinnier. An inspection of sick cows revealed the problem, and a solution soon followed. So why are the cows still dying?
New Site Fuses Chess with Hip-Hop
Hip-hop fans who play chess can now head to a new online social network site called WuChess. Music and chess have a mathematical rhythm and flow that make them similar, says The RZA, a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan who also backs the new site.
U.S. Gas Average Hits $4; Californians Cringe
Nationwide, the average cost for a gallon of gasoline has just broken the $4 mark. But in California, that price seems cheap — many motorists there are worried that $5 gasoline is just around the corner.
Ways to Design Gas Savings into U.S. Roads
Roundabouts instead of intersections with traffic lights, lowering speed limits, and removing some stop signs may be just some of the ways in which drivers can reduce gas consumption. Traffic engineer Ian Lockwood sees ways to cut consumption.
Security in Sadr City Threatens Commercial Hub
After two months of fierce fighting, U.S. and Iraqi forces have imposed relative calm on Baghdad's poor Sadr City neighborhood. But the battle brought devastation — and a barrier wall — to the Jamiila wholesale market, the economic heart of the area.
In Napa, Pricey Wine and Charity Mix
The Napa Valley Wine Auction raises about $10 million each year to help migrant workers. Many of those workers live in circumstances that are a stark contrast to the participants who pay up to $2,500 just to experience the weekend. Its promoters say the lavish gathering is one of the largest charity events in the country.
A Woman's Struggle: Rushdie's 'Enchantress'
The Enchantress of Florence is the latest novel by Salman Rushdie. The book tells the story of a woman trying to take control of her destiny in a decidedly male world.
McDonald's Holds the Tomatoes, Fearing Salmonella
Fast-food giant McDonald's says it has stopped serving sliced tomatoes in all of its sandwiches in the United States over fears of salmonella poisoning. The company said the precaution will remain in place until the source of the salmonella is found.
Accused Treated as Adult in Gay Student's Killing
Prosecutors' decision to charge Brandon McInerney, 14, as an adult in the shooting death of Larry King, 15, has divided the seaside town of Oxnard, Calif. McInerney is charged with premeditated murder and a hate crime in the killing of King, an openly gay eighth-grader.