All Things Considered for September 28, 2009 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Monday, September 28, 2009

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Voyageurs: 'It's all remarkable'
Voyageurs National Park in far northern Minnesota was created in the mid-1970s. It's the only national park in Minnesota. Voyageurs is known for its vast wilderness and stunning beauty, yet many locals say the park doesn't attract enough visitors.4:48 p.m.
Architects another victim of real estate downturn
The state's architects, victims of the crisis in the real estate industry that you don't hear much about, have seen steeper employment declines than the overall job market. With commercial and residential real estate still suffering, those high-paying architecture jobs may not return anytime soon.5:20 p.m.
Voyageurs: 'It's all remarkable'
Voyageurs National Park in far northern Minnesota was created in the mid-1970s. It's the only national park in Minnesota. Voyageurs is known for its vast wilderness and stunning beauty, yet many locals say the park doesn't attract enough visitors.6:20 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

U.S. 'Working Closely' With China On Iran, Envoy Says
Jon Huntsman, the new U.S. ambassador to China, tells NPR he is "working very closely" with China regarding Beijing's response to Iran's expanding nuclear and missile programs. He says the next few days and weeks will be very important. China's support is seen as vital to a coordinated international effort on Iran.
Israel Pushes Harder Line On Iran Nuclear Ambitions
Iran said Monday that it test-launched missiles capable of striking Israeli cities and U.S. military bases in the region. The tests came after the disclosure last week of a second Iranian uranium-enrichment plant. Despite its support for new sanctions against Iran, Israel believes military options may ultimately be needed to halt Iran's nuclear program.
Holding On To Health Insurance That Works
For some Americans, insurance is what it's supposed to be: coverage when you need it. Dave Koenig, 49, has a job with good benefits. Still, he thinks some aspects of the insurance industry should be changed to protect patients from losing coverage.
Solar Plan Ignites Some Environmental Concerns
An Obama administration plan to build huge new solar energy plants in the Southwest is causing heartburn in the environmental community. The proposal would allow the construction of two dozen industrial solar energy facilities that require vast amounts of land and water.
Calif. Rules On Flat Screen TVs Worry Some Retailers
California may become the first state to regulate how much energy flat screen TVs use. If the new rules are approved in November as expected, many flat screens sold in California in 2011 will have to use a third less energy than they do now. Some retailers have banded together to oppose the regulations.
High School DJs Dial Dallas Back To The 1970s
Although it has a signal that reaches most of Dallas, KEOM-FM broadcasts from Mesquite, Texas, just east of the city. Owned and operated by the Mesquite school district, KEOM exists for the sole purpose of training high school students in the art of radio — through '70s music.
An Exhaustive, Invigorating 'Case For God'
When it comes to our current understanding of theology, former Roman Catholic nun Karen Armstrong attempts to bring "something fresh to the table." Reviewer Susan Jane Gilman calls Armstrong's Case for God a "stimulating, hopeful work."
FBI Probes Seattle Link To Somali Suicide Bombing
According to a Somali-language Web site, the FBI is investigating whether a young Somali-American man from Seattle took part in a recent suicide bombing in Mogadishu. The Web site says the man drove one of the two car bombs that killed 21 people on an African Union peacekeepers base.
Need An Interpreter? Just Pick Up The Phone
Hospitals have long been able to pick up the phone and talk to a language interpreter to help them communicate with patients. The use of such over-the-phone interpretation may be spreading. The pharmacy chain Rite Aid plans to offer such services in all of its stores nationwide.
Week In Tech Examined
Omar Gallaga of the Austin American-Statesman discusses the tech news of the week, including AT&T's decision to add multimedia-messaging services to its iPhone, and a classic Carl Sagan documentary auto-tuned to 2009 viral acclaim.