All Things Considered for November 24, 2010 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Heating assistance requests up, but funding in limbo
Applications for federal help with home heating bills are up more than 8 percent from last year, Minnesota officials say. But the amount of money available to help low-income families stay warm is uncertain.3:51 p.m.
Ask Dr. Hallberg: Despite year of cholera, obesity, there's plenty to be hopeful about
In spite of challenges and uncertainties, MPR's regular medical analyst Jon Hallberg said there is still reason to be hopeful when it comes to health and wellness this Thanksgiving.4:44 p.m.
Ike Reilly's Thanksgiving tradition means Minneapolis rock and roll
Whether it's food, family, or the four-day weekend, Thanksgiving is about traditions. One musical tradition that has come to mark the holiday in the Twin Cities is Ike Reilly at First Avenue. The fiery Chicago rocker and singer songwriter has made his Thanksgiving eve show in the mainroom an annual event. Reilly told Chris Roberts of Minnesota Public Radio's Arts Unit that he and his Minnesota fans have a lot in common.4:49 p.m.
Wintry mix causes holiday travel delays
Travelers headed out of town for the Thanksgiving weekend are facing hazardous road conditions as a winter storm system descends on much of the state. Travel at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport has been running smoothly for most of the day.5:19 p.m.
Changing tax base, pensions behind jump in Mpls. property tax rate
On average, property tax increases proposed for 2011 will be the lowest in nearly a decade, but many Minneapolis residents could see double-digit increases next year.5:24 p.m.
Heating assistance requests up, but funding in limbo
Applications for federal help with home heating bills are up more than 8 percent from last year, Minnesota officials say. But the amount of money available to help low-income families stay warm is uncertain.5:51 p.m.
Deal outlaws development on island between Duluth, Superior
The Nature Conservancy has acquired 358-acre Clough Island in the St. Louis River Estuary near Superior, Wis., after a developer previously sought to build condominiums and a golf course.5:55 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Analysts Puzzle Over Pyongyang's Motives For Shelling
Analysts are trying to figure what could have motivated North Korea to shell a South Korean island in the Yellow Sea on Tuesday during military exercises by the South. Among the theories: the attack was designed to bolster the credentials of North Korea's young heir apparent, Kim Jong-un; North Korea and China want to make the Yellow Sea disputed waters to discourage the U.S. military presence there.
Life As Usual For Ordinary Citizens In Seoul
The fires sparked by the exchange of artillery between North and South Korea were finally contained Wednesday. When South Korean marines and emergency workers went to assess the damage, they found two more bodies, this time not marines, but civilians, taking the death toll to four. The incident has drawn international condemnation and talks of possible war, but in Seoul, ordinary citizens aren't rushing to supermarkets to stock up on supplies.
Chrysler Leaner, But Still Not Turning Profit
In the recent talk about the auto bailout, there has been one word the public hasn't heard much: Chrysler, which also received taxpayer help. In the new year, the automaker will launch 16 new or redesigned cars and trucks. But analysts say Chrysler is at least a year away from going public.
U.S. Jury Convicts 5 Somali Men In Navy Ship Attack
The men face mandatory life terms at a sentencing hearing set for March 14 in Norfolk.
A Veal Surprise Shatters A Family's Turkey Day
New York graphic designer and writer Jeffery Rudell's last family Thanksgiving ended at 5:05 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of November 1976. That was thanks to a new farm, a tottering marriage, a newborn calf and highly prized crystal. He told his story at a Moth Story Slam, and it was featured on The Moth Radio Hour.
Obama Administration Weighs Indefinite Detention
President Obama may be forced to sign a law that would allow terrorism suspects to be held indefinitely. Supporters say it would codify a necessary, existing practice. Critics decry it as antithetical to the U.S. justice system.
Obama's White House Pardons: Turkeys, Yes; Humans, No
While the president has pardoned four turkeys, he hasn't pardoned any humans, causing some advocates of presidential pardons to ask: what's taking so long?
Yankees' Jeter Loses Upper Hand In Negotiations
Derek Jeter, a 15-year Yankee vet, seems to lack leverage in this round of contract negotiations. Jeter wants more than the $45 million for three years the Yankees have offered. But management says he is too old to be paid top dollar. Melissa Block talks with Buster Olney, senior writer at ESPN The Magazine and author of How Lucky You Can Be, about the negotiations.
Jobless Rate Less Scary For College Grads
The Labor Department reported Wednesday that 470,000 Americans filed claims for unemployment benefits last week. That's a sharp decline, and the lowest in more than two years. But whether it seems like the economy is rebounding may depend on how much education you have.
Strips On Sound: Artist Ed Ruscha Inspires Nels Cline
Handcrafted book projects by artists are again on the rise. With two sides like a record, Dirty Baby features David Breskin's poetry and Nels Cline's music, inspired by work from seminal Los Angeles visual artist Ed Ruscha.