All Things Considered for February 4, 2009 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Sen. Amy Klobuchar talks about the stimulus package and Obama
Minnesota's lone senator in Congress talked with Tom Crann on the current status of the proposed stimulus package, Obama's political capital in the wake of cabinet nomineess withdrawing, and her joke-telling skills.5:20 p.m.
Homeland Security to meet with Somali community leaders
Officials with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are visiting Minneapolis this week. The agency says it wants to build better relationships with the area's Somali community, which has been shaken by the recent disappearances of young men.5:50 p.m.
Ag census shows number of Minn. farms holds stable
The traditional family farm is getting more scarce and large farms are producing more and more of our food. That's one of the findings of the 2007 Census of Agriculture, released today by the U.S. Agriculture Department. But the census also indicates there's still hope for smaller operations.5:55 p.m.
Postcards from Antarctica
A team from the Twin Cities spent January mapping one of the planet's last frontiers: the dry valleys of Antarctica.6:26 p.m.
Slideshow: Postcards from Antarctica
A team from the Twin Cities spent January mapping one of the planet's last frontiers: the dry valleys of Antarctica.6:27 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

The Job-Loss Butterfly Effect: From Peoria To Vegas
Job losses at a Caterpillar plant in Illinois are impacting workers in nearby towns and far away cities. As a result, tightened spending is putting the pinch on businesses large and small alike as workers readjust their spending habits and priorities.
Ponzi Schemes Proliferate Beyond Madoff
Bernard Madoff's arrest for allegedly bilking investors out of $50 billion is only one of many Ponzi schemes authorities are investigating around the country. In Florida, in particular, such schemes are a perennial bumper crop, in part because of many wealthy retirees.
Steve Martin: Comedian Takes Banjo Seriously
For longtime fans who remember his stand-up act from the '70s, Steve Martin's love for the banjo is not that surprising. Early in his career, Martin's often manic routine included satirical songs ("Ramblin' Guy" or "Grandmother's Song") performed on the banjo, used more as a prop for his comedic delivery. Martin rediscovers his musical side with a new album, The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo.
Madoff Whistle-Blower Testifies, Blasts SEC
Harry Markopolos, who repeatedly warned the Securities and Exchange Commission that Bernard Madoff was running a Ponzi scheme, tells a congressional panel that the SEC "roars like a lion and bites like a flea."
Insurance Industry Seeks TARP Funds
The banking collapse caused the insurance industry to buckle. Washington Post reporter David Hilzenrath says that to stay afloat life insurance companies are seeking funds from the federal government's Troubled Assets Relief Program as well as relaxed regulations and accounting rules.
Duncan: 'Educate Our Way To A Better Economy'
As a nearly $1 trillion economic stimulus plan winds its way through Congress — with $140 billion slated for schools — Education Secretary Arne Duncan says "the best way we bring ourselves back to economic health and really strengthen the economy is to have an educated work force."
Daschle Case Highlights Government-Lobbying Ties
The downfall of Tom Daschle, who foundered on the belated disclosure of tax delinquency, is an unmitigated tragedy. But the issue of tax laxity masks the deeper issue of the revolving door between government service and lobbying.
Pakistan Army Faces Key Test In Taliban Fight
the past few months, Pakistan's Pakistan's army has lost control of the Swat Valley to the Taliban. It has now launched an operation to win the valley back, but victory will difficult: The Taliban is highly organized, and uses hit-and-run guerrilla tactics.
Ex-Envoy Khalilzad Weighs In On Afghan Policy
Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. ambassador to the U.N., talks about a possible shift in U.S. military strategy in Afghanistan. Khalilzad, a former envoy to Kabul who is now with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, says possible changes may focus on drug eradication and redefining what success would look like.
Calif. Home Developer Offers New, Smaller Houses
The days of a first-time homebuyer getting a huge house for no money down are over, so KB Home has scaled-down the houses it builds to focus on affordability. It says there is a market for houses that are half as big and substantially cheaper.