All Things Considered for February 8, 2011 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Ground Level: Will new broadband money penalize the early birds?
The Federal Communications Commission expects today to spell out a plan to make more money available for rural high-speed access to the Internet. But not everybody you might expect to be happy about this is, as it turns out.4:49 p.m.
Lawmakers take hard look at sex offender program
Several participants in Minnesota's sex offender treatment program could be freed by Minnesota courts this year. That has lawmakers evaluating the benefits, and costs, of the state's program to keep sex offenders locked up, even after they leave prison.4:53 p.m.
Unemployed look for winning strategy to get hired
Unemployed workers might hear depressing employment news and worry all the more about how to land a job in this tough market. But job counselors and networking groups say some strategies are effective, though the winning formula can be hard to predict.5:16 p.m.
Oil creates jobs in ND, but not all find work -- or a home
Opportunity is bringing hundreds of job seekers to western North Dakota, but not all are finding work. Some don't have the skills to land a good oil field job; others find a job but are still homeless.5:20 p.m.
Are those photos really priceless?
When his hard drive crashed, he lost his family photos. Technicians might be able to save them -- for a price that's all too real.5:47 p.m.
Outsmarting a river with a mind of its own
With near-record snowfalls this winter, predictions for spring flooding along the region's rivers are already dire. Tom Crann talked with MPR's Bob Collins, who recently returned from a visit to Moorhead and checked in on its impending flood fight.5:53 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Over The Rhine: A Whole Life In A Song
Named for the Cincinnati neighborhood where the band used to live, Over the Rhine is husband and wife Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist. For more than 20 years, the two have written lyrics that they hope connect on a universal level.
Egyptian Protesters Expand Their Reach
Tens of thousands of protesters poured into Cairo's Tahrir Square on Tuesday — and areas around it — in one of the largest demonstrations to date against the regime of President Hosni Mubarak. Many were inspired by the release of an activist and Middle East Google executive who'd been detained and blindfolded for almost two weeks by the Egyptian security services.
Uprising in Egypt Equals Downfall in Tourism
The uprising in Egypt has had a devastating effect on the country's tourism industry, one of the main pillars of the Egyptian economy.
Mardi Gras Indians Seek To Copyright Costumes
With one month until Mardi Gras, Mardi Gras Indians in New Orleans are in the final stages of sewing their outrageously elaborate costumes. And this year, some hope they'll be able to share in the profits from photos sold of them after the parades. They're filing for copyright protection for their costumes. For more, host Melissa Block speaks to Ashlye Keaton, an adjunct professor at Tulane Law School; and Chief Howard Miller of the Creole Wild West Mardi Gras Indians.
More Charges Announced In Insider Trading Case
The government's insider trading investigation produced charges Tuesday against four more hedge fund employees. The Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission have been scrutinizing the relationship between hedge funds and so-called expert network firms. So far, eight other individuals have been charged.
A Successful Job Search: It's All About Networking
Most people still hunt for jobs primarily by looking at positions posted online. But experts say networking with friends and acquaintances, as well as looking for connections in companies or with people you want to work with, are more effective tactics.
Rural Maine County Hosts Biathlon World Cup
Thousands of biathlon competitors and fans have gathered in rural Aroostook County in Maine for the sport's World Cup. More than 10 years ago, Aroostook, traditionally a hub for potato farming and logging, hatched a plan to reverse the stagnant wage growth and high unemployment that plague so many sparsely populated areas. The county already drew large numbers of snowmobilers to its network of well-groomed trails. So Aroostook set out to build on that base — by capitalizing on its long history of superb cross-country skiing and transforming itself into one of the world's premier Nordic sports destinations.
'Marathon Man' Completes Yearlong Quest
This past weekend, 49-year-old Stefaan Engels of Belgium completed his 365th marathon, in 365 consecutive days. That's right, he ran a marathon a day for an entire year. Engels speaks to host Melissa Block.
First Lady: President Obama Has Quit Smoking
First lady Michelle Obama told reporters Tuesday that the president has finally kicked the habit. As hosts Robert Siegel and Melissa Block tell us, the first lady said he hasn't smoked in almost a year.
Haiti Rebuilds At Faster Pace Outside Capital
In the city of Leogane, just 20 miles southwest of the capital, there are visible signs of progress. Much of the city has been bulldozed flat, and small transitional shelters built by aid groups are scattered all over the place. Still, some complain the construction is too haphazard.