All Things Considered for February 25, 2009 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Federal money to fund Minn. highway improvements
Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced $180 million worth of new road and bridge projects in greater Minnesota today. The projects will be funded by federal stimulus dollars.4:45 p.m.
Ban on smoking in cars with kids advances
A Minnesota Senate panel approved a bill Wednesday to ban smoking in cars when children are passengers.5:15 p.m.
Feds arrest 27 in Minnesota in drug smuggling crackdown
Federal agents have arrested some 750 people across the country in a crackdown on Mexican drug cartels, including 27 people in Minnesota.5:55 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Malibu To Outlaw Skateboarding Daredevilry
Skateboarders who race down the steep, curvy canyon roads north of Los Angeles will soon find the sport illegal, as the city of Malibu plans to outlaw the activity. Dangerous road conditions and high speeds provide an adrenaline rush for the boarders and a potential lawsuit-in-waiting for the city.
Former Student: Bishop Often Attacked Judaism
Until last month, Bishop Richard Williamson was barely known outside the ultraconservative world of the Society of St. Pius X. That was before Pope Benedict lifted his excommunication and it emerged that Williamson is an unrepentant Holocaust denier.
A Veteran Songwriter's 'Old Man' Music
The songwriter behind Eric Clapton's "After Midnight" and "Cocaine" says he once thought of himself as a late bloomer at 30. Forty years later, he's still blooming. Cale tells Melissa Block about his new album, Roll On.
Geithner Says U.S. Aims To Bolster Banks
As the Treasury began a series of stress tests Wednesday to gauge the soundness of the nation's biggest banks, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said he wants to ensure that they will have enough money to "withstand a more challenging economic environment."
American Express' $300 Deal Shows Industry Trend
American Express announced Monday it's offering $300 to a limited number of cardholders who agree to close their accounts. Consumers Union attorney Gail Hillebrand says the deal is a trend among credit card companies looking to protect themselves from future defaults.
Mad Cow And Alzheimer's Have Surprising Link
It turns out that both diseases involve something called a prion protein, a finding could one day lead to more effective treatments for Alzheimer's patients.
U.S. Considers Overhaul Of Food Safety System
Salmonella traced to a peanut plant has killed nine people and sickened hundreds, spotlighting the system that safeguards the nation's food supply. The jumble of agencies and regulations has long been criticized. But now the idea of streamlining it has support in the president's Cabinet.
Tibetans In China Boycott New Year In Protest
In the Tibetan areas of China, whether to celebrate Tibetan New Year, which began Wednesday, has become a politically loaded decision. This time last year, violent anti-Chinese protests swept across the Tibetan plateau.
'Reactionary' Ringtones Spark Arrests In Tibet
Police in Tibet have swept markets in recent months looking for banned music. Chinese state media report that police have arrested two suspects for allegedly downloading to their cell phones music that the government considers "reactionary."
Obama's New Commerce Pick Has Clean Reputation
President Barack Obama named former Washington Gov. Gary Locke as his Commerce secretary. Locke, an Asian-American, is Obama's third pick for the job. Locke served two terms as Washington's governor. He now works at a Seattle-based law firm.