All Things Considered for February 28, 2011 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Monday, February 28, 2011

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Wis. governor urges runaway lawmakers to return
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker called for runaway Democratic lawmakers to return to the state by Tuesday and vote on his bill that would end most collective bargaining rights for public employees or else the state stood to lose out on a refinancing plan that would save 1,500 employees their jobs.4:44 p.m.
Youth radio: A child's view of domestic violence
MPR Youth Radio reporter Valencia McMurray revisits an incident that happened in her family when she was six and has kept a hold on her family 14 years later.4:49 p.m.
Lower budget shortfall; same political divide
The smaller deficit prompted DFL Gov. Mark Dayton to back off one of his proposed tax increases, but there's still a wide divide between Dayton and Republican legislative leaders over how best to erase the remaining red ink.5:16 p.m.
Dayton, GOP compromise on alternative teacher licensure
Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican legislative leaders have reached agreement on an alternative teacher licensure bill.5:20 p.m.
5:23 p.m.
Minn. takes step to release committed sex offenders
Minnesota state officials have signed a contract with a nonprofit agency to house and treat the state's most dangerous sex offenders if they're released from civil commitment.5:35 p.m.
Duluth's Cirrus to be acquired by Chinese company
Duluth-based plane maker Cirrus Aircraft has agreed to be acquired by a Chinese company, China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd.5:50 p.m.
More Minnesotans turning to entrepreneurship in recession
In the recent recession, thousands of Minnesotans have taken risks by borrowing money - or even spending their own savings - to become entrepreneurs, even as many others tightened their belts during the recession.5:54 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Libyan Rebels: Oil Will Keep Flowing, 'No Problem'
As unrest continues in Libya, rebels in the east now say they control most of supplies of the world's 12th-largest oil exporter. They've vowed to keep the oil flowing even if Col. Moammar Gadhafi clings to power in the capital.
Carpenter Discusses Unrest In Libya
Host Melissa Block speaks with J. Scott Carpenter — former deputy assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs — about the unrest in Libya and how the uprisings in the Middle East could continue to spread across the region — and well beyond.
Rebuilding The Faces Of War
Soldiers who've suffered burns and trauma to the face in the current wars are being given the chance to heal and restore a part of their identity. Specialists at one of only two clinics within the Department of Defense are using innovative techniques to restore the facial features of wounded warriors.
Examining Tablet Computer Craze
This week, Apple unveils the next generation of its iPad. The touch screen computer has come to dominate the tablet market. But this year, companies like HP, Samsung and Motorola are striking back with rival machines. Host Michele Norris talks with Donald Bell, senior editor CNET.com, about the tablet industry.
High-Tech Rearview Mirror Can Curb Blind Spots
Nearly 300 people die each year when hit by vehicles that are backing up. A Michigan company has designed a rearview mirror with an embedded video display. The device helps drivers see people or objects in their blind spots using a tiny camera mounted to the back of the car.
Another Bailout Looms, But This Time It's For Kabul
Afghanistan's Kabul Bank needs a bailout that may top $900 million because of bad loans made to friends and relatives of high-ranking Afghan government officials. Of course, with little revenue of its own, an Afghan government bank bailout would mean more money from the United States.
NY Magazine Editor Talks About His Piece On Madoff
In the latest New York Magazine, contributing editor Steve Fishman has a lengthy article based on several interviews Bernard Madoff conducted from prison. Madoff, who is serving 150 years behind bars for a Ponzi scheme, told Fishman that he had been mischaracterized. Melissa Block speaks with Steve Fishman about his chats with Madoff.
What A Coin Toss Has To Do With The Housing Market
A simple experiment helps explain why there's still a glut of houses for sale, five years after the housing bubble popped.
Massey Security Chief Indicted In Mine Disaster Probe
Federal agents arrested Hughie Elbert Stover, a Massey security official, on charges of obstruction of justice and making false statements.
Ella Jenkins: Still Making Friends
With a career that has spanned generations, Jenkins, 86, still loves performing for kids. The legendary singer-songwriter talks about the blues, her early life in Chicago and the children she sings to.