All Things Considered for April 4, 2012 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Supporters of new STOCK Act say it needs to be stronger
President Barack Obama signed legislation Wednesday barring members of Congress, the president and thousands of federal workers from profiting from nonpublic information learned on the job. Even supporters, including Minnesota Rep. Tim Walz, said the new law doesn't go far enough.4:49 p.m.
Dr. Hallberg: Cancer, sleep disorders and spring allergies
Tom Crann of All Things Considered spoke with Dr. Jon Hallberg on Wednesday about correlations between obesity and cancer, as well as a connection between depression and sleep disorders.4:53 p.m.
Senate approves voter ID, sends question to November ballot
Voters will decide in November whether government-issued photo identification should be required when voting in Minnesota, after lawmakers approved the ballot measure Wednesday and ended a years-long dispute.5:20 p.m.
Fight over BWCA cell tower in appeals court
A court battle continues over a proposed 450-foot cell phone tower near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.5:24 p.m.
Mild winter leads to healthier deer this year
The mild winter means more deer survived the season in good shape. But for many farmers getting ready to plant this year's corn and soybeans, a growing deer population means more crop damage.5:50 p.m.
Iron Ranger pushes to open state agency's now-sealed books
In 2007, public documents show that Iron Range Resources did not adequately oversee its loans of $9.5 million to the owner of a coal gasification plant. But in 2010, access was denied to those same documents, due to a change in the law exempting the economic development agency from releasing basic financial information.5:55 p.m.
Dining with Dara: Chickens move over, there's a new egg (or two) in town
There's a new egg scene boiling away these days in Minnesota.quail eggs, duck eggs and even naturally green eggs. Their natural richness makes them a hit with bakers and locavores.6:20 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Romney Accuses Obama of Anti-Business Agenda
President Obama signaled the opening of the general election campaign on Tuesday in a blistering speech before the American Society of News Editors. On Wednesday, Obama's likely rival in the fall — former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney — delivered an address before the same group.
Where Money Meets Power In Washington
"Political fundraiser" has a fancy ring to it — tuxedos, famous singers, billionaires. In fact, most political fundraisers aren't that glamorous.
Hail, Hail! 'Taxi Of Tomorrow' Arrives In NYC
New York City's taxis are getting a face-lift. Officials have unveiled a Nissan-designed update that, over the next 10 years, will gradually replace every one of the city's 13,000-plus cabs. Updates include more legroom and a window in the roof for gazing at skyscrapers.
Pollution Playing A Major Role In Sea Temperatures
Tiny particles from power plants and fires help create new clouds, which shade the oceans from the sun. This means changes in sea-surface temperatures. And that has profound effects on weather, influencing the time and amount of rainfall in West Africa, and even the number, strength and path of hurricanes.
Report: 'Strategic Distrust' Between U.S. And China
Kenneth Lieberthal is co-author of a new monograph called "Addressing U.S.-China Strategic Distrust." He's also director of the John L. Thornton China Center at the Brookings Institution. Robert Siegel speaks with Lieberthal about what is behind the distrust between the two countries and what can be done about it.
Greek Man Kills Himself Outside Parliament
Early Wednesday, an elderly man shot and killed himself outside the Greek parliament in Athens. Before taking his own life, the man told bystanders that debts had pushed him to the edge. Many Greeks say they see him as a symbol of how desperate they feel as austerity continues to strangle the economy.
Italian Law Pits Older Workers Against Younger Ones
Italy's technocrat prime minister is facing his toughest challenge yet — pushing through a labor overhaul. Italy's labor laws all but guarantee life tenure for older workers but can condemn younger Italians to temporary jobs. The last two attempts to change the law ended with murders.
Fred Savage: A Child Star Makes Good, With Less Than Wholesome Comedies
Fred Savage has gone from child actor to a producer and director with a new comedy on NBC. He says growing up in show business doesn't have to mean a life of crime and disaster.
Flying Car Glides Closer To Reality
Finally, there is a flying car for the average driver. But the real question is if the average driver ready for a flying car. Terrafugia Transition is a $279,000 car-turned-airplane. It's meant to bridge the gap between the road and the sky.
After 567,000 Miles And 48 Years, Florida Woman Parks Her 'Chariot'
Rachel Veitch can't drive her beloved 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente any more because of her eyesight. Her "Chariot" has been with her nearly five decades and for more miles than a trip to the moon and back. She never considered trading in the car she loves.