All Things Considered for April 5, 2006 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, April 5, 2006

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Minnesota's Congressional delegation shows deep divide on Iraq
The Iraq war has lost lots of support among Americans. What do the members of the Minnesota delegation think we should do now?4:45 p.m.
Report shows school choice program helps students
A new report shows disadvantaged Minneapolis students who are bused to suburban schools are testing significantly higher than comparable students who stay in city schools.4:54 p.m.
Mercury emissions controls face uncertain fate at Capitol
Minnesota may be on the verge of dramatically beefing up its mercury emissions rules for large coal-fired power plants. But passage of the plan is by no means certain.5:14 p.m.
New deal will reduce phosphorus levels in St. Croix River
Policy makers in Minnesota and Wisconsin are trying to reduce another pollutant in the area's lakes and rivers -- phosphorus. State officials from the two states will sign an agreement Thursday to reduce the amount of phosphorous in the St. Croix River.5:21 p.m.
Governor, Minneapolis play blame game over crime
Two recent high-profile killings in Minneapolis have prompted a round of finger-pointing between state and local officials, over whether the city is spending is money wisely on public safety.5:45 p.m.
Minnesota bridges falling down?
Bridges across Minnesota are aging, but county engineers say transportation funding is so small they can't possibly keep up with replacement needs.5:49 p.m.
Iowa health officials baffled by outbreak of mumps
Iowa health officials admit they're puzzled by an outbreak of the mumps in the state, the worst in the country since 1987. So far there have been over 200 cases in the Iowa, and the disease has spread to a wider geographic area than originally seen. Neighboring states are on the alert, with at least one case now reported in Nebraska. Iowa officials are less worried about the effects of the disease, which they characterize as more of an inconvenience, rather than deadly.6:23 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Saddam Grilled About Shiite Executions of 1982
Saddam Hussein is cross-examined for the first time about his alleged role in the killing of more than 140 Shiite villagers after a failed assassination attempt. When prosecutors presented documents they said proved that some of those executed were minors, the former Iraqi leader said they were likely forged.
Lacking a Tie to Jihadist Camp, Prosecution Rests
Prosecutors in the federal trial of Hamid Hayat, accused of having ties to al-Qaida, rest their case without offering direct evidence that Hayat attended a Jihadist training camp in Pakistan. Hayat, 23, is on trial in Sacramento, Calif. His father is charged with lying about Hayat's activities.
Skilling Set to Testify in Enron Trial
The trial of former Enron executives Jeffrey Skilling and Kenneth Lay enters a critical phase Thursday, when Skilling is expected to testify. Accused of conspiring to deceive investors, analysts and the public about Enron's financial condition, Skilling faces decades in prison if convicted.
Wal-Mart Plans Classes on Small-Business Survival
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has announced plans to open more than 50 new locations in the next two years in urban areas, where it has often met with criticism and local opposition in the past. The company plans to offer seminars to mom-and-pop stores about how to survive when Wal-Mart comes to their neighborhood. Michele Norris talks with Charles Fishman, senior writer for Fast Company magazine.
Thanking Immigrants for the Myriad Jobs They Do
In the noisy argument over what to do with illegal immigrants, says commentator Richard Rodriguez, the common assumption is that America has done a great deal for them already. But Rodriquez argues that no one speaks of the multitude of things these workers have done for Americans. And he think it's time to say two relevant words: thank you.
Louisiana Hones Hurricane Evacuation Plans
With the opening of hurricane season looming on June 1, Louisiana officials are preparing for another time of potential risk. Officials are taking the threat seriously but still have a lot to do.
Fossil Suggests Missing Link From Fish to Land
Paleontologists announce finding an animal skeleton that may bridge the gap between fish and the first four-legged land animals. The 375-million-year-old creature, with a head like a crocodile's, has a body built for swimming. But its front legs are a compromise between fins and feet.
With Intel Inside, Mac Welcomes Windows, Too
Apple Computers announces a new feature many thought would never happen: the ability to use Windows on a Macintosh. Apple, which now uses chips from Intel, a top provider for Windows-based machines, says its Boot Camp software allows users to install Microsoft Windows XP.
Nintendo Offers Video Games to Boost Brain Power
In Japan, Nintendo has offered a series of unorthodox video games that, the company says, makes your mind sharper. This month, Nintendo is releasing an American version called "Brain Age." NPR's Robert Holt says that playing it makes him feel smarter -- but he's not sure if it actually makes him smarter.
Bush Finds Congress Deaf on Immigration
Despite President Bush's public push for a guest-worker program, the White House has had no success in getting Congress to follow its preferred path. What is the administration doing, or not doing, to further its agenda?