All Things Considered for April 5, 2010 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Monday, April 5, 2010

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Local artists create farm share for the arts
Minnesota artists are launching their version of a farm share today - but instead of fresh produce, they're asking offering up crates of art.4:45 p.m.
Minn. attorneys claim Vatican covering up alleged abuse by priest
For the second time in a week, a pair of St. Paul lawyers say evidence points back to Rome that Catholic church leaders have been protecting a priest accused of sexual misconduct with children.5:20 p.m.
Investigators still seek cause of fatal Mpls fire
Minneapolis fire officials say they have not ruled out any possible cause of the fire that killed six people last week. In the meantime, employees of the pub that went up in flames say they will mourn -- and then rebuild.5:51 p.m.
How investigators figure out the cause of a fire
To find out how investigators go about pinpointing the cause of a fire, we contacted Denise DeMars with the State Fire Marshal's office.5:54 p.m.
Local artists create farm share for the arts
Minnesota artists are launching their version of a farm share today - but instead of fresh produce, they're asking offering up crates of art.6:24 p.m.
DOD confirms death of Rochester Marine
The U.S. Department of Defense has confirmed the death of a young Marine from Rochester serving in Afghanistan.6:28 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Local Support Key In Upcoming Kandahar Fight
In Afghanistan, officials are seeking the support of local leaders in Kandahar ahead of a U.S.-led offensive to clear the Taliban out of the southern province. But many locals lack confidence in Afghan officials and Western forces, whom they blame for the recent rise in violence.
White House 'Frustrated' By Karzai
"Troubling" is the word the White House is using to describe recent statements by Afghan President Hamid Karzai. The Afghan president in recent days has accused the United States of interfering in the Afghan election process. This is trouble for the U.S., which is trying to keep a united front with the Afghanistan government as military operations continue. Michele Norris talks to Elizabeth Rubin, who profiled President Karzai in the New York Times Magazine last summer.
Ham Radio Growing In The Age Of Twitter
Despite Facebook, Twitter, iPhones and other cutting-edge communication technologies, an increasing number of people are staying in touch using century-old amateur radio. "It's just talking and sharing and enjoying," says ham radio newcomer Helen Schlarman, 89.
Tax Time: Shortcuts Vs. Paper Cuts
TurboTax, At Home, TaxSlayer, TaxBrain -- there are many different programs available to help you do your taxes this year. Commentator Jonathan Kern says they all seem to work extremely well. But it's these shortcuts that have him worried. We may be trading convenience for valuable information.
Iran's Influence Palpable In Post-Election Iraq
Iraq's elections last month left no clear winner, promising months of horse-trading among the Shiite, Sunni and ethnic Kurdish blocs. Iran has not been shy about asserting influence. A recent bomb attack near the Iranian Embassy in Baghdad underscores the importance of Iraq's neighbor.
Iran's Economic Troubles Mount As Sanctions Loom
The dramatic political turmoil in Iran since last year's disputed presidential election has been well publicized. But less well known are the country's economy troubles. And now Iran is facing a U.S.-led effort at the United Nations Security Council to impose more economic sanctions.
Butler University: An NCAA Cinderella Story
Michele Norris talks to Jim Lefko, the senior editor for sports at the Indianapolis Star, about Butler University's Cinderella appearance in the NCAA men's basketball championship game — and what it means for the school, the team and the community.
Gaming Degrees Grow In Popularity And Application
Professors of computational media at Georgia Tech say that gaming technology can be used to make advancements in everything from medicine to social justice and media. The school is one of 250 colleges and universities that are catering to the growing interest in gaming degrees.
Shooter Jennings Sees A Bleak Future On 'Black Ribbons'
Singer-songwriter Shooter Jennings released three country-rock records before parting ways with his Nashville-based record label. His fourth CD, Black Ribbons, is a progressive-rock concept album that looks into a not-too-distant dystopian future, and features spoken-word pieces by horror writer Stephen King.
Militants Attack U.S. Consulate In Pakistan
Militants attacked the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, with bombs, grenades and rocket launchers on Monday. There were no reported U.S. casualties, but several people were killed outside the consulate. Elsewhere in Pakistan, at roughly the same time, dozens were killed and many more were wounded in a suicide attack on a political rally. Michele Norris talks to Sabrina Tavernise, a reporter for the New York Times who is in Pakistan, about the attacks.