All Things Considered for April 20, 2010 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Minnesota transport officials propose spending up to $5 billion to improve rail
For years, rail advocates have touted the environmental and financial advantages of moving people and freight by rail. Now they have support from Minnesota transportation officials, who propose investing billions of dollars over the next 20 years in improved rail service. The snag is where to find the money.4:44 p.m.
Education officials, lawmakers, promise to work together on education reform
Key state lawmakers and teachers union leaders are pledging to work together on a second application for a federal "Race to the Top" education grant.5:20 p.m.
Seward shooting suspect pleads guilty to lesser charges
Ahmed Ali, one of the two suspects charged in the shooting deaths of three men at the Seward Market in Minneapolis, pled guilty today to three lesser charges.5:24 p.m.
Flights to Europe from Twin Cities resuming
Flights from the Twin Cities to Europe are resuming today. Air service is restarting as the cloud of volcano ash that's been hovering over much of the continent begins to dissipate. As chaotic as the disruption has been worldwide, it looks like the impact here will be minimal.5:39 p.m.
Dr. Jon Hallberg on deer ticks and Lyme disease
Earlier than usual spring weather has lead to earlier appearances of ticks and earlier cases nationwide of Lyme disease. That has led to new attention on its treatment, and its signs and symptoms.5:50 p.m.
Minnesota transport officials propose spending up to $5 billion to improve rail
For years, rail advocates have touted the environmental and financial advantages of moving people and freight by rail. Now they have support from Minnesota transportation officials, who propose investing billions of dollars over the next 20 years in improved rail service. The snag is where to find the money.6:20 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Teen Texting Soars; Will Social Skills Suffer?
The number of teenagers who say they text-message daily has shot up to 54 percent from 38 percent in just the past 18 months, a new report finds. The typical American teenager sends 50 texts a day. Teachers worry the texting trend will hurt their students' interpersonal communication skills.
Goldman Steps Up Defense Against Fraud Charges
Goldman Sachs is a polarizing force on Wall Street. The banking firm has been wildly successful. It took plenty of risks and emerged from the financial crisis stronger than ever. And now Goldman is striking back against charges that it defrauded investors.
In Goldman Case, The SEC's Side Of The Story
Robert Siegel talks to Zachary Goldfarb, a financial reporter for The Washington Post, about the SEC's decision to file a civil suit against Goldman Sachs.
Brain Training Games Won't Pump Up IQs, Study Says
Computer games and websites designed to train your brain may not provide the mental boost customers expect, a new study has found. More than 11,000 people participated in the study, reported in the journal Nature, which found that people improved at the specific task they worked on, but the progress didn't transfer over to other mental tasks.
Sold Documentaries On Public TV, Firms Get Ads
Smaller firms and nonprofit organizations paid roughly $24,000 to Vision Media to produce short documentary films, hosted by former ABC anchor Hugh Downs, that they said would appear on public television stations. Yet the ensuing videos resemble infomercials — and they're unlikely to receive much airtime on public stations.
Letters: Supreme Court Readings, Nat King Cole
NPR listeners respond to our report on Nat King Cole, and offer their recommendations for reading about the Supreme Court. Robert Siegel and Melissa Block read from listeners' e-mails.
Airlines Blast European Leaders' 'Lack Of Leadership'
European airlines are criticizing their governments for what they term "a lack of leadership" in managing airspace restrictions due to volcanic ash. The crisis cost the industry an estimated $200 million a day. An airline trade group said it was "incredible" that Europe's transport ministers had taken five days to organize a teleconference.
In Ash Aftermath, The Great Travel Unwind
Melissa Block talks to George Hobica, the founder of AirfareWatchdog.com, about how airlines are dealing with the deluge of travelers who were stranded by the volcanic ash cloud — and how travelers are making their way in and out of Europe with limited air service.
There May Be A Tax Upside To Dying In 2010
It's a quirky tax year for heirs. The Bush administration phased out federal estate taxes over 10 years. This happens to be the first — and only — year they don't exist. After 2010, if Congress does not act, federal estate taxes go back to 55 percent on estates that exceed $1 million.
The Legacy Of Civil Rights Pioneer Dorothy Height
Legendary civil rights leader Dorothy Height died Tuesday at the age of 98. Melissa Block talks to Alexis Herman, the first African-American to lead the Department of Labor, about Height's impact on the civil rights movement and women's rights movement.