All Things Considered for April 29, 2009 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

New bus service signals a good year for metro transit
2009 is shaping up as an eventful year for transit in the Twin Cities. Northstar Commuter rail rolls out in the northern suburbs in December, and in the southern suburbs there's the predicted start up of the Cedar Avenue bus rapid transit service.4:50 p.m.
Christian Moerk proves a Dane can write an Irish tale
Writer Christian Moerk has an ear for languages. Some might call him a linguistic shapeshifter. He grew up in Denmark, but worked in the US and in Ireland. When he decided to write a novel, he wanted to capture the distinctive language of Ireland's remote west coast.4:53 p.m.
First probable case of swine flu reported in Minn.
Minnesota health officials reported the first probable case of swine flu in the state Wednesday, a person at Rocori Middle School in the central Minnesota town of Cold Spring.5:21 p.m.
Cold Spring residents nervous about first probable Minn. flu case
In Cold Spring, area residents are nervous about the first probable swine flu case, however they're not in panic mode.5:25 p.m.
State well prepared to handle outbreak
Minnesota officials say the state has a detailed plan and is well-prepared to handle a potential influenza outbreak.5:50 p.m.
Battles continue over projects for outdoor money
There's no end in sight to the debate over how to spend $300 million in new sales tax money to improve the environment.5:54 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

The Grid May Be Smart, But Will It Also Be Green?
The push is on to make the nation's aging electricity grid smarter, so it can handle our growing demand for electricity. Many assume that a smart grid will also be a green grid — delivering clean electricity and helping to address climate change. But that's not necessarily so.
Obama's Energy Plans Remain Works In Progress
The Obama administration has taken initial steps toward addressing energy and climate issues, like weatherizing homes and speeding up loans to energy research projects. But, there's no "magic switch" to changing to cleaner energy, officials say. Bigger projects and changes — like designing a new electricity grid for renewable energy — are still in the planning stages.
Navy Chef Gets Creative With A $10 Skate Meal
Michael Edwards, who has won the title Armed Forces Chef of the Year, took NPR's "How Low Can You Go" family supper challenge and cooked up a sauteed skate meuniere with potato gnocchi and cream of asparagus soup. He says he learned how to cook simple foods on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.
Obama Holds Town Hall Meeting
President Obama traveled to St. Louis for a town hall meeting to mark his 100th day in office. Questions dealt with the economy, health care, social security and the environment.
RNC's Steele: No Tears For Specter
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele says he isn't going to "mourn the loss of Arlen Specter." Steele talks about Specter's switch to the Democratic Party and what it means to be part of the GOP today.
Texas Sees First Swine Flu Death In U.S.
A Mexican toddler died in Houston on Monday, after falling ill while visiting family members in Brownsville, Texas, along the border. The state Department of Health Services says the boy had "several underlying health problems."
Oklahoma Picks State Rock Song
Oklahoma yesterday officially made Do You Realize? by The Flaming Lips its official state rock song. The group is from Oklahoma City and realized the tune in 2002. It joins Ohio, which as far as can be determined, is the only other state with an official state rock song, Hang On Sloopy.
Expert Weighs In On Credit Cards
Joan Goldwasser, reporter for Kiplinger Personal Finance, discusses credit cards. She answers listeners' questions about credit card debt and interest rates.
NYC Take The A Train To Honor Duke Ellington
New Yorkers rode a 1939-era train Wednesday along the subway line made famous by jazz legend Duke Ellington. The festivities marked the 110th anniversary of Ellington's birth.
CDC's Acting Head On Swine Flu
More cases of swine flu were reported Wednesday in the United States. Dr. Richard Besser, acting head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, talks about the spread of the virus.