All Things Considered for June 25, 2007 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Monday, June 25, 2007

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

South Dakota prepares again, for execution
Officials in South Dakota are preparing for the state's first execution in 60 years; an execution that was delayed at the last minute, last summer.3:00 p.m.
Minnesota appears likely to move up '08 party caucuses
With the nation's political calendar shifting forward, party leaders said moving the caucuses from March to February would be vital in giving state voters a say in the nominating contests.5:20 p.m.
Iowa pushes organic farming to fill demand gap
Farmers in the Sioux City, Iowa area are being encouraged to switch to organic crop production. If it works, the new producers will join a growing industry.5:25 p.m.
Iwo Jima flag raiser dies in Minn.
Charles W. Lindberg, one of the U.S. Marines who raised the first American flag over Iwo Jima during World War II, has died. He was 86.5:54 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Suicide Bomber Attacks U.S.-Allied Sheiks
In another day of scattered violence in Iraq, a suicide bomber breached tight security around a Baghdad hotel and blew himself up where Sunni sheiks allied with the U.S. in the fight against al-Qaida were meeting. At least 12 people were killed.
Iraqis in Jordan Dogged by Medical Costs
Violence in Iraq has brought the health care system there close to a collapse, according to aid agencies. Neighboring Jordan is one of the few places where Iraqis can get advanced medical treatment. But the system there is expensive.
Comparing Secrecy
What role has secrecy played in the tenure of Vice President Dick Cheney? How do his actions compare with those of past leaders, such as President Nixon?
Labor Deal Cuts Delphi Workers' Pay
Details of the deal between auto parts maker Delphi and the UAW were leaked, revealing a difficult decision facing workers: Vote "yes" and accept a pay cut of 40 percent; vote "no" and take their chances with bankruptcy court.
GM Launches Hybrids Amid Brisk Prius Sales
General Motors is launching four new hybrids this year and next as it gets serious about closing the "green gap" with rival Toyota. Meanwhile, though, Toyota is cashing in on the popularity of the Prius, and GM struggles to find a good response.
Injured Vets Hit Snags in Qualifying for Home Grants
Retired Army Staff Sgt. Jason Pepper and other veterans are finding that their injuries don't qualify for full federal grants to make their homes handicapped-accessible. Some want Congress to change the law.
Needs of Disabled Veterans Outpace Housing Grant
Homes for Our Troops helps injured veterans adapt their homes to their disabilities. But criteria for the government's Specially Adapted Housing grant exclude many severely disabled veterans, and the grant amount has not kept pace with home prices.
'Consider the Oyster' — a Peerless Summer Delicacy
Author Kate Christensen says the book "packs a wallop in a small amount of space, satisfies without satiating, and goes down easily, pithy and nutritious and sweetly briny."
Reclaiming the Past, One Cylinder at a Time
Richard Martin and his wife Meagan Hennessey grew tired of their favorite rock 'n' roll records. Now they scour flea markets and antique stores for old cylinders and 78s on their Archeophone label.
Supreme Court Rules on Free-Speech Cases
The Supreme Court ruled Monday on three cases related to the First Amendment. It struck down limits on some campaign ads, restricted when taxpayers may sue over government aid to faith groups, and ruled against a teen and his "Bong Hits for Jesus" banner.