All Things Considered for February 7, 2008 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Some biofuels can add to global warming
A new study by a Minnesota researcher says when biofuel crops are grown on land that's converted from natural prairie or forest, they'll not only fail to reduce global warming; they could actually make it worse.5:19 p.m.
The view from the street (and skyway) of Macy's layoffs
News that Macy's will lay off 950 employees in downtown Minnepolis has city officials assessing the impacts.5:23 p.m.
Dr. Jon Hallberg: Rx abuse on the rise
MPR's Tom Crann talks to regular medical analyst Dr. Jon Hallberg about the prescription medications that drug abusers are seeking more of.5:44 p.m.
Minnesotans react to Romney withdrawal
Some high-profile Minnesota Republicans are feeling low this afternoon with the news that former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is dropping out the presidential race.5:51 p.m.
Commentary: Community trumps chaos in crowded caucuses
Long lines, impossible parking and poor organization frustrated many Minnesota caucus-goers on Super Tuesday. Commentator Rosemary Williams stood in the lines, and was surprised by the people she met.5:54 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

History Passes Away with World War I Veteran
Harry Richard Landis, a veteran of World War I, died in Florida on Monday at age 108. It is widely believed that Landis' death leaves only one surviving American veteran of the Great War: 107-year-old Frank Buckles of Charles Town, W.Va.
After Bhutto's Death, Worries About Voting Safety
Benazir Bhutto's assassination forced the delay of Pakistan's parliamentary elections, now scheduled for Feb. 18. It also brought home the fact that Pakistan has changed — it's now plagued by terrorist attacks. There are fears the attacks will increase as the elections near.
Study: Ethanol Worse for Climate Than Gasoline
Biofuels like corn ethanol have been hailed as climate-friendly fuels. But new research says that the global effects of losing agricultural land for corn ethanol production will result in twice the carbon emissions of gasoline. The finding could force major changes in the biofuels industry.
Romney Leaves Race, Cements McCain's Lead
Mitt Romney suspended his campaign for president Thursday, bowing to the mathematical logic that says John McCain will be the nominee of the Republican Party. Romney had poured tens of millions of dollars from his personal fortune into an effort that left him hundreds of delegates behind McCain.
Will Conservative Romney Fans Shift to McCain?
Vin Weber, policy chairman for Mitt Romney's presidential campaign, says some conservatives have spoken out strongly against John McCain, but that was easier to do when they had Romney as an alternative.
Explaining Disparities in Democrats' Delegate Tallies
Since Tuesday, different news organizations have been reporting various different tallies of delegates for each candidate, with some putting Barack Obama ahead and others Hillary Clinton. Democratic strategist Tad Devine explains why the disparities are so significant.
Washington Democrats Brace for Record Turnout
Washington state Democrats are holding a presidential preference caucus Saturday that's expected to draw more than twice as many participants as past contests. Interest has skyrocketed as coverage of Super Tuesday dominated the media, and both campaigns find themselves overwhelmed.
Polls Show Voters, Political Parties Divided
The details of the exit polls taken on Super Tuesday reveal an America still very much divided — along lines of race, gender, ideology and generation. And, he says, the political parties have their own divisions to overcome.
Flow of Iraqis Returning Home from Syria Slows
The U.N. refugee agency says the flow of Iraqi refugees returning from Syria has slowed, and most are returning because they exhausted their savings, not because they believe Iraq is safer. More than 2 million Iraqis have fled since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Those who return say they feel very uncertain about the future.
Letters: Election Issues, Georgia Drought, Sit-In
Michele Norris and Robert Siegel read from listeners' e-mails, including responses to our coverage of Super Tuesday, our series on candidates' positions on four major issues, and the drought in Georgia. We also hear a reflection on our interview with a Greensboro student who protested a whites-only lunch counter in 1960.