All Things Considered for February 14, 2007 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Minnesota delegation has its say on Iraq resolution
Minnesota's House members have had taken their turns during the debate over President Bush's proposal to send more troops to Iraq. Only two of the eight members say they support the president's plan. A House vote on the non-binding resolution is expected sometime Friday.3:45 p.m.
Franken in bid to unseat Sen. Coleman
Comedian and radio show host Al Franken has launched a campaign for the Senate seat held by Republican Norm Coleman.5:06 p.m.
Health officials urging flu shots
Another 5,000 doses of flu vaccine are headed for Minnesota, due to arrive Thursday. The remainder will arrive on Monday. The Health Department says this year's influenza virus appears to be circulating more widely in schools, making the case for vaccinations even more compelling.5:20 p.m.
Group warns of approaching fish disease
Conservationists are calling for quick action to counter a deadly fish virus. The disease, responsible for wide spread fill kills in Lake Erie last summer, has now been identified in Lake Huron. Experts say the disease will almost certainly hit Lake Superior.5:35 p.m.
Region faces snow drought
Much of Minnesota is more than two feet below average for winter snowfall so far. If there isn't a significant snow between now and the spring melt, there could be significant impact on spring runoff for lakes and rivers and on moisture in farm fields.5:52 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Bush Warns Congress Not to Interfere on Iraq
President Bush warns Congress not to contest his authority to prosecute the war in Iraq as he sees fit. Speaking at an hourlong news conference at the White House, the president also touted the latest agreement with North Korea, meant to limit its nuclear weapons program.
Making the Case for Iran's Involvement in Iraq
President Bush said today that regardless of where their orders come from, he is certain that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard — or Quds Force — is supplying deadly weapons to militias in Iraq. Michele Norris talks with Karim Sadjadpour, who recently authored a report on the influence of Iran in Iraq. Sadjadpour is an Iran analyst for the International Crisis Group.
A Woman Who Dreamed of Flying with the Marines
Capt. Jennifer Harris lived her dream of flying with the air wing of the Marines in Iraq, where she piloted Sea Knight helicopters on combat rescue missions. After three tours, she was due back in her hometown of Swampscott, Mass., this week. But last week, Harris was killed aboard a Sea Knight that was shot down by Sunni insurgents northwest of Baghdad.
Months After Coup, Thailand Faces New Crises
Less than six months ago, a military coup toppled the government of Thailand's democratically elected Prime Minister Thaksin Shinowatra. But nearly five months on, the bloom is off the rose. The interim government chosen by the military has stumbled badly politically and economically.
U.S. on List of UNICEF's Worst Countries for Kids
A new report from the U.N. Children's Fund says the United States and Britain are the worst countries in the industrialized world in which to be a child. UNICEF says an examination of 40 factors, such as poverty, deprivation, happiness, relationships, and risky or bad behavior puts the U.S. and Britain at the bottom of a list of 21 economically developed nations.
Louisiana Landlords Navigate Assistance Program
Louisiana's Small Rental Property Program is for small-scale landlords affected by Hurricane Katrina. A total of $800 million has been earmarked to help landlords renovate or rebuild their damaged properties. In exchange for forgivable loans, the landlords will charge under-the-market rents for 10 years.
Parents of Stillborn Babies Push for Recognition
Parents in a number of states around the nation are fighting for what they see as recognition of their stillborn babies. They want the state to issue birth certificates for their babies instead of fetal death certificates. A few states have complied.
Putin Emboldened by Gains in Approval Ratings
With huge approval ratings in his own country, Russian President Vladimir Putin boldly criticized the United States last week. But cold words are better than cold wars.
Midwest Socked by Yet Another Winter Storm
The second winter storm in the past week has blasted across the Midwest, coming from the South this time. It has dumped so much snow that hundreds of school systems are closed; traffic is snarled and airports are crowded with delayed fliers.
Galactic Gold: A Valentine Story
Ever wonder where the gold in your wedding ring came from? For Valentine's Day, Robert Krulwich tracks the rare element all the way to outer space, where gold is formed in the fiery center of collapsing stars.