All Things Considered for February 15, 2006 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Report: Medical errors linked to 12 deaths in 12 months in Minnesota
The most common mistakes included finishing surgeries without removing all surgical tools, operating on the wrong body part and letting serious complications develop from bed sores.5:19 p.m.
Too many teams?
Minneapolis and St. Paul have more pro sports teams than they can handle, according to a new study from bizjournals.com, which calls the Twin Cities "over-extended" in its ability to support its professional teams. All Things Considered host Tom Crann talked with G. Scott Thomas, who conducted the analysis.5:48 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

House Report Cites Failures on Katrina Response
House Republican investigators release a harsh report listing hundreds of mistakes and misjudgments in the government's response to Hurricane Katrina. The report, called "A Failure of Initiative," follows a five-month inquiry, and places blame at all levels of government.
Fame Catches Up With Felicity Huffman
After a long acting career, Felicity Huffman has received an Oscar nomination for her lead role in the film Transamerica. She also stars in the hit television show Desperate Housewives. Huffman talks with Michele Norris about femininity and motherhood.
Bull Terrier Takes Best in Show at Westminster
A bull terrier named Rocky Top's Sundance Kid (aka "Rufus") takes top prize Tuesday night at the Westminster Dog Show in New York. David Frei, director of communications at the Westminster Kennel Club, and Kathy Kirk, Rufus' handler, talk to Robert Siegel about this year's Super Bowl of dog shows.
Rice Faces Senate Questions on Middle East
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice testifies Wednesday before a Senate panel and is grilled by Democrats and Republicans about policies in Iraq, Iran and the Palestinian territories. The annual briefing informs Congress on State Department priorities and budget.
Lawmakers Rip Web Firms for Cooperation in China
Executives from four U.S. Internet companies get a chilly reception Wednesday on Capitol Hill as members of Congress accuse them of helping China oppress internal dissent. But the companies say their operations in China would foster freedom there, not squelch it.
Searching the Web Behind the Great Firewall of China
As well-known tech firms face criticism from Congress, Robert Siegel and China correspondent Anthony Kuhn in Beijing compare results from search engines in the United States and China. A search using Google, Google China and Yahoo shows how different the Web search experience is for a user in China.
L.A. Officials Hope Transfer of Inmates Will Stop Riots
Race riots in Los Angeles County jails have left two inmates dead, and authorities can't stop the riots or keep gang leaders from communicating with jailed followers. Authorities hope to end the violence by transferring inmates from riot-heavy jails to an underutilized jail in downtown Los Angeles.
Storyteller Exposes the Truth Behind the Story
Commentator Bill Harley, a songwriter and storyteller who lives in Seekonk, Mass., tells a story about telling the truth when telling a story. Harley's latest recording is Blah, Blah, Blah: Stories About Clams, Swamp Monsters, Pirates and Dogs.
Tougher Anti-Terrorism Law Passes in Britain
British Prime Minister Tony Blair wins a key vote Wednesday to bolster anti-terrorism laws in Britain. The bill was presented to Parliament after the July 7 bomb attacks in London. Despite fierce criticism, the law passes by 38 votes, making "glorification" of terrorism a criminal offense.
Prospective Jurors Questioned in Moussaoui Case
Defense and prosecution lawyers Wednesday began questioning prospective jurors in the Zaccarias Moussaoui sentencing phase in federal court in Alexandria, Va. The trial will decide whether Moussaoui will be executed or spend the rest of his life in prison.