All Things Considered for February 28, 2008 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

New Argento work honors his late wife
The Washington National Cathedral hosts the premiere of a major, new work by Minneapolis composer Dominick Argento on Sunday. It's the first music the Pulitzer Prize winner has written since his wife's death two years ago and he lost the will and energy for composing.4:50 p.m.
Senate dismisses transportation chief Molnau
The Minnesota Senate has voted to dismiss state transportation chief Carol Molnau.5:15 p.m.
Minnesota's budget deficit nearly $1 billion
Minnesota's projected budget deficit nearly tripled Thursday, growing to $935 million and making spending cuts tougher to avoid.5:40 p.m.
The reasons behind the deficit
Thursday's report that state government is facing tough times is a result of many Minnesotans also facing tough times. MPR's Tom Weber traces the connection between consumers and the state's budget.5:44 p.m.
$1 billion is bad enough -- deficit could get worse
The state's new budget forecast numbers are based on economic expectations that could easily fail to pan out -- and could lead to even more dire conditions.5:48 p.m.
Water contaminant PFBA not as toxic as previously thought
The chemical was found in the drinking water of more than 143,000 residents.6:15 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

A Donkey's Tale: When Urban Sprawl Encroaches
Sweet Water Red Gambler was forced out of Golden Valley. The donkey's crime? Nocturnal braying that kept a neighbor up. Now, anyone who wants to move into this suburb near Reno is warned in advance about the smells and sounds of its chickens, goats and horses. Residents hope the disclosure will help protect their rural lifestyle.
'Passing Strange' a Real Rock Musical
He calls himself a rock 'n' roll "lifer." With his band The Negro Problem, he's toured around the world, putting out albums of what he calls "Afro-Baroque cabaret" music. And now the musician known as Stew has written himself into a Broadway musical.
Elusive Knuckleball Gives Pitcher Chance at Majors
After the discovery that pitcher R.A. Dickey lacked a key ligament derailed his major league career, he learned how to throw the unconventional pitch known as a knuckleball. Now, Dickey has signed as a prospect for the Seattle Mariners.
McCain Backs Iraq Commanders, Citing Vietnam
On the campaign trail in Ohio and Texas this week, Sen. John McCain reiterated his support for the troop surge in Iraq. He says military commanders, not Washington politicians, should dictate the timing of any troop withdrawal. McCain says his view is rooted in his generation's Vietnam experience.
In Texas, Clinton's Hopes Rest with Hispanics
For Hillary Clinton to win the Democratic presidential nomination, she will have to win Texas. And to win Texas, she will have to win in San Antonio, where her large advantage among Hispanic voters must come into play, the way it did when she won California on Feb. 5.
L.A. Sees Spike in Outbursts of Gun Violence
Los Angeles police are still searching for the man who fired into a crowd of children and adults at a crowded bus stop Wednesday. Eight people were shot, and several suffered serious wounds, leading authorities to express amazement that no one was killed.
Law Grants More Protection for Chinese Workers
Life could get a little better for Chinese workers this year. On Jan. 1, Beijing instituted a new law requiring businesses to give workers written contracts and to pay compensation if they're fired. But there are already signs of resistance.
Border Fence Project Riddled with Problems
A pilot project to test a "virtual fence" along the U.S.-Mexico border has been riddled with technical problems. Completion of the project's first phase will be delayed by at least three years. The virtual fence pilot project covers 28 miles of the border, south of Tucson.
Delay in Muslims' Citizenship Process Leads to Suits
Twenty-five Muslims are suing the Justice Department and immigration officials, accusing them of stalling their citizenship applications with unreasonably prolonged background checks. The lawsuit says the plaintiffs have been waiting two to five years for their applications to be processed.
Slump, Costs, Put Vallejo on Brink of Bankruptcy
A San Francisco suburb that has been hit hard by the sagging housing market is on the verge of going broke. Officials in Vallejo, Calif., will decide whether to declare bankruptcy this week, as they face big increases for police and fire protection — and sagging tax revenues.