All Things Considered for April 13, 2012 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Friday, April 13, 2012

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Mary Losure explores the mystery behind the Cottingley Fairies
Not so long ago some of the best minds in Britain believed they had scientific proof of the existence of fairies.4:53 p.m.
Emperor penguins more numerous than assumed, U of M satellite researcher shows
University researchers count twice as many emperor penguins in Antarctica as were previously estimated.5:42 p.m.
Teen killed in bridge accident had survived bloody Congo war
A St. Paul high school is remembering a student they describe as someone extraordinary, who died in a freak accident Thursday night.5:54 p.m.
Cube Critics: Film festival, and cabin getaways
This week Cube Critics discuss the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, plus a cabin getaway replete with blood, horror and humor.6:25 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Romney Appeals To Gun Enthusiasts In NRA Speech
The National Rifle Association has had one of the most successful decades in its history, making state and federal laws friendlier to gun owners and dealers. And this year, its annual meeting features a friendly call from Mitt Romney, who expects to have their endorsement for the White House. Robert Siegel talks to Ari Shapiro, who was at the event.
Week In Politics: Santorum Makes His Exit
Robert Siegel speaks with our regular political commentators, E.J. Dionne of the Washington Post and Brookings Institution, and David Brooks of the New York Times. They discuss the latest in politics, including the end of Rick Santorum's campaign for the Republican presidential nomination.
Letters: Winning City Council With Only Two Votes
Robert Siegel reads letters from listeners about a woman who won a city council seat with only two votes.
UN May Send Team To Monitor Cease-Fire In Syria
With the ceasefire in Syria largely holding — despite scattered violations — protesters gathered in cities and towns across the country to demand the overthrow of Bashar Assad's regime.
Port-Au-Prince: A City Of Millions, With No Sewer System
Cholera was introduced into Haiti 18 months ago. So far, more than a half-million people have gotten sick and 7,000 have died. Public health authorities say the disease will linger for a long time because Haiti has the worst sanitation in the Western Hemisphere.
Ties That Bind: When Surrogate Meets Mom-To-Be
There are few things more intimate and emotionally fraught than carrying someone else's baby — or having someone else carry yours. No one knows that better than Whitney Watts and Susan de Gruchy. Last year, Watts carried de Gruchy's twins through nine months of ups, downs and a fair share of complications.
Tough Cuts In Portugal May Be Exacting High Toll
Portugal saw a spike in its death rate this winter, mostly among the elderly. The government blames the rise on a nasty flu strain. But critics say austerity measures are at least partly to blame, the result of higher medical fees and transportation costs.
An Inspiring Teacher, Exactly When He's Needed
The Canadian drama Monsieur Lazhar, about a teacher who steps into a job no one else wants, was nominated for this year's Oscar for Best Foreign Language film. NPR's Bob Mondello says the Montreal middle school at the film's center is populated with intriguingly complicated characters. (Recommended)
Kraftwerk In New York: Decades Of Influence On Display
Four decades after their sound helped redefine popular music, the German synthesizer quartet is playing a series of eight concerts at New York's Museum of Modern Art.
In Balancing Act, Turkey Hosts Iranian Nuclear Talks
Turkey is closely aligned with the West, but it also depends on Iran to meet the energy demands of its growing economy. The relationship between Turkey and Iran has shown signs of strain over Syria, where Iran strongly supports the government, and Turkey wants regime change.