All Things Considered for April 16, 2008 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Triple Espresso - strong till the end
One of the longest-running shows in the Twin Cities is coming to an end. Triple Espresso's final curtain call is at the end of the month after a 12-year run.4:44 p.m.
Northwest, Delta begin the task of gaining approval
Northwest and Delta airlines are working hard to convince employees, customers and community and political leaders that the airlines' combination will benefit them.5:19 p.m.
Dalai Lama gives surprise message in Rochester
The Dalai Lama's visit prompted demonstrations outside of Mayo Clinic by both Tibetan and pro-China demonstrators.5:50 p.m.
Steenland talks about the future and challenges facing NWA
Doug Steenland, CEO and President of Northwest Airlines, joined "All Things Considered's" Tom Crann to discuss Delta Airline's impending acquisition of Northwest.6:06 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Somber Va. Tech Marks Tragic Anniversary
It was one year ago when a student at Virginia Tech gunned down 32 of his classmates and instructors in a nightmarish killing spree. At the Blacksburg campus, students, administrators and residents gather to honor those who died.
Chinese Family Takes Carbon Challenge
With a car, a country villa and frequent travel, the Shengs, a family of three, readily admit they emit more carbon dioxide than the average Chinese family. But how does their "carbon footprint" stack up against an American family's?
High-Tech Suit Earns Gold from Some Swimmers
Of the 37 swimmers who have set world records in recent weeks, 35 of them were wearing the sleek Speedo LZR Racer swimsuit. Some observers say the new Speedo suit amounts to "technological doping."
Planting Trees in Memory of Lives Lost
Richard Shryock, Virginia Tech's chairman of foreign languages and literatures, lost two faculty members and 15 students in his department in last April's shootings. A year later, he's planting trees in quiet reflection over their loss.
At White House, Pope Preaches Diplomacy
On his 81st birthday, Pope Benedict XVI was greeted by military bands and an enthusiastic crowd of 9,000 at the White House. In his remarks, the pope urged peace through diplomacy and democracy, themes he's likely to invoke at the United Nations later this week.
America's Catholic Schools in Crisis
A recent study done by an education-reform think tank finds that poor funding and shifting demographics have led to shuttering of 1,300 American Catholic schools since 1990. The Fordham Foundation's Mike Petrilli discusses the report's details.
China Chat: Change in Beijing; Letters: Clinton
Longtime Beijing residents discuss how technology has dramatically changed the way of life in China over the past few decades. Also, listeners complained about comparing Hillary Clinton's "brand" to Lay's potato chips.
Spike in Skier Deaths Raises Safety Issues
Seventeen people have died in skiing accidents in Colorado alone this year. Kirk Siegler of member station KUNC hears that improvements in equipment may have some on the slopes skiing above their level of ability, raising safety issues.
Justices Rule Lethal Injection Is Constitutional
The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that states may execute condemned prisoners with a sequence of three drugs that had been challenged as "cruel and unusual punishment" in a Kentucky case. In a separate case, justices are weighing whether it's constitutional to sentence someone to death for raping a child.
Pennsylvania Primary, Debate Previewed
Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton take part in a Democratic presidential debate Wednesday in Philadelphia. Clinton has had high expectations for next week's Pennsylvania primary, but her lead has dwindled in recent polls. Randall Miller, history professor at St. Joseph's University, talks about the peculiarities of Pennsylvania politics.