All Things Considered for April 22, 2008 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Defense argues woman was not the driver in Cottonwood bus crash
Attorneys have mapped out their defense of a woman accused of crashing into a school bus and killing four children in southwestern Minnesota.5:20 p.m.
Farm interests, car dealers slow consideration of new vehicle emission rules
Minnesota could become the 13th state to adopt tough new vehicle emissions standards.5:24 p.m.
Blood donation centers struggle with shrinking supplies
Fewer than 40 percent of Americans are eligible to donate blood, and that's creating new challenges for blood donation centers.5:52 p.m.
Appeal filed in Rodriguez death penalty case
Attorneys for Alfonso Rodriguez Junior have filed their appeal of his death penalty conviction. Rodriguez was sentenced to death for the 2003 abduction and murder of University of North Dakota student Dru Sjodin.5:56 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Pa. Vote Could Be Do or Die for Clinton
For the first time in six weeks, Democratic voters are going to the polls to choose between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. For Clinton, a defeat could force her from the race. But even with a win, she still would face steep odds in her quest for the nomination. But if she won big? What message would that send to the superdelegates who may ultimately decide the party's nominee?
Justices Hear Campaign Finance Case
The Supreme Court hears arguments on the so-called "millionaire's amendment" — a provision in the McCain-Feingold federal campaign finance law that allows the opponent of a big-spending, self-financed candidate to raise more contributions, while still staying eligible for federal funding. The amendment is triggered when one candidate spends $350,000 of his or her own money.
Shakira Lobbies Congress on Education for Poor
The Colombian pop star asks Congress to support the Education for All Act, which would increase U.S. funding to give poor children basic and primary education. Shakira urges the U.S. to take the lead in a cause she says "can actually save lives."
W.Va. Teacher Keeps Politics out of Science Class
In West Virginia, science lessons on climate change have the potential to divide teachers from students, and students from their parents. But one teacher, Tiffany Litton, has earned the trust of her students. Her classroom, she says, is a place for honest inquiry, not a forum for anyone — whether the coal industry or environmentalists — to promote an agenda.
Army Engineer Accused of Spying for Israel
A former U.S. Army mechanical engineer has been arrested on charges he slipped classified documents about nuclear weapons to the Israelis during the 1980s. Ben-Ami Kadish, an 84-year-old U.S. citizen, faces four counts of spying.
U.S. Military, Critics at Odds over 'Special Groups'
In the ongoing conflict in Iraq, U.S. military commanders stress that their main enemies are the so-called "Special Groups," Shiite militants who receive training and equipment from Iran. U.S. officials say the special groups are loosely connected to the militia of radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al Sadr. Critics, however, argue that the focus on special groups is part of a crafted political strategy that wholly exaggerates their role.
Departure of 'Journal' Editor Rekindles Suspicions
Rupert Murdoch's purchase of The Wall Street Journal was greeted with dire predictions of his strong-arming editors at the well respected paper. After a relatively quiet period and some good reviews of his early tenure, the questions have been raised again by the departure of editor Marcus Brauchli.
Gorilla Population Up 14 Years After Genocide
When tourists weren't visiting Rwanda, gorillas there didn't reproduce as much. Some think the gorillas were depressed.
FAA Accused of Ignoring Safety Warnings
The Federal Aviation Administration recently has come under fire for letting airlines skip required inspections. Now, it's cracking down. But watchdogs and government investigators say the problem goes beyond inspections. They say the FAA has also ignored safety violations reported by air traffic controllers. And, they say, whistleblowers who come forward get punished.
Heparin Hearing on Capitol Hill Turns Feisty
The head of the Food and Drug Administration Andrew von Eschenbach testifies before a House subcommittee about planned improvements to oversee the foreign manufacture of drug ingredients. The hearing comes after tainted batches of the blood thinner Heparin were linked to a dozen Chinese companies.