All Things Considered for February 12, 2008 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

DFLers invite showdown with Pawlenty over gas tax
DFL legislators unveiled a transportation funding bill Tuesday that looks a lot like the one Gov. Tim Pawlenty vetoed last session.5:20 p.m.
Legislature faces some hard choices in fighting global warming
Minnesota has made commitments to reduce emissions that contribute to global warming. Now comes the hard part.5:24 p.m.
St. Paul mayor works 'second shift'
After-school programming in St. Paul is one of first-term Mayor Chris Coleman's most visible policy initiatives. While kids are occupied during the school day, Coleman thinks they need a place to go to after school. The mayor says it's up to cities to work what he calls the "second shift."5:50 p.m.
Woman charged in beating death of 4-year-old boy
Prosecutors allege a Minneapolis woman beat her cousin's 4-year-old boy to death after he soiled his pants. Carla Cherisse Poole, 37, is now charged with second-degree murder in the death of Demond Keith Reed.5:55 p.m.
Local medical devices companies being bought up
Coon Rapids-based cardiovascular device manufacturer Possis Medical is being acquired for about $361 million.6:20 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

A Year Out, Digital TV Picture Still Far from Sharp
Three-fourths of consumers don't know what to do to get ready for the end of analog TV next year. Electronics makers say they're trying to explain. The FCC says it has asked Congress to fund a public education campaign. Consumer advocates say that's not enough.
Afghan Kidnappings Increasingly Common
A growing wave of Afghan kidnappings isn't driven by politics. It's driven by ransom. Many victims accuse the government and police of complicity. The police blame the kidnappings on family or private security firms looking to make a quick buck. Whatever the case, they are rarely investigated.
Kosovo Prepares to Declare Independence
The breakaway province of Kosovo is expected to declare its independence from Serbia this weekend. But the official separation can't take place until a new constitution has been approved by parliament. One of the biggest issues still being discussed is about guaranteeing the rights of ethnic minorities.
Weak U.S. Economy Hampers GM's Recovery Plan
General Motors reported a loss of $722 million for the last three months of 2007. Still, that was better than many analysts expected, and GM shares rose slightly as trading opened. GM also announced an expanded buyout program for UAW members. But what might happen to GM this year — as the U.S. economy slows?
White House, Banks Expand Help for Homeowners
The Bush Administration is promoting another plan to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. It would expand voluntary efforts by major banks to modify loan terms for struggling borrowers. But housing advocates doubt the move will keep a large number of people in their homes.
Coal Industry Lures Engineering Students
After years of economic troubles that saw few people going into mining engineering, the field is experiencing a renaissance on some campuses. Scholarships and good jobs are attracting growing numbers of recruits.
Nagl: Beating Insurgents Takes Unconventional War
Lt. Col. John Nagl, an expert on counter-insurgency, is retiring from the Army and moving to Washington, D.C., to work for a new think tank. He says winning a war against an insurgency is possible — but it takes an unconventional war strategy.
Palestinian PM Tackles Corruption, Hamas
Salaam Fayyad, the Palestinian prime minister, is lobbying Congress and the Bush administration for financial and political support. He discusses the stalled peace talks with Israel, anti-corruption efforts and the thorny issue of Hamas in Gaza.
Many Veteran Suicides are Guardsmen, Reservists
The Department of Veterans Affairs has been analyzing the suicide data since 2001 and found that Guard or Reserve members made up 53 percent of veteran suicides, according to a report Tuesday by the Associated Press. Why might the suicide rate among these troops be higher?
Writers Strike May End Soon, but Trouble Isn't Over
As the Writer's Guild prepares to wrap up its 14-week-long strike, the economic impact has been widespread among the many businesses that rely on the movie and television industries in Los Angeles.