All Things Considered for February 18, 2008 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Monday, February 18, 2008

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

More than 400 Minnesota soldiers in Kosovo
The soldiers are in the Minnesota Army National Guard and are aiding in peace-keeping efforts in Kosovo.5:19 p.m.
Presidential hopefuls continue their stump across Wisconsin
Four of the presidential candidates are campaigning in Wisconsin today just one day before that state's presidential primary.5:23 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Andy Pettitte Talks Publicly About HGH Use
Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte holds his first public discussion about his admitted use of human growth hormone. Last week, Pettitte's sworn testimony implicated his friend and former teammate Roger Clemens in the use of HGH, which is banned in baseball.
'Brooklyn' Renders an Imperfect World, Perfectly
As a girl, Peggy Orenstein may have spent her summers in Wisconsin, but her heart was often farther east. She recounts her love for Betty Smith's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and its hard, touching lessons about the difference between what is right and what is true.
Maceo Parker Shouts Out 'Roots & Grooves'
When James Brown's funky horn section got cooking, the Godfather of Soul would call up Maceo Parker for a solo. The saxophonist has since launched his own solo career: His new double album is packed with funky jams and a tribute to Ray Charles.
Pakistan Opposition Ahead in Unofficial Results
A long-awaited parliamentary election took place Monday in Pakistan. Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party was expected to do well. Early unofficial results confirmed that expectation, with the opposition making a strong showing. President Musharraf vowed the election would be free and fair.
Democratic Candidates Have a War of Words
The Democratic candidates engaged in a war on words this weekend. Michele Norris talks with Dr. Douglas Brinkley, a history professor at Rice University and a fellow at the James Baker III Institute For Public Policy at Rice University, about the words that went flying on the campaign trail.
Secretary Rice Demands Resolution in Kenya
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is in Kenya for a day of talks with political protagonists and leaders. She's delivering a message from President Bush: Stop the violence and return to democracy.
Africa Presents Growing Challenge in U.S. Policy
President Bush visits several African nations this week, including Ghana and Rwanda, highlighting some of his administration's foreign policy successes there. But his trip also coincides with growing instability across sub-Saharan Africa.
Checking In on the Toad of Monteverde
A decade ago, scientists studying Costa Rica's Monteverde cloud forest said they were seeing one of the earliest, concrete results of climate change: the disappearance of a tiny toad. What has changed since then?
Harsh Winter Destroys Crops in the West Bank
The West Bank has had one of the harshest winters in decades. Snow and frost have damaged or destroyed about 90 percent of all Palestinian field crops there. And 40 percent to 50 percent of produce in West Bank greenhouses may be lost, as well.
Letters: Superdelegate Loyalty, Surgeon General
Michele Norris reads from e-mail sent by listeners responding to Friday's program. We hear surprised reaction to co-host Melissa Block's interview with Missouri Congressman Emanuel Cleaver; they spoke about Cleaver's decision to cast his superdelegate vote for Hillary Clinton out of loyalty. We also hear responses to a commentary by Former Assistant Surgeon General Douglas Kamerow.