All Things Considered for February 19, 2010 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Friday, February 19, 2010

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

The art of the visual metaphor
When it comes to defining Ellen Kuras it's simplest just to call her a filmmaker. But she's known for many things in the industry: she's a sought after director of photography, and has worked on movies by Spike Lee, Michel Gondry, and Harold Ramis. She is also an Oscar nominated documentary director. She is in Minnesota to talk about her work, and her skills at visual story-telling.4:44 p.m.
Relief efforts in Haiti still a struggle
A Twin Cities based non-profit continues to have one of the largest operations of any relief agency in Haiti. The American Refugee Committee has been on the ground since shortly after the devastating earthquake hit six weeks ago.4:50 p.m.
Pawlenty touts conservative credentials to activists in Washington
Gov. Tim Pawlenty got a warm reception from conservative activists at a conference in Washington D.C. Friday, where he criticized President Obama for "out-of-control" federal spending.5:20 p.m.
Both parties ready for GAMC override showdown
DFL leaders in the House and Senate are gearing up for a showdown with Gov. Tim Pawlenty, most likely next week. They want to try to override his veto of a bill to extend health care coverage for thousands of low-income adults.5:23 p.m.
Advocates: Grants program can't replace Pawlenty's proposed cuts to the poor
Thousands of Minnesota's poorest residents still stand to lose their only source of income if the governor's budget passes, despite a new welfare program the governor said would replace it.5:25 p.m.
Spring floods could hit Red River Valley, elsewhere in Minn.
Officials on Friday warned residents in the Red River Valley and elsewhere in Minnesota to prepare for widespread flooding this spring.5:49 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Officials: Cleric Had Role In Christmas Bomb Attempt
NPR News Investigation: Intelligence officials suspect that American-born radical imam Anwar al-Awlaki may have lured Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab to Yemen for training by al-Qaida operatives before the young Nigerian tried to bring down a Detroit-bound trans-Atlantic airliner on Dec. 25. A look at the cleric and his reach.
A Burst Of Gunfire, And A Marine Lost In Marjah
A patrol of the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment set out in southern Afghanistan to claim another mile of territory. But Taliban fighters were waiting for them and the firefight led to the first death of a Marine from this battalion since the offensive began last week.
As U.S.-China Tensions Rise, Military Ties Suffer
China's recent disputes with the United States have prompted Beijing to cool efforts at military cooperation between the two countries. But in the long term, Chinese leaders apparently recognize the value of regular military-to-military ties.
Gov. Rick Perry To EPA: Don't Mess With Texas
On Tuesday, Texas Gov. Rick Perry and other state officials announced a lawsuit challenging the EPA in federal court for its recent finding that CO2 is a pollutant. The state is a major contributor of the gas, and Perry says the EPA's ruling threatens Texas businesses, farms and even churches.
As Mekong Rolls To The Sea, Turbulence On Its Banks
The Mekong River is known as the Cuu Long, or Nine Dragons, in Vietnam, where the waterway splits and flows into the South China Sea. In the Mekong Delta, an economic boom has brought abundance for some, poverty for others, and worries about threats to the river.
Prehistoric Megafish Ate Ocean's Tiniest Critters
Before whales, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, giant filter-feeding fish swam the prehistoric seas. By going back and searching through museums for misunderstood or overlooked fossils, a researcher found evidence that these fish existed for more than 100 million years — far longer than scientists had previously thought.
Health Care Dominates Obama Town Hall
Health care concerns were front and center when President Obama joined Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for a campaign-style event Friday outside Las Vegas. Obama confessed he was warned early on that health care was too tough to tackle.
Week In Politics Reviewed
President Obama hit the road this week in campaign mode, conservatives met for an annual gathering in Washington and Democratic Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana said he won't seek re-election. E.J. Dionne of The Washington Post and David Brooks of The New York Times offer their insight on the week in politics.
Tiger Woods Apologizes For Affairs
Golfer Tiger Woods held Friday his much anticipated public apology, saying he'll return to golf but not specifying when. It was his first public appearance in three months and Woods used it to acknowledge cheating on his wife, take responsibility for his actions and said he was still in treatment for his behavior.
U.K. Reporter Admits To Euthanasia; Spurs Probe
Police in Britain have been questioning a veteran TV reporter after he revealed that he had suffocated his lover who was terminally ill with AIDS. Ray Gosling, now 70, did not disclose the name of his lover or when the man had died. He said he had suffocated him with a pillow to end his suffering.