Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Banks have money to loan, but many tightening criteria
  There's a public perception that banks are short on cash for loans to businesses and individuals. But many Minnesota banks say they have plenty of cash to lend out, as long as borrowers can meet stricter lending guidelines.5:20 p.m.
• Minnesota researchers head to Antarctica
  A Minnesota scientist and a team of researchers are heading to Antarctica, to map the Dry Valleys of the continent.5:24 p.m.
• St. Paul enthusiast aims for record-setting speeds
  Local motorcycle enthusiast Steve Hamel has already set records with his 1950 Vincent, but he has his eyes set on 200 mph.5:54 p.m.
• Most memorable stories of 2008
  Over the course of a year, Minnesota Public Radio's reporters, producers and hosts talk to hundreds of people from all walks of life. Some make a bigger impression than others. Some stories involve a behind-the-scenes challenge. MPR journalists each selected a story or show that was the most memorable for them.6:20 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• NASA Looks To Past To Build New Moon Rovers
  Some parts are easier to come by than others. Take the three original lunar rovers. They're still on the moon — which posed a problem for NASA scientists trying to re-create the tires for a new lunar mission. The instructions had been lost. But it turns out that a spare was closer to home.
• Wrigley On Ice: Red Wings Battle Blackhawks
  Wrigley Field has been transformed from a baseball mecca to a hockey venue for one day only. The NHL is holding its winter outdoor classic in Wrigley, pitting the Detroit Red Wings versus the Chicago Blackhawks.
• Stunted Coral Highlights Troubling Ocean Trends
  Coral in the Great Barrier Reef is showing significant signs of trouble, apparently the result of human activities. Scientists say one species of coral is growing much more slowly than it was 15 years ago. If current trends continue, this species of coral could stop growing altogether by the middle of the century.
• U.S. Soldier, Iraqi Translator Reunite In America
  An Army reservist who was deployed to Iraq last year has celebrated the holidays with the Iraqi he credits with keeping him alive. For more than a year, the master sergeant waited for his Iraqi translator to receive a visa to come to the U.S. Now the men and their families have formed a bond on American soil.
• Former Sen. Pell, College Grant Creator, Dies At 90
  Claiborne Pell, the six-term U.S. senator who created a program that helped tens of millions of Americans attend college, has died. He was 90. His family noted that the Rhode Island senator defined his job in seven words: "Translate ideas into actions and help people."
• Stock Market Outlook For 2009
  A government stimulus will shake the economy out of its doldrums in the new year, says Roben Farzad, senior writer for Businessweek. A lot of money is sitting on the sidelines because safety is such a high priority, but people holding that money will seek a higher return than they're getting now, he says.
• Forecast For 2009: Anniversaries, Flavors And More
  It's the first day of 2009, and Melissa Block has a preview of some events and trends expected for this year. Hawaii and Alaska will celebrate 50 years of statehood. Edgar Allan Poe fans will mark the poet and writer's 200th birthday. Experts also weigh in on the top five flavors and the top garden pick for 2009.
• U.S. Hands Control Of Green Zone To Iraqi Forces
  Iraqi leaders celebrated Thursday as the new security agreement with the U.S. went into effect. Now, American forces are operating under Iraqi authority. Separately, three Iraqi policemen were killed in the city of Mosul, underlining the security challenges that remain. In Baghdad's Green Zone, the U.S. formally handed over control to Iraqi forces.
• Israeli Official Issues Warning As Airstrikes Continue
  Israeli fighter jets pounded Hamas targets in Gaza for a sixth day Thursday, and Palestinian doctors say the death toll in the territory now tops 400. One airstrike killed a senior Hamas leader. Meanwhile, rockets continued to hit southern Israel, and an Israeli official said the conflict is far from over.
• Cuba Marks 50 Years Since 'Triumphant Revolution'
  Fifty years ago Thursday, the dictator Fulgencio Batista fled Cuba, clearing the way for Fidel Castro and his guerilla movement to assume power. NPR's Jason Beaubien is in Santiago for the anniversary of the "Triumphant Revolution" and talks with Guy Raz about Cubans' perceptions of their country and their role in the 21st century.
• Viacom, Time Warner Cable Reach Tentative Deal
  There were reports Wednesday that Viacom was threatening to pull its programming from millions of cable subscribers if it couldn't reach an agreement with Time Warner Cable. On Thursday, the two media giants appeared to have reached a New Year's resolution.
• Israeli In Ashkelon Describes Attacks From Gaza
  The Israeli city of Ashkelon has been the target of rocket fire from Gaza. Guy Raz talks with Ashkelon resident Sigal Ariely about this week's escalated attacks.
• Psychiatrist In Gaza: Coping With War
  Palestinians living in Gaza have been under consistent attack from Israeli forces this week. Guy Raz talks with local psychiatrist Eyad Sarajj about how he and his family are coping.
• Chicagoans Weigh Obama's Rise, Blagojevich's Fall
  At Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago, people are balancing a dual message about the politics of their city: On one hand, there's President-elect Barack Obama's ascent, and on the other is Gov. Rod Blagojevich's descent.
• Exploring The Yukon River
  Independent producer Jake Warga visits Whitehorse, Canada, and goes up the Yukon River. He explores the places that inspired poet Robert Service and writer Jack London. He finds the original cabin London used. And he meets various people at this northern outpost.

Services

• Hourly Newscast
• HD Radio
• iPhone App / Mobile
• E-mail newsletters
• RSS feeds
• Podcasts
• Submit your photos
• Videos
• Weather
• Most e-mailed stories

Become a Sponsor