Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Snowless season frustrates winter sports enthusiasts
  While recent storms brought a taste of winter to parts of Minnesota, much of the state is still dealing with a shortage of snow.4:49 p.m.
• Warm winter won't harm Minnesota economy
  In the Lakes region and elsewhere, hotels, restaurants and outfitters that cater to winter-weather lovers are struggling during this warm winter. But the Minnesota economy won't take too much of a hit. State economist Tom Stinson tells us that the $5 billion hospitality and leisure industry accounts for only about 2 percent of the state economy. And the bulk of that money comes from business travelers or Minnesotans going out for dinner. In fact, the warm winter weather could mean a boost for other parts of the Minnesota economy. Construction companies, for example, are enjoying the longer building season.4:52 p.m.
• Minnesota delegation cool to use of more troops in Iraq
  Iraq was the most important issue in the mid-term elections and the war played a major role in stripping the GOP of its control of Congress. Now, most of Minnesota's delegation seems prepared to fight any proposal for additional troops.5:19 p.m.
• Tribal colleges offer specialized education
  The nation's 35 tribal colleges offer a specialized approach to higher education. The goal is to get Indian students into the classroom and a career.5:49 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Week in Washington: Change and Strategy
  Change is afoot this week in Washington, with Congress changing hands, significant staff shifts at the White House and anticipation of President Bush's coming speech on Iraq. Michele Norris talks with political commentators E.J. Dionne of The Washington Post and David Brooks of The New York Times.
• House Considers Bill Enacting 9/11 Report Measures
  A bill is being introduced in the House that would enact portions of the 9/11 Commission recommendations that haven't been voted into law. One provision would require screening all cargo that arrives at U.S. seaports.
• As Intel Chief, McConnell May Focus on Home Front
  President Bush has nominated retired Navy Adm. Mike McConnell to replace John Negroponte as the Director of National Intelligence. McConnell directed the National Security Agency from 1992 to 1996. Intelligence sources speculated that the former military commander would place greater emphasis on domestic intelligence operations.
• Boost Troop Levels, Says Alternative Iraq Report
  A study released last month by the American Enterprise Institute supports the plan to increase U.S. troop levels in Iraq — a move President Bush is expected to announce next week. The study was written by Frederick Kagan and retired U.S. Army Gen. Jack Keane. The two explained their recommendations in Washington Friday at an event that also included Sens. John McCain and Joseph Lieberman.
• The Movie Industry in 2006: Money Makers
  Hollywood's biggest money-makers of 2006 include Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, X-Men: The Last Stand, and a number of high-profile animated films, including Happy Feet.
• Infant Car Seats Are Faulted by 'Consumer Reports'
  Many infant car seats fail new front and side-crash tests, says Consumer Reports. The magazine has issued a safety alert for infant car seats. Of the 12 U.S. models tested, only the Baby Trend Flex-Loc and the Graco SnugRide performed well, according to Kim Klemen, Consumer Reports deputy editorial director.
• Judge's 'Tyranny of Tolerance' Book Spurs Complaints
  A veteran St. Louis judge is causing a political stir by publishing a liberal-bashing book. The first chapter of Circuit Judge Robert H. Dierker, Jr.'s book, The Tyranny of Tolerance: A Sitting Judge Breaks the Code of Silence to Expose the Liberal Judicial Assault, has been widely read in legal circles, after being distributed by email.
• Parents' Plan to Stunt Girl's Growth Sparks Debate
  The parents of a severely disabled girl are deliberately stunting the 9-year-old's growth with hormones. They say the treatment will make their daughter more comfortable and allow them to better lift her and care for her. The case has created a medical and ethical controversy.
• Steelers, Dolphins Lose Head Coaches
  This week, two NFL head coaches said they're leaving their teams. Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher says he wants to spend more time with his family. And Nick Saban of the Miami Dolphins is leaving to coach the University of Alabama. Michele Norris talks with Wall Street Journal sportswriter Stefan Fatsis.
• Visit to the Old World: A Russian Bath in N.Y.C.
  After months of walking by a battered metal sign for a Russian Bath near his home in Manhattan, reporter Jody Avirgan journeyed up the marble stairs into another world. He sends an audio postcard from his trip.
• Passport Requirements Will Cost, Resorts Say
  Beginning Jan. 23, travelers will need passports to fly between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Caribbean resorts say that the new regulations will cost them hundreds of millions in tourism dollars.
• Storks Rebound, and a German Village Rejoices
  A tiny German village is in a tizzy of excitement as it prepares for the return of its famous storks. Last summer, the lone stork couple in Gummern, Germany, had six babies — an event that had not happened in more than a generation, as reported in The Washington Post.
• Venezuelan Orchestras Help At-Risk Children
  For more than 30 years, a man known to Venezuelans as Maestro Abreu has run a system of orchestras that teach classical music to thousands of Venezuelan children. Many of the young pupils are poor and from violent barrios. Some have gone on to become well-known musicians.
• White House Shuffles Its Leaders on Iraq, Security
  President Bush says it is "vital" that Congress quickly confirm the changes he has made to his national security team. With new commanders and new policies in the works for Iraq, the White House seems to be clearing the decks at home as well, with a number of top-level personnel changes.
• Mr. Bennett Goes to Washington
  We listen to excerpts from yesterday's happenings on Capitol Hill. On separate occasions, NPR's Robert Siegel and Andrea Seabrook both ran into crooner Tony Bennett.

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