Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Exploring democracy and citizenship through art
  What exactly does art have to do with democracy?4:45 p.m.
• Minnesota soldier killed in Iraq
  A soldier who grew up in Wisconsin and recently moved to Minnesota has died in Iraq.5:26 p.m.
• Binge drinking is not so new
  In spite of the headlines about the recent deaths of several college students due to binge drinking, it seems drinking on college campuses hasn't changed all that much over the last 20 years. But the serious problems that come with heavy drinking go beyond the tragedies that make the headlines.5:35 p.m.
• What is it about college that makes people drink more?
  All of the high-profile alcohol-related deaths in the last few months have involved college students, or young people preparing to return to college. Colleges have long struggled with the problem of heavy drinking by students and so far, have had little success combating it.5:41 p.m.
• The Midwest is the worst for binge drinking
  Binge drinking is more common in Minnesota, Wisconsin and other upper Midwestern states than in any other part of the country. Experts aren't sure why that is.5:46 p.m.
• Binge drinking and the family's role
  Stories of young people excessively drinking -- be it at a rural bar or a college party -- prompt a lot of people to ask, "Where are the parents?"5:52 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• FBI Agent: Lack of Expertise Stymies War on Terror
  In an exclusive interview, FBI agent Bassem Youssef says that the bureau lacks agents with the necessary know-how to effectively combat terrorism. As a result, he says it is targeting the wrong people and violating Americans' civil liberties.
• With Recent Triumph, Clinton Heads West
  Fresh off her win in New Hampshire, a rejuvenated Hillary Clinton campaigned in a Latino neighborhood in Las Vegas on Thursday and then flew to Los Angeles for a rally and a speech Friday. Clinton is using some of the personal touch that worked so well for her in New Hampshire.
• Homeland Security Unveils 'Real ID' Regulations
  The Department of Homeland Security has unveiled regulations to implement the Real ID law. The goal of Real ID is to make driver's licenses more secure as personal identification, preventing their use by potential terrorists. States have complained that the law requires them to spend more money on the new licenses.
• America's Past, Present and Future in the Gulf
  Michele Norris talks with Robert Scales, a retired Army major general, about the past, present and future of American military deployments to the Persian Gulf.
• Bush Arrives in Kuwait for a Thank-You Visit
  After three days in Israel and the West Bank, President Bush arrived in Kuwait. His spokeswoman says he's thanking Kuwait for hosting U.S. troops. This visit is part of the weeklong trip for the president. He'll begin to shift the focus away from Middle East peace to regional security: Iraq and Iran.
• Foreign Policy Experts Ponder Geopolitical Future
  Foreign policy experts Nina Hachigian and Mona Sutphen got their starts in the Clinton administration. In The Next American Century, they lay out some dos and don'ts for America moving forward. Michele Norris talks with the authors about their book.
• NFL Fans Ready for Playoffs This Weekend
  Michele Norris talks with our regular sports commentator Stefan Fatsis about this weekend's NFL playoffs. They discuss the New England Patriots' quest for a perfect season, a possible distraction for a Dallas player, and an unusual feature in a Green Bay kicker's pants: a heater.
• Cleveland Sues Big Banks Over Subprime Fallout
  The City of Cleveland on Friday filed a lawsuit against 21 banks involved in subprime loans in the city. The city argues that the lenders created a public nuisance by selling high volumes of subprime loans in an economy and housing market that was not as strong as in other parts of the country. The city argues the banks should have known many of the loans would go bad. Mhari Saito of member station WCPN reports.
• What's Next in Campaign 2008
  The Nevada caucuses are the next big showdown for Democratic rivals Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Obama has won the endorsement of the powerful Culinary Workers Union there, and both Clinton and Obama are airing ads intended to appeal to Hispanic voters.
• Bank of America Acquires Countrywide for $4 Billion
  Bank of America announces it will acquire Countrywide in a stock deal valued at $4 billion. Countrywide, the nation's largest mortgage lender, had few options after losses related to the subprime mortgage crisis. Analysts believe the company faced bankruptcy if it didn't work out a deal to be acquired.
• Disgraced Marion Jones Sentenced to Six Months
  Track star Marion Jones was sentenced Friday to six months in prison for lying about using steroids, and two months concurrently for her role in a check-fraud scheme. The sentencing judge said Jones' punishment should send a message to athletes who cheat with performance-enhancing drugs.
• 'Cloverfield' Release Will Be Test of Online Hype
  Cloverfield, the highly anticipated new film produced by the creator of such TV shows as Alias and Lost, is out in theaters next week. For months, Internet speculation about the movie has been rampant.
• Many Think Mafia Involved in Naples Trash Crisis
  The Italian city of Naples is suffocating under mountains of garbage. All the local dumps are full, and many Neapolitans, including author Roberto Saviano, believe it is the Camorra, a mafia organization, that is behind the crisis.
• 'The Little Mermaid,' Heeling Hard to Broadway Port
  Critics say the latest stage production from the Mouse House has run hard aground — which just proves once again how hard it is to translate the magic of animation to the world of Broadway.
• Extra Golden Members Stranded in Kenya
  When violence erupted after the disputed elections in Kenya, the turmoil has disrupted business and food supplies. Two Kenyan members of the international rock band Extra Golden have been severely affected by the riots, and now its American counterparts and fans are trying to help.

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