Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Shins perform in studio
  What started out as a side project for James Mercer, frontman for the Albuquerque, New Mexico-based group has now turned into a full time project and one of the most popular indie-rock groups of recent years. The group joined Mary Lucia in the Current studios to perform songs from their past two releases as well as a web-only version of Van Halen's "Hot For Teacher."3:50 p.m.
• A challenge of DNR authority
  A northwestern Minnesota road dispute could change wildlife management areas across the state.4:50 p.m.
• Reviews are mixed for governor's enviro and energy spending
  Some environmentalists say Gov. Pawlenty's budget is disappointing, but the governor gets positive review for spending on renewable energy.5:50 p.m.
• Django Reinhardt: the father of Gypsy Jazz
  Guitarist Django Reinhardt would be 97 years old this week. When he was young, a fire mangled his hands, forcing him to come up with new ways to play his favorite instrument. His innovations led to a new type of jazz music that resonated through western Europe even as war tore the continent apart.6:20 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Cooperation and Resistance on Green Energy
  Several utility companies are collaborating with the Natural Resources Defense Council to improve their carbon profile and produce "greener" electricity. Other utilities, however, have taken the opposite tack, and are hustling to build as much coal-fired generation as they can, while they can.
• Poll: How America Looks to the Rest of the World
  A new BBC World Service poll asked more than 26,000 people across 25 countries about the U.S. role in world affairs. Steven Kull, co-designer of the poll, says that global opinions of the U.S. have deteriorated, and that many of those polled describe U.S. actions as hypocritical.
• Petraeus Lays Out Security Plan for Baghdad
  Gen. David Petraeus, President Bush's choice to take over the combat command in Iraq, tells senators about his plan of defense for Baghdad, featuring new sectors and walls. Petraeus says that the situation there is dire but not hopeless.
• Watergate Figure E. Howard Hunt Dies at 88
  E. Howard Hunt, one of the key figures who organized the Watergate break-in, has died at the age of 88. A longtime CIA operative, Hunt helped plan both a coup in Guatemala in 1954 and the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba. Hunt served 33 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy for his role in the Watergate burglary.
• Health Care, Energy to Top Bush's State Speech
  In his State of the Union address, President Bush is expected to seek support from Congress for his buildup of U.S. forces in Baghdad. So far, the plan has attracted resistance from Democrats and even some key Republicans. The president will also seek support for lowering the cost of health insurance and decreasing U.S. dependence on foreign oil.
• Bird Flu Season Hits Asia, Despite Clampdown
  The regular U.S. flu season is late this year, with only five states reporting widespread cases. But several countries are seeing a surge of bird flu that has become an annual event. Vietnam successfully clamped down on bird flu throughout 2006, but it is seeing widespread poultry outbreaks.
• New Passport Requirements May Cramp Travel
  Beginning today, all Americans flying into the United States from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean must have a passport. The new regulations are the result of post-Sept. 11 security concerns. A U.S. Customs agent explains what happens if you don't have a passport; and a travel industry expert says resort deals can offset passport costs.
• I Love My Kids — But Give Me a Break
  A Pennsylvania mother — who loves her children — also loves to get away from them. And on a recent trip away from her family, she realizes that one of the greatest restorative places for an overworked wife and mother is… an airport waiting lounge.
• Israeli President Faces Indictment on Charges
  Israel's attorney general says there is sufficient evidence to indict President Moshe Katsav on charges of rape and sexual harassment. The president's lawyer expects opinion to change after a scheduled hearing. But politicians from across the spectrum are urging the president to step down now.
• China Downplays Talk of Space-Weapon Race
  Nearly two weeks after using a ballistic missile to destroy an aging weather satellite, China confirms for the first time that the test occurred. The foreign ministry provided few details, but it said that China does not want to participate in a space race.
• Libby Jury Hears Two Sides of CIA Leak Case
  The prosecution and defense give their opening statements in the perjury case against former vice presidential aide Lewis Libby. Libby is accused of lying to federal investigators about his conversations with reporters regarding undercover CIA agent Valerie Plame.
• Former Black Panther Members Accused of Murder
  Eight men linked to the Black Panthers have been arrested in connection with the 1971 murder of a San Francisco police sergeant. The officer was killed during an attack on a San Francisco police station. Today, detectives outlined how they finally got a break in the 35-year old cold case.
• Hockey Players Sport New Uniforms
  The National Hockey League introduced a new uniform yesterday, in time for the All Star Game tomorrow night. Average fans will probably not notice much difference, but the NHL claims new material will retain less moisture and allow players to move better. Michele talks with Paul Lukas, who follows trends in sports uniforms. He writes the Uni Watch column for ESPN.com and edits UniWatchblog.
• Oscars Promise to Be a Diverse Departure
  Michele Norris talks with Bob Mondello about the newly announced Oscar nominations. Among the topics: the number of British actresses will be competing in the best actress and best supporting actress categories. This year, there is also a greater racial diversity of nominees across the board. And could this finally be director Martin Scorsese's year?
• 'Dreamgirls' Leads Way to Oscars, with a Snub
  Nominations for the 79th Academy Awards were announced today. The musical Dreamgirls garnered eight nominations — but won't be considered for best picture or best director. Babel netted seven nominations, followed by Pan's Labyrinth and The Queen, with six each.

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