Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Ellison finds Guantanamo conditions better than expected
  Rep. Keith Ellison said the conditions at the Guantanamo Bay military prison are better than he thought, but he said he's still upset with the lack of legal rights provided to the inmates there.5:20 p.m.
• Lenders sued for rushing through foreclosure process
  There's a new effort to slow the rate of home foreclosures in the Twin Cities. Minneapolis Legal Aid attornies are accusing a group of home loan companies of rushing foreclosure proceedings in violation of state law.5:24 p.m.
• Northside Minneapolis development means more groceries
  The opening of an Aldi grocery store at Penn-Lowry Crossings brings some new development to Minneapolis' northside neighborhoods.5:50 p.m.
• Klondike Kates rock the winter carnival
  The Klondike Kates, St. Paul's winter mistresses of fun, heat up the annual Winter Carnival.5:54 p.m.
• Performances take new leaps with digital technology
  This weekend fans of the Irish supergroup U2 can enjoy a new view of their favorite band. "U23D" is a three dimensional film that plunges a viewer into a huge stadium concert. It's just one new way that digital technology is being used to present performances.6:19 p.m.
• Figure skaters get a leg up from those behind the scenes
  Sweepers, menders and music makers help skaters do their best at the 2008 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.6:24 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Soldiers Try to Cope with Battlefield Losses
  Some of the hardest fighting in Iraq is now taking place in rural areas north of Baghdad, where insurgents are trying to regroup after being forced from the capital. Last week, soldiers from an Army unit had to deal with losing three men in a firefight with insurgents there.
• Lender Offers Tips for Those Looking to Refinance
  The Federal Reserve's decision to cut a key interest rate this week prompted a burst of activity in the mortgage market, as homeowners tried to figure out whether to refinance. Russell Rothstein, the director of mortgage lending for Beacon Mortgage in Rockville, Md., offers advice.
• Native Species Among Victims of Calif. Fires, Floods
  Recent wildfires and flooding in Southern California have wiped out populations of native fish and amphibians in the region. Scientists warn that officials need to do more to ensure that the state's dwindling native species survive.
• Democrats Await Outcome of S. Carolina Vote
  Republicans had their turn last week in South Carolina. On Saturday, the Democrats have their say. Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards are making last-minute appeals to the voters of the Palmetto State, but the stakes are perhaps higher for Obama and Edwards.
• S.C. Polls Show Edwards Gaining, Many Undecided
  A Clemson University poll on the Democratic race in South Carolina out Thursday shows Barack Obama leading with 27 percent, Hillary Clinton second with 20 percent and John Edwards gaining with 17 percent. He had just 12 percent in a previous poll. Some 36 percent of people still call themselves undecided or refuse to answer the poll.
• Study: 70 Percent of Army Recruits Have Diplomas
  A new study by NPP, a research group that looks at military trends, has concluded that last year, barely 70 percent of new Army recruits had high school diplomas. That's the lowest number in a quarter-century. The Pentagon has attacked the study, saying it's getting the recruits it needs.
• Museums Suspected in Tax Fraud, Stolen Artifacts
  Federal agents have raided the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana and the Mingei International Museum in San Diego, and a warrant was issued for Pasadena's Pacific-Asia Museum. Authorities say the museums received looted Asian and Native American artifacts.
• Economic Woes Test Bernanke's Leadership
  Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's ability to lead the Central Bank is being tested by the subprime mortgage crisis and the faltering economy. The interest rate cut earlier this week demonstrates that he's willing to make bold moves but he's been criticized for acting too late.
• Tax 'Rebate' Is Borrowed Money in Disguise
  Commentator Marc Acito says the proper response when receiving a gift is to simply say "thank you," whether or not you wanted it. But, he says, it's hard to be grateful for this latest gift from our government. Acito says this "rebate" isn't a gift at all. It's borrowed money, and it's time we started paying it back.
• A Restaurant for the Birds Welcomes All
  As temperatures drop, homeowners put more effort into feeding their feathered neighbors. Commentator Julie Zickefoose realizes that not all of the birds at a feeding station are welcome, but the undesirables might just be vital.

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