Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Who is Flatiron Construction?
  The selection of Flatiron Construction to rebuild the I-35W bridge may seem like a surprise. The company has never built a bridge in Minnesota and its bid was more expensive and requires more time than competing bids. So, why Flatiron?4:45 p.m.
• Funding request sparks new bridge kerfuffle
  State transportation officials are asking a special legislative panel for the authority to spend an additional $195 million. But a key DFL lawmaker accuses the Pawlenty administration of using a backdoor maneuver to avoid a broader debate of transportation funding.4:50 p.m.
• Unrest in Ethiopia worries local Oromo
  Minnesota has one of the largest Oromo populations in the country. The Oromo is an ethnic group from Ethiopia. The estimated 10,000 to 15,000 Oromo in the Twin Cites are trying to make new lives for themselves. But they say, their thoughts are often elsewhere -- as they monitor what's happening to family and friends in Ethiopia.4:53 p.m.
• UMinn workers suspend strike; send offer to members for vote
  After 16 days on the picket line, AFSCME union workers have settled their strike against the University of Minnesota. But they gained no ground toward the higher wages they sought.5:20 p.m.
• Minnesota Orchestra names new president
  The Minnesota Orchestra has named Michael Henson as its new president and CEO. Henson currently is managing director and CEO of the Bournemouth Symphony in England.5:24 p.m.
• The Discomfort Zone
  Anyone who's gone through adolescence has those moments. Just remembering them can make you cringe inside even 20 or 30 years later. Most of us just hide them away mentally. But not Jonathan Franzen.6:20 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Visit by Iran's Leader Stirs Emotions in New York
  Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is due to visit the U.N. Monday, but he will get a cool reception in New York. He has been rebuffed in his bid to lay a wreath at the World Trade Center site. Columbia University is being criticized for asking him to speak.
• Blackwater: In Iraq to Stay?
  The U.S. security firm Blackwater USA has come under a great deal of fire from Iraqi authorities after some of its operatives were blamed for a shooting that cost civilian lives. But the truth is, the company will be needed even more if a drawdown of U.S. troops occurs.
• Chilling News on North Pole Sea Ice
  Final data on the shrinking North Pole ice cap confirms that the amount of ice there is the lowest yet recorded, with even less ice than had been reported in August.
• Balanced Field Advances in Women's World Cup
  The U.S. women's soccer team is looking solid heading into a quarterfinal match against England. But the balance of power in women's soccer seems to be shifting toward Asia.
• Monks' Protests Target Burmese Generals
  Monks in Myanmar — the nation also known as Burma — have been holding demonstrations seeking the release of political prisoners held by the nation's military regime.
• Jaco Pastorius: 20 Years Later
  In his short but brilliant career, he pioneered a new standard of rapid-fire virtuosity on the electric bass and helped bridge the jazz and pop music of his day. Close collaborators offer a retrospective on Jaco Pastorius.
• World War II's Ski Troops: Fight for Mt. Belvedere
  During World War Two, 13,000 soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division were sent to Italy to fight the Germans. Close to 1,000 would die. This is the second part of an audio history of the 10th Mountain Divison, including the fight to take Mount Belvedere.
• In the Wild West, Death Becomes an Outlaw Icon
  Exquisitely filmed Assassination of Jesse James lends the heft of Greek tragedy to an oft-told saga. Brad Pitt won an acting prize, but it's Casey Affleck's needy, creepy Robert Ford you can't take your eyes off.
• Mattel Apologizes to China for Toy Recalls
  Toy company Mattel apologizes to China, taking full responsibility for recent toy recalls. The U.S.-based company said its own design flaws were primarily at fault. The recalls cast aspersions on Chinese-made products.
• Sometimes, There's Life After Extinction
  Just months after being declared extinct, a Yangtze River dolphin may have been spotted, very much alive. The discovery raises a troubling question for conservation biologists: How do you really know something is extinct?
• Central Park Show Marks 40 Years of 'Hair'
  When the musical Hair opened 40 years ago, its spirit and music had a major influence on pop culture. New York's Public Theatre is presenting a concert version of Hair in Central Park this weekend.
• Political Satire Flourishes on Iraqi TV
  Family gatherings during the celebration of Ramadan create prime opportunities for TV programming in the Middle East. This year, at least three satire shows have aired in Iraq, all deeply critical of political leaders. The audience loves the shows.
• S.C. Forum Joins Candidates, Christian Right
  Christian conservatives invite Republican presidential candidates to a forum in South Carolina. It's an opportunity to take the temperature of religious conservative voters in an early primary state.
• Tears Replace Cheers at Old Notre Dame
  Three straight losses, featuring no offensive touchdowns, are a dismal way for any college football team to start a season. At Notre Dame, the 0-3 start is almost unthinkable. How are the Golden Domers coping in South Bend?
• Battle on the Slopes: World War II's Ski Troops
  The U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division served in World War II combat for only four months, but it had one of the highest casualty rates. Veterans of the ski troops recall their arduous training and a punishing assault to take Italy's Mount Belvedere.

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