Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Recount inches closer to court challenge
  In a blow to Democrat Al Franken, absentee ballots that were rejected by poll workers won't be included in Minnesota's Senate recount.5:20 p.m.
• Study: Charter schools promote segregation, perform worse than traditional schools
  The findings by the Institute on Race and Poverty at the University of Minnesota do not deter backers of charter schools.5:24 p.m.
• A final journey home
  More Mexicans are living in the U.S. than ever before and as they die, many families decide to send their loved ones back home to be buried. The process is called repatriation. The decision is an emotional one that often comes at a high cost.5:50 p.m.
• Scribes poked fun at last great Minnesota recount
  Minnesota saw its last big recount battle in 1962. The following year, Twin Cities Newspaper Guild roasted the recount at its Gridiron Dinner with a little ditty sung to the tune of "I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover."5:55 p.m.
• Remembering Harvey Milk
  In the late 1970's Harvey Milk became a national symbol as the first openly gay man to win a major political election. In the new film "Milk," Gus Van Sant looks at Harvey Milk's life. One Twin Cities woman knows the Milk story very well, because she was there.6:24 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Back In Vogue: The Retro Way To Pay For Presents
  This season, stores like TJ Maxx and Sears are offering customers the option to buy on layaway — make a deposit, and the store keeps the goods until the price is paid in full. Layaway had been discontinued decades ago, but it's making a comeback because credit cards are no longer cheap or easy to use.
• Damaged Bridges Separate Georgians, Russians
  Bridges connecting Georgian and Russian-controlled territory have been damaged, forcing residents to ford the icy river in carts or by foot. Some Western diplomats say the disappearance of the bridges fits with Moscow's broader strategy of cutting the region's links to the rest of Georgia.
• From McCartney, Young: Something Old, New
  2008 has been a milestone year for music. Neil Young has released new solo albums in each of the past three years, and Paul McCartney is back this year with a surprising new album. Bob Boilen talks with Michele Norris about these stunning recordings, both new and old.
• Fed Move Could Signal Real Estate Thaw
  The depressed mortgage market got a jolt when the Federal Reserve said Tuesday it would move hundreds of billions of dollars into action to revive consumer lending activity. The Fed's move sent mortgage rates down and immediately set off a wave of refinancing.
• Home Prices Seen Falling Dramatically In New Data
  The latest Case-Shiller Home Prices Index shows a drop in home prices not seen in 50 years. Phoenix, Las Vegas and San Francisco experienced the largest declines. David Blitzer, chairman of the Index Committee at Standard and Poor's, discusses the numbers.
• To Ease Holiday Travel, Airports Try Family Lanes
  Just in time for the busy Thanksgiving travel season, airports nationwide now have special security lanes designated for families. Officials from the Transportation Security Administration say the idea is to reduce stress both for families and for business travelers.
• Maine Democrat Gets Fresh View Of Congress
  Maine Democrat Chellie Pingree was once head of a political watchdog group, but soon she will be the one under a microscope. The congresswoman-elect is wrapping up her first week in the Capitol.
• In 'Milk,' A Man And A Movement Remembered
  Out gay politician Harvey Milk served just 11 months in office before his assassination 30 years ago. Critic Bob Mondello says Gus Van Sant's new movie biography is a portrait of a hero — and of his cause. (Recommended)
• A Look At Likely Pick For National Security Adviser
  It appears likely president-elect Barack Obama will tap Gen. James Jones as his national security adviser. Jones previously served as supreme allied commander of NATO. Former NATO Secretary-General Lord George Robertson offers his insight on Jones.
• Russia Flexes Muscles In Cuba, Venezuela
  Russian President Dmitri Medvedev is reviving Cold War memories, visiting Cuba and Venezuela just as the Russian Navy was conducting joint exercises with the Venezuelan military. U.S. officials are dismissing the importance of the Russian overtures to U.S. adversaries.

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