Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Pawlenty to lead Innovation America task force
  The National Governors Association is meeting today in Phoenix, Ariz. to launch Innovation America, a bipartisan initiative "to strengthen the competitive position of the United States in the global economy." Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano will co-chair the 17-member task force.5:23 p.m.
• Construction concerns stall new ethanol plants
  Some plans for new ethanol production have been postponed or canceled across the U.S. as the ethanol boom slows. One analyst says far more plants have been proposed than will ever be built.5:50 p.m.
• More doctors opt for plump and peel procedures
  A new trend in medicine has more and more doctors moving into the field of cosmetic medicine. Some simply add cosmetic procedures to their practice, while others abandon their original specialties altogether to erase wrinkles, plump lips and peel away the years.5:53 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Lebanese Protesters Remain Outside Central Buildings
  In Beirut, the death of a Shiite demonstrator Sunday has raised the stakes in the ongoing confrontation between Hezbollah and its allies and the Lebanese government. Tens of thousands of protestors remain in the streets, separated from government headquarters by a cordon of troops and armored vehicles.
• Moon Society Encouraged by Plans for Lunar Base
  Melissa Block talks with Dr. Robert Zubrin, president of the Mars Society and owner of Pioneer Astronautics, an aerospace engineering contracting firm, and Peter Kokh, president of the Moon Society, about NASA's plan to build a lunar base.
• NASA Airs Its Plan for a Moon Base by 2024
  NASA announces plans to build a moon base that would house a new generation of lunar explorers. The plan calls for a return to the moon by 2020, with a rudimentary base camp established by 2024. But the ambitious plan faces stiff technical and political challenges.
• Two Generals' Views of Gates, Troop Levels
  Robert Siegel talks with retired Army Gens. Robert Scales and Barry McCaffrey. Both former officers are engaged in the current debate over Iraq, particularly with respect to U.S. troop levels. The subject was often discussed in confirmation hearing for Robert Gates, the president's nominee to be secretary of defense. Scales and McCaffrey analyze the day's session.
• Lead-Filled Anchor Is a Low-Tech Gadget
  In part two of our series on favorite gadgets, we hear from Alex Lee, president of Oxo International. You might have one or two of their black-handled ergonomic kitchen tools in your house. Lee describes his favorite gadget: an anchor for his fishing boat that's made of two bags full of lead shot.
• Former Lawmakers Let Go of the Congressional Life
  There is an exclusive club that no one wants to join: the United States Association of Former Members of Congress. The group tells new ex-members where to park now that they're no longer immune to tickets in Washington, D.C., when to expect that last paycheck -- and how to find a new source of income.
• Indian School Case May Affect Casino Labor Policies
  Teachers at a Native American charter school in northern Michigan file unfair labor charges against school administrators after just two bargaining sessions. School officials are threatening to close the school unless the teachers vote to decertify the union. Tribal officials concede that the fight is tied to fears that unions would be able to organize tens of thousands of workers at Indian casinos.
• Senate Armed Services Committee OKs Gates
  The Senate Armed Services Committee votes unanimously to approve Robert Gates as the new secretary of defense. In his sole day of hearings, Gates faced questions about Iraq and U.S. troop levels. The full Senate will vote on his nomination Wednesday.
• Freed From New York Mud, Intrepid Moves Anew
  In New York City, the historic aircraft carrier Intrepid was towed down the Hudson River after being moored for a quarter-century at a Manhattan pier. The trip was supposed to take place last month, but the ship got stuck in the mud a few feet from shore. The Intrepid is being towed to a shipyard in New Jersey for a face-lift.
• A Legendary Tuba Player's Musical Memorial
  Over the weekend, 99 tuba players gathered to play a few tunes in honor one of their own, a studio musician named Tommy Johnson. Johnson played on a number of famous Hollywood scores, including the theme from Jaws.
• Army Generals on Gates, Troops, Part II
  Robert Siegel continues his conversation with retired Army Gens. Robert Scales and Barry McCaffrey.
• Oaxaca Protest Organizer Arrested in Mexico City
  Mexican police arrest the most well-known leader of left-wing activists who have staged six months of protests in Oaxaca. Flavio Sosa was seized after he held a news conference in Mexico City. Police said he was wanted for his involvement in kidnapping, violent robbery and arson.
• Having Lost a Son, Family Sees Another Go to Iraq
  A North Carolina family is having a difficult holiday season as it mourns Army Staff Sgt. Misael Martinez, who died in Iraq during his third tour of duty. A bomb exploded near the 24-year-old's vehicle in Ramadi. Martinez joined the military after finishing high school, hoping to attend college later. But even as the family grieves, it is preparing for another son to leave for Iraq on his first tour of duty in January. Jessica Jones of member station WUNC reports.
• Cities Lure White-Collar Workers Onto Buses
  Increasing numbers of commuters are using buses as a faster and cheaper way to get to work, new figures show. Urban municipalities are expanding bus services -- and adding features like wireless Internet access -- in an effort to target white-collar and business employees who might otherwise drive their cars.
• Putting a Hit Out on Pheasants for the Holidays
  Commentator Heather King lives in Los Angeles, but lately she's been attuned to the hunting season in Pipestone, Minn. She and a friend commissioned a pheasant hunt: Four wild birds were killed in Minnesota for them, shipped to Los Angeles on ice and eaten as part of a feast in King's Los Angeles apartment.

Services

• Hourly Newscast
• HD Radio
• iPhone App / Mobile
• E-mail newsletters
• RSS feeds
• Podcasts
• Submit your photos
• Videos
• Weather
• Most e-mailed stories

Become a Sponsor