Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Faribault manufacturing company gets gov't help to expand
  The U.S. Department of Energy announced a $72 million loan guarantee to help Faribault, Minnesota-based SAGE Electrochromics build a new manufacturing facility.4:50 p.m.
• WCCO's Don Shelby remembers his colleague Darcy Pohland
  Darcy Pohland, a veteran reporter for WCCO-TV in the Twin Cities, was one of the few quadriplegic TV reporters in the country. A station spokesperson says Pohland's caregiver found her this morning in her Minneapolis home. She was 48.4:54 p.m.
• GAMC deal shifts costs to hospitals, health providers
  GAMC provides health insurance for more than 30,000 of the state's poorest residents. The program was scheduled to end on March 31, after Pawlenty cut its funding last year to balance the state budget. The new plan will extend GAMC for three months.5:15 p.m.
• Red River's spring flooding outlook
  The National Weather Service issues a new flood outlook today. One forecaster says it offers a ray of sunshine in a gloomy flood forecast for residents of the Red River Valley, but forecasters caution the situation is still precarious with the typically volatile spring weather season ahead.5:20 p.m.
• Flood outlook for western Minnesota
  There were some quiet sighs of relief in western Minnesota areas along the Minnesota River with the new flood outlook. With heavy snowpack in the area, the cities of Montevideo and Granite Falls are preparing for flooding.5:24 p.m.
• The Movie Maven's Oscar preview
  Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins said that winning one of the statuettes doesn't really change your life. As he put it, "you're still mortal." That said, a lot of actors, directors and producers are holding their breath and hoping they hear their name after the phrase: The Oscar goes to...6:23 p.m.
• Quiz: Minnesota at the Oscars
  The 82nd Academy Awards are this Sunday, and among the large field of nominees for Best Picture and other categories are several films with Minnesota ties. We created this little quiz to test your knowledge of movies up for an Oscar that can be linked back to the "Land of 10,000 Lakes."6:28 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Moving Sept. 11 Trial May Have Political Implications
  The Obama administration has long argued that the self-proclaimed mastermind of the 2001 attacks should be tried in a civilian court, but now it is considering bringing Khalid Sheikh Mohammed before a military court. One expert says it's the president's latest communication misstep.
• Fight Over Holy Sites Clouds New Mideast Peace Bid
  Palestinian protesters clashed with Israeli police in Jerusalem and on the West Bank Friday, following a recent Israeli move to add two West Bank religious sites to Israel's list of national heritage sites. The unrest threatens to disrupt coming U.S. efforts to bring both sides back to the negotiating table.
• Veterans Say Exaggerations Abound In 'Hurt Locker'
  The Hurt Locker has been hailed by critics for its gritty portrayal of Army bomb disposal troops. But veterans say the film — nominated for nine Oscars, including Best Picture — is riddled with inaccuracies.
• 'Word Is Out': A Love That Dared Speak After All
  In 1978, the movie made its mark as one of the first films about gay people made by gay people. Now the documentary, which captured snapshots of gay lives after the Stonewall riots and before AIDS, is newly restored in theaters and on DVD.
• Jobs Numbers Better Than Expected
  The Labor Department's monthly jobs report wasn't as bad as expected. Employers cut a net 36,000 jobs from payrolls. The unemployment rate stayed the same at 9.7 percent. Long-term unemployment is still a problem, and many who lose their jobs don't even qualify for any unemployment benefits.
• Small-Business Owners On Jobs Bill
  Two small-business owners discuss whether the tax incentives included in President Obama's jobs bill would be incentive enough to hire new workers. Andy Hann of Fountain Hills Door and Supply in Arizona says until the construction industry rebounds, he's not going to be able to hire any workers. Meanwhile, Simone Wilker of the printing shop AlphaGraphics in Paramus, N.J., says the incentives might just be the push she needs to take on another sales person.
• Letters: Cookies, Withers
  Girl Scouts gone high-tech, grizzle vs. gristle, and love for soul legend Bill Withers. Melissa Block and Michele Norris read from listeners' e-mails about Thursday's show.
• Week In Politics Reviewed
  Political commentators E.J. Dionne of The Washington Post and Reihan Salam, blogger at National Review and fellow at the New America Foundation, discuss the week in politics. They talk about the status of a health care overhaul by Congress and the latest report on the economy.
• U.K.'s Brown Defends Iraq War
  British Prime Minister Gordon Brown defended his country's decision to invade Iraq, but told an inquiry into the conflict that the U.S. dismissed warning of chaos once Saddam Hussein was ousted. At the time, Brown was part of then-Prime Minister Tony Blair's inner circle. He has faced criticism for not dissuading Blair from entering the war and for underestimating its cost.
• Lifting Of NFL Salary Cap Examined
  At 12:01 a.m. Friday, the National Football League's salary cap expired. Teams no longer have a ceiling for how much they spend on players, potentially giving large market teams an advantage. Sportswriter Stefan Fatsis discusses what this means for the NFL.

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