Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• As the Twins shape up for the 2006 season, health issues on and off the field are considered
  It's been about a month since the start of spring training, and the Minnesota Twins are gradually welcoming several players who took time away to play in the World Baseball Classic. Pitching prospect Francisco Liriano is one -- he's expected to pitch tonight after missing two-and-a-half weeks to compete for the Dominican Republic. On the field issues tend to be front and center during this time when players shape up for the season, but off the field issues can dominate as well.4:49 p.m.
• GOP files ethics complaint against Dean Johnson
  Republican state senators filed an ethics complaint Wednesday against Democratic Majority Leader Dean Johnson, assuring the controversy over his gay marriage comments won't fade anytime soon.5:19 p.m.
• It's a circus in there
  A bill that would ask voters to dedicate a portion of the sales tax to environmental projects has become so loaded down with other proposals that even the bill's sponsor says he doesn't recognize it. Supporters of the measure are upset with the changes.5:23 p.m.
• Small towns merge for sake of efficiency
  The Scott County towns of Elko and New Market are both experiencing rapid growth as Twin Cities area sprawl spreads south along Interstate 35. Yesterday, voters at the Elko City Hall overwhelmingly approved a referendum to merge with their neighbor. A mile and a half down the road, New Market residents were doing the same.5:48 p.m.
• Is it right to call a Lincoln impersonator "Honest Abe"?
  A new photography exhibit in Minneapolis is calling on viewers to question the symbols we choose to represent American history.5:53 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• New Rule Will Bar Evidence Gained Through Torture
  The Pentagon issues a new rule that will prevent certain evidence from being used in military trials of suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay. The rule bars the use of any evidence created under conditions of torture.
• Supreme Court Adds Limits to Search and Consent
  In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court rules that police without a warrant cannot search a home when the residents disagree about whether the police can enter. Chief Justice John Roberts was among the dissenters, saying the ruling could have severe consequences on domestic violence cases.
• Basque Group Announces Permanent Truce
  The Basque separatist group, ETA, announces a permanent cease-fire as of Friday. A statement announcing the cease-fire was sent to television and newspaper outlets. If it holds, it could bring a dramatic end to a decades-long campaign of violence.
• Non-Native Weeds Get Whacked in Southwest
  Many wildfires in the Southwest have grown much more dangerous because of the spread of non-native grasses. These grasses grow thicker and burn hotter than native desert plants. The threat has led to serious weed-whacking in the Arizona desert.
• 'Eat, Pray, Love': Finding Pleasure in the World
  Commentator Elizabeth Gilbert, who is the author of the new book Eat, Pray, Love, recalls a trip to Naples, Italy that helped restore her love of pleasure after a painful divorce.
• Civil War: What's at Stake in Debate over Words
  Col. Thomas X. Hammes, a former Marine and author of The Sling and the Stone and Monica Toft, assistant director of Harvard's John M. Olin Institute for Strategic Studies talks with Melissa Block about what's at stake in the debate over whether Iraq is in a civil war.
• Finding Happiness in a Harvard Classroom
  Students at Harvard University are flocking to a new class that they hope may provide hints to the secret to happiness. Psychology 1504, or "positive psychology," has become the most popular course on campus. It focuses on what makes people happy, rather than just their pathologies.
• Book Review: 'Philosophy Made Simple'
  Philosophy Made Simple by Robert Hellenga, is a novel about a widower who leaves Chicago to run an avocado farm in South Texas.
• GM, Delphi Develop Early-Retirement Deal for Union
  General Motors, its bankrupt parts supplier Delphi and the United Auto Workers Union have a deal to provide early retirement to union members and to move about 5,000 Delphi workers to GM. About 13,000 hourly-paid Delphi workers will be eligible for buyouts of at least $35,000 each.
• Minivans, SUVs Face Tougher Efficiency Standards
  Minivans and SUVs may need to comply with tougher fuel-efficiency standards as part of the Bush administration's fuel-economy plan. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration will issue a ruling on April 1. Wall Street Journal reporter Laura Meckler talks with Robert Siegel.

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