Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• New anti-drunk-driving strategy goes statewide this summer
  On July 1, Minnesota will expand statewide a voluntary program that encourages repeat drunk driving offenders to use an ignition interlock on their vehicle.3:35 p.m.
• Twin Cities musician Chan Poling crafts new musical
  Ex "Suburbs" member Chan Poling is using his songwriting and pop-music sensibilities to make musical theater.4:49 p.m.
• Minnesota health care leaders optimistic about Obama plan
  The White House announced a plan today to take a $2 trillion scalpel to health care costs, and medical industry leaders in Minnesota are optimistic that the plan can succeed.5:20 p.m.
• Minn. lawmakers start final week billions apart
  The final week of the Legislative session is underway with no agreement in sight for erasing the state's $4.6 billion budget deficit. But Gov. Tim Pawlenty tried to kick start the negotiations today by partially pulling back on one of his key budget provisions, and agreeing to two others offered by Democrats.5:44 p.m.
• Settlement hearing draws rally for Fong Lee's family
  A group of nearly 200, mostly Hmong people, demonstrated in front of the U.S. courthouse in downtown St. Paul to rally support for the family of Fong Lee, who was shot and killed by a Minneapolis officer in 2006.5:47 p.m.
• Franken files arguments in Senate recount trial
  Democrat Al Franken's attorneys called on the Minnesota Supreme Court today to uphold a ruling that declared Franken the winner of Minnesota's long-running U.S. Senate race.5:50 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Astronauts To Give Hubble One Last Hug
  Astronauts are making their final visit to do repairs on the Hubble Space Telescope. The tuneup will leave Hubble more powerful than ever. But it's also the beginning of the end for the aging telescope.
• Death Often Brings Disputes Over Online Lives
  For many people, keeping a deceased loved one alive through an online memorial is a source of comfort. But for others, cleaning up online profiles and shutting down e-mail accounts can require some legal wrangling. In one recent case, hackers stole a deceased person's domain names.
• Coldplay Accused Of Plagiarism ... Again
  Coldplay is one of the best-selling bands in the world. In spite of its success, the band has a nagging problem: charges that it plagiarized not one, but three other artists to write its recent hit, "Viva La Vida." Yusuf Islam, aka Cat Stevens, is the latest accuser.
• Official: Health Care Vote Could Come In July
  President Obama announced Monday that health companies are agreeing to cut costs to save the public more than $2 trillion over the next 10 years. Nancy Ann DeParle, counselor to the president and director of the White House Office of Health Reform, offers her insight.
• Health Care Industry Unveils Cost-Cutting Plan
  The health care industry stepped forward Monday with big cost savings to help President Obama pass an overhaul plan. The pledge came at a White House meeting of groups representing health insurers, hospitals, doctors, drug-makers and a major labor union.
• Mint To Press Fewer Coins As Economy Slows
  The U.S. Mint will make just 3 billion coins in 2009 — that's a 70 percent decline from the 10 billion coins produced in 2008. And it will be the smallest run in 50 years. The slumping retail economy is to blame, and banks need fewer new coins from the Mint.
• In Punjab, Crowding Onto The Cancer Train
  The use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and high-yield seeds to increase production transformed India from a country dependent on food aid and imports to one that sometimes exports grains. But did it also fuel a dramatic rise in cancer among the farm families of India's Punjab state?
• Letters: Edwards, China, Arnold
  Listeners respond to Michele Norris' interview with Elizabeth Edwards and Melissa Block's reporting from China. Michele Norris and Robert Siegel also provide an update on Craig Arnold, the poet and essayist who disappeared on a Japanese island over two weeks ago.
• Strapped For Cash, Music Fans Let Go Of CDs
  Several major record retailers around the country have reported significant increases in their supply of used CDs. Since the economic crisis began, more people have been bringing in CDs to sell for cash or store credit. Both Amoeba Records in California and Newbury Comics in Boston see the same trend.
• U.S. Replaces Top General In Afghanistan
  The Pentagon is replacing its top commander in Afghanistan. Gen. David McKiernan has been in charge of the mission there and had pushed for big troop increases for months. The Obama administration is sending more troops, but has now decided it wants new leadership, too. McKiernan is to be replaced by Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal.

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