Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Julie Walters gives "Driving Lessons"
  At the beginning of the new movie "Driving Lessons" a young man answers a help wanted ad in a church magazine. The woman is Evie, a retired actress, who's a little eccentric. Evie is played by veteran British actor Julie Walters. She told Minnesota Public Radio's Euan Kerr she fell in love the script as soon as she read it.4:49 p.m.
• Despite national buzz, Pawlenty has gubernatorial intentions
  In his first news conference since winning the election, the Republican governor pledged to serve a full second term, despite regional and national speculation about his prospects for higher office.5:19 p.m.
• Minneapolis to rule at Legislature
  A pair of lawmakers from Minneapolis, one of them an outspoken critic of Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty, will lead the Minnesota House and Senate.5:23 p.m.
• Dean Johnson says goodbyes at Capitol
  The veteran legislator from Willmar made some of his first public comments about his election loss as he prepared for a caucus meeting to welcome newly-elected senators.5:47 p.m.
• Peterson becomes a powerful voice for agriculture
  Now that Democrats have won a majority in both houses of Congress changes in leadership are coming. Minnesota 7th District Rep. Collin Peterson will be the new chair of the House Agriculture Committee.5:50 p.m.
• North Dakota officials fight NCAA over UND mascot
  North Dakota officials went to court Thursday over the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname. They're seeking a preliminary injunction to stop the NCAA from banning the nickname's use in post-season play and imposing other sanctions.5:53 p.m.
• Shapiro & Smith Dance goes on without Shapiro
  A Minnesota dance company takes the stage in Minneapolis this weekend without one of its key members. Danial Shapiro, co-creator of Shapiro & Smith Dance, died last month of prostate cancer.6:20 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Former NFL QB Heath Shuler Gains House Seat
  Melissa Block talks with Heath Shuler, congressman-elect from western North Carolina. He is a "Blue Dog" Democrat: conservative on economic issues and some social issues. Shuler says he believes government should be a force to help those who cannot help themselves.
• Letters: The Election, and Helium
  Melissa Block and Michele Norris read from listeners' e-mail. Among this week's topics: NPR's election coverage Tuesday night; a story we did about a helium shortage; and Block's interview with two voiceover artists who specialize in negative campaign ads.
• Female Politicians See Record Gains in 2006
  A record number of women won House and Senate seats this year. Democrats fared better than Republican women. To find out more about female candidates in this election cycle, Melissa Block talks with Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.
• For Bush and Pelosi, Advice from a Pro
  Advice columnist Amy Dickinson, of "Ask Amy" fame, offers relationship advice to President Bush and California Democrat Rep. Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi is expected to become speaker of the House in the new Congress.
• U.S. Farmers Push for Easing Embargo on Cuba
  An embargo against Cuba has been in place for almost 45 years. But a growing number of Americans are uniting in favor of allowing trade with Cuba. Some farmers, particularly those who grow rice and beans, see Cuba as one of the world's most promising markets. A bean farmer in North Dakota says opening trade with Cuba could change his life.
• Copacabana: The Beach Still Sways to Samba
  In the daily drama of the world's most fabled beach, visitors should expect the unexpected. Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana still wears a 1960s look, with its low-slung kiosks serving up nickel beers and fresh coconuts -- for now.
• The Psychology of Taste, and Choice
  Commentator and resident philosopher Alain De Botton analyzes why certain kinds of aesthetic tastes appeal to people. It's all in the psychology, he says.
• How the Brain Tames the Eyes' Wild Motions
  Our eyes dart around constantly when taking in a scene. Yet the scene appears stable to us. Scientists have spent years trying to figure out how the brain accomplishes this feat. Now they think they know. The key is a brain circuit that monitors every eye movement and tells the brain how to compensate for it.
• Sen. Allen Concedes Defeat; Dems Control Congress
  Virginia Sen. George Allen concedes defeat in his close race with Democrat Jim Webb, giving the Democrats their 51st seat and majority control of the Senate. Michele Norris talks with NPR's David Welna.
• Democrats' Plans for Economy Unclear So Far
  After taking control of both houses of Congress, Democratic Party leaders will almost certainly press for an increase in the minimum wage. Beyond that, the plans are less clear. Most Democrats opposed President Bush's tax breaks, but they may decide to let them stay in place for the time being.

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