Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Snowstorm aftermath daunting for those with disabilities
  Minnesotans with disabilities are finding it difficult -- nearly impossible -- to travel even the shortest distances in the aftermath of last weekend's blizzard.4:49 p.m.
• Minneapolis asks residents to help clear snow
  Minneapolis city officials are asking the public to help clear snow at intersections. Minneapolis public works spokesman Mike Kennedy says the city's snow removal budget for this year is spent.4:53 p.m.
• Census: English becoming less common in Minn. homes
  In cities and towns across the state, more and more people are speaking a language other than English at home, according to new data. "I want for them to be bilingual," Maria Posada of Rochester said of her children.5:16 p.m.
• Controversial autism researcher tells local Somalis disease is solvable
  Minnesota Somalis worried about autism rates among their children recently invited controversial British researcher Andrew Wakefield to Minneapolis to talk to their community.5:20 p.m.
• The week in politics with political editor Mike Mulcahy
  MPR News political editor joins All Things Considered host Steven John to discuss the week in politics.5:50 p.m.
• Bob & Ray, masters of subtle satire
  A pioneering radio duo who some say laid the groundwork for modern American comedy has been captured on a new four-disc set.5:55 p.m.
• The Dinner Party Download featuring Christian Lander
  This week on the Dinner Party Download, David Hidalgo of Grammy-nominated band Los Lobos leads us to a punchline, KPCC's Patt Morrison tells us how the California prison system discovered Festivus isn't kosher, and "Stuff White People Like" creator Christian Lander.6:19 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Week In Politics: Tax Cuts
  Melissa Block speaks with our regular political commentators, E.J. Dionne of The Washington Post and Brookings Institution and David Brooks of The New York Times, about the tax cut package President Obama signed into law.
• A Final Lesson On The Meaning Of Christmas (Carols)
  For 24 years, William Studwell, a retired professor, chose a Christmas "Carol of the Year" to highlight to newspapers, radio newsrooms and TV stations across the country. Though he died in August, Studwell left notes to elucidate his 25th -- and final -- selection, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas."
• The Secret Plan To Fix The Dollar
  We go inside the secret plan to save the U.S. from a rising Asian rival -- 25 years ago. And we explain why it wouldn't work today.
• Free Shipping Promotion Entices Last-Minute Santas
  It's "Free Shipping Day," a day when more than 1,700 businesses are offering free shipping with delivery by Christmas Eve. Many well-known businesses and online retailers are taking part, but so too are many small businesses. Melissa Block talks with Jean Schilling, owner of Kaleidoscopes to You, about why her company is participating in the promotion.
• Top Diplomat's Ouster Hints At Political Battle In Iran
  Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's abrupt sacking of his foreign minister this week -- and his move to replace the career diplomat with a nuclear scientist -- sparked a new debate about Iran's nuclear intentions. It also shed light on the infighting among Iran's conservative factions.
• Thai Riots Sign Of Simmering Political Tensions
  Thailand's government says that by year's end, it will lift the state of emergency in the capital and other areas affected by anti-government rioting in April and May that left 91 dead and injured 1,900. But this by no means signals the end of political tumult.
• Major League Baseball Doesn't Feel Economic Pinch
  Sportswriter Stefan Fatsis talks to Robert Siegel about the flurry of trades going on during Major League Baseball's off-season.
• For 'Yogi Bear' Parodist, A Suitable Penance?
  The animated kids' comedy Yogi Bear opens tonight, and the critics' reviews have been brutal. They weren't as rough on the film, though, as the parodic "alternate ending" that set the Internet on fire earlier this week. It involved a shotgun; NPR's Robert Siegel talks to animator Edmund Earle about the recoil.
• Hailee Steinfeld: For A Young Actress, A Gritty Debut
  True Grit's young star talks to Melissa Block about playing smart, funny Mattie Ross -- a teenager who goes after her father's killer, seeking revenge.
• Senate Sets Vote For 'Don't Ask' Repeal
  The Senate plans to take a key procedural vote Saturday on repealing "don't ask, don't tell," the policy that bans gays from serving openly in the military. Democrats appear to have at least the 60 votes needed to move the bill along. Andrea Seabrook

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