Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Dr. Jon Hallberg: Top medical stories of 2011
  The shortage of prescription drugs, the challenge to the effectiveness of the flu vaccine, and concern over the dangers of radiation are just some of the top medical stories of 2011.3:54 p.m.
• Minnesota households with "real" broadband access: 57 percent
  Minnesota is running faster when it comes to the availability of high-speed Internet access, but the goal keeps looking further and further away.4:49 p.m.
• Minn. plans hunting season as gray wolves come off endangered list
  The Obama administration is taking gray wolves in the western Great Lakes region off the federal endangered species list. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources already is laying plans for a hunting season on wolves.4:53 p.m.
• Former top Koch staffer raised concerns about her conduct months ago
  Cullen Sheehan was the top staffer in the Minnesota Senate. He is also the first person to blow the whistle on an alleged inappropriate relationship between Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch and a male staffer.5:20 p.m.
• Big challenges in store for next Minn. Republican leaders
  Minnesota Republicans are looking for new leadership, and the challenges facing the next party chair and next Senate majority leader are as big as they've ever been.5:25 p.m.
• As St. Croix bridge bill slows in Congress, debate continues over design
  Members of Congress went home for the holidays without taking action on long-sought federal environmental approval for a new St. Croix River crossing.5:51 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• With Kim's Death, Defectors See Chance For Change
  Defectors from North Korea now living in the South are celebrating the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. As the outside world tries to figure out how stable the country is, the defectors are focusing on trying to kickstart a revolution in North Korea.
• Appreciating The Ugliness Of The Christmas Tree
  It may not look like a catalog Christmas, but family traditions are what make the holidays special. Commentator Ken Harbaugh explains why he loves decorating with his family — oddball ornaments and all.
• Romney Begins Bus Tour Through N.H.
  With the Iowa caucuses coming up on Jan. 3, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has turned his attention to New Hampshire, which holds its primary on Jan. 10. Tuesday night, Romney began a four-day swing through the state, where he still holds a commanding lead in public opinion polls. Wednesday, he began a bus tour that lasts through Friday. It's a relatively extended bout of retail campaigning for Romney.
• Mass. Senate Race A Battle Over Who's More Populist
  Republican Scott Brown won what he called the "people's seat" in 2010 by casting himself as the opposite of the Kennedy dynasty. Now, Democrat Elizabeth Warren, a Wall Street watchdog, is raising Democrats' hopes they can win the seat back. So far, both campaigns are competing over who is the "real" populist.
• Turbulence As EU Court OKs Fee On Plane Emissions
  A European court ruled Wednesday that airlines flying into and out of European airports will have to pay a price for the carbon dioxide they emit when they burn jet fuel. U.S. carriers had been fighting the plan in court, arguing they've already done their part by becoming more fuel-efficient.
• At Carmakers' Request, Dealers Remodel Showrooms
  Across the country, car dealers are remodeling and updating their showrooms at the urging of manufacturers, who want all dealerships to look similar. The dealerships are spending hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars on these "voluntary" projects, but many say they'll never recoup all the investment. The manufacturers offer incentives to dealers who take the plunge.
• Stirring Adventures, At Home (In A Zoo) And Abroad
  Holiday pleasures We Bought a Zoo and The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn are pure entertainments — not high art, but solid family films that just want to show an audience a good time.
• Iran And Its Rivals Dig In On Nuclear Dispute
  The standoff over Iran's nuclear program heads into 2012 with virtually no positive signs for movement. Domestic politics in Tehran and Washington make conciliatory initiatives unlikely.
• Former Obama Adviser Discusses Iran
  Robert Siegel speaks with Dennis Ross, counselor at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Ross recently left his post as special assistant to President Obama on Iran and the Middle East at the National Security Council. Ross' involvement with Middle East diplomacy dates back to the Reagan administration. They discuss Iran's nuclear program, the possibility of a U.S. military strike against Iran, and the prospects for Israeli-Palestinian peace.
• L.A. Votes To Limit Vendors On Venice Boardwalk
  Street vendors peddling sunglasses, incense and handmade jewelry along the famous Venice Boardwalk are preparing for eviction. The Los Angeles City Council has voted to severely limit the amount of commercial selling that takes place at the tourist attraction. But removing the unregulated merchants could mean the loss of its bohemian draw.

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