Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Glen Mason fired as Gopher football coach
  Minnesota fired coach Glen Mason on Sunday, two days after the Gophers blew a 31-point third quarter lead against Texas Tech and exactly one year after signing a four-year contract extension.6:51 a.m.
• Carbon monoxide alarms to be required in new dwellings
  A new Minnesota law requires carbon monoxide detectors be installed in all new homes and apartments. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Deputy State Fire Marshall Dan Bernardy about the new requirement.7:21 a.m.
• New year means changes in Minnesota's child support law
  Minnesota's law governing child support changes as of January 1, 2007. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Republican State Sen. Tom Neuville, R-Northfield, who was the chief author of the new law.7:51 a.m.
• North Dakota challenges federal ban on hemp
  North Dakota is licensing farmers to grow hemp, setting up a clash with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Hemp is grown for it's fibers and oil in much of the world, but the DEA classifies the plant as an illegal drug.7:55 a.m.
• Vikings end disappointing season with a loss
  The Vikings disappointing 2006 season is finally over. They went 6-10 on the year, losing their final game Sunday against the St. Louis Rams 41-21. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Sean Jensen, who covers the Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, about the year and what is next for the team.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Lonely Brit Sells Cut-Price Caribbean Trip
  Young women interested in a romantic getaway at a Caribbean resort will find a half-price offer at eBay. At $1,200 and it's a great deal, as long as you don't mind going with a stranger. Briton Adam Croot had planned to propose to his girlfriend at the resort. That was before she dumped him. The tickets and hotel deposit are non-refundable. So rather than lose the money, he's hoping to sell the other half, now that he doesn't have an other half.
• 'Times' Photographs Capture New York on Deadline
  Longtime New Yorker Gay Talese has written the introduction to a new book of photographs of New York that is titled New York: 365 Days. The collection of photos came from The New York Times archive and spans more than a 100 years.
• Texas Drought Hits Farmers Hard
  Large areas of Texas suffered through a severe drought in 2006, with farmers hit badly. Total losses are estimated at more than $4 billion. The state's southern Gulf coast is home to some of the worst affected areas.
• Big Bowl Games Dot College Footballs Last Week
  Six college football bowl games are played on Jan. 1. But traditions have changed and the national champion won't be determined for another week. College football's changing bowl scene is all about generating more money.
• A Song for Students: 'Not on the Test'
  For students out there who may be stressed out, here's a lullaby for our times. "Not on the Test" was written by John Forster and Tom Chapin. It is performed by Tom Chapin.
• Conservatives Call for National Education Curriculum
  There's a long tradition of "local control" over U.S. public schools. In the past, Republicans have fiercely resisted any kind of national curriculum. Now some of the loudest calls for national testing are coming from the right.
• Burial Rituals Honor Servicemen Killed in Iraq
  With the lengthening conflict in Iraq, cities and towns across America are growing more accustomed to burying their war dead. In San Antonio, Texas, 22 servicemen have been buried after dying in Iraq.
• Middle East Debates Timing of Saddam's Execution
  The U.S. military and Iraqi security forces have been braced for retaliatory violence after the execution of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. But so far, at least, the daily death toll has been lower than usual. But there has been a debate in the region about the timing of the execution.
• New TVs Reveal On-Camera Imperfections
  Imperfections are visible like never before on high definition televisions. Now there's a cosmetic line geared toward those who regularly appear on HDTV screens.
• HDTVs Enter the Mainstream in 2006
  High definition televisions (HDTVs) are no longer just for the super wealthy, or early-adopters. This holiday season saw a buying frenzy for these modern TVs, giving retailers a headache.
• Backpack Isolates Load for Better Carrying Ability
  A researcher has developed a better backpack. Instead of the weight shifting up and down with your body, it is suspended in place with bungee cords and remains almost motionless while your body moves around. The pack is said to make it easier to run with large loads.
• U.S. Stock Exchanges Remain Closed to Honor Ford
  Following the weekend and New Year's Day, the major stock exchanges will stay closed Tuesday in honor of former President Gerald Ford's burial. The Treasury Department will be open in the morning to honor a regularly scheduled bond auction.
• U.S. Communities Act on Immigration Issues
  President Bush says he wants to work with the new Congress to pass a comprehensive immigration package. But the issue may stall again in a Congress divided on the issue, leaving local communities to act on their own.
• New State Laws on Wages, Immigration Take Effect
  Significant legislation takes effect across America with the arrival of the new year. Seventeen states will raise their minimum wage.
• American Military Deaths in Iraq Reach 3,000
  At least 3,000 American troops have now died in Iraq. Rosemary Palmer and Paul Schroeder lost their son in August 2005, and we talk to them about how that loss has affected their lives.

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