Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Students launch toxic chemical awareness campaign
  There's a growing awareness about potentially toxic chemicals found in plastic products, particularly products targeted at children. One of those chemicals is Bisphenal-A, also known as BPA. Some Minneapolis high school students have taken it upon themselves to spread the word to mothers and mothers-to-be.7:20 a.m.
• Lending a helping hand in Nepal
  Nepal, some 12,000 miles from Minnesota, is one of the poorest countries on the planet. More than 20 years ago a Minnesota couple started a school, health clinics and nutrition programs in Nepal. Now, Earl and Beverly Thompson are wondering who will continue the work.7:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Snake Births Ring in New Year at Boston Aquarium
  The babies ringing in the New Year in Boston were snakes: 14 babies in all for Ashley, the proud anaconda momma at the New England Aquarium. All measured about 2 feet — tiny compared with their 16-foot mother. The births are rare because it is difficult for anacondas to breed in captivity.
• Kenya's Post-Election Violence Kills Hundreds
  Kenya's disputed presidential election triggers an explosion of violence that has killed more than 275 people, including dozens burned alive as they sought refuge in a church. President Mwai Kibaki, newly inaugurated for a second term, calls for a meeting with his political opponents.
• Scotland Yard to Aid Probe of Bhutto Death
  Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf calls on Britain's Scotland Yard to aid an investigation into the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto. Bhutto was killed Dec. 27, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, after a political rally. Musharraf's request defers to demands by opposition officials.
• Housing Prices Expected to Keep Falling
  Following a year of sharp price declines in the housing industry and rising foreclosures, analysts warn not to look for a quick turnaround in 2008. Many forecasters had been expecting the worst to be over by now. But it appears the housing bust will last at least another year.
• New Jersey Skirts Affordable Housing Law
  New Jersey requires towns to build affordable housing. But for decades, the wealthiest suburban towns were paying poorer urban areas to build their affordable housing units for them. Now some lawmakers are trying to force municipalities to build affordable housing units.
• Iowa Caucuses Do or Die for Some Democrats
  Many Iowans are set to gather in schools, cafes, or living rooms to make their choices for president. Democrats face a three-way race for the lead. But beyond Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards, the other candidates are looking for attention.
• Iraqi Radical Cleric Al-Sadr Studies for Ayatollah
  Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is quietly resuming seminary studies toward attaining the title of ayatollah — a goal that could make the firebrand cleric and his Mahdi Army an even more formidable power broker in Iraq.
• Huckabee, Romney Center of Iowa's GOP Caucuses
  Republican presidential hopefuls Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney are expected to get more than half the support when GOP caucuses meet in Iowa. Key to the outcome of the caucuses is how many Republicans will attend, and how many independents join them.
• Iowa Mayor Reflects on Presidential Race
  Larry Milleson, the newly elected mayor of Colo, Iowa, reflects on the intensity of the presidential race. Despite its population of 868, Colo residents have had the opportunity to see half a dozen candidates appearing nearby.
• 'Surge' Among Overused Words
  Michigan's Lake Superior State University offers a list of overused words and phrases. According to the list, "surge" has been used more than enough. "Perfect storm" should be history, along with "Webinar," or online seminar. "Post-9/11" should also be banned.
• Blowouts and Nail-Biters in College Bowl Games
  Georgia beat Hawaii at the Sugar Bowl, USC beat Illinois in the Rose Bowl, and Texas Tech beat Virginia in the Gator Bowl. More games are on tap, including Monday's matchup between LSU and Ohio State, which will decide the national championship.
• Interstate 10: Female Voters Share Concerns
  Voters who live and work along Interstate 10, a transcontinental highway, discuss what's important to them in the 2008 election. In Texas and Louisiana, female voters say they are concerned about higher gas prices, health care and improved quality of life for their children.
• Hawaii Couple Reestablishes Ancient Plant Species
  Climate change threatens many of the world's native plant species on Kaua'I, Hawaii's oldest island. But a husband and wife are leasing the land around an ancient cave in hopes of re-creating a lost world.
• Thousands Apply for Hotel's Chief Beer Officer Post
  The Four Points hotel chain's attempt to recruit a CBO (chief beer officer) for its new worldwide beer program garners more than 7,000 applications. The part-time job involves visiting breweries, beer festivals and bars, and selecting beers for hotel menus.
• Railroad Union, Lawmakers Decry Camp Cars
  Norfolk Southern, one of the nation's biggest railroads, still houses some workers in so-called "camp cars," or converted sleeper cars, instead of motels. The worker's union has condemned the living conditions; Congress is also considering a ban.

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