Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Albert Lea embarks on a healthy makeover
  The town will be the subject of a longevity project put together by the AARP and Blue Zones, a healthy living organization.6:20 a.m.
• Loan program repopulating areas hit by foreclosures, but slowly
  As the tide of foreclosures in Minneapolis recedes, it has left several hundred unoccupied homes in its wake. Now, through a program called the Minneapolis Advantage, parts of the city hit hardest by the foreclosure crisis are slowly getting repopulated.6:25 a.m.
• Winter exhibition offers a 'Holiday in the Sun'
  The irony in Andrea Stanislav's artwork is evident even in the title of her latest show. It's called "Holiday in the Sun," and it's opening on the coldest week in Minnesota in over five years.6:50 a.m.
• Weather with Mark Seeley
  University of Minnesota Meteorologist and Climatologist Mark Seeley looks back at what happened with the weather in December and what we can expect this weekend.6:55 a.m.
• Star Tribune files for Chapter 11
  Minnesota's largest daily newspaper filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last night.7:20 a.m.
• Three-judge panel to decide on timeline for Senate court case
  Lawyers for Republican Norm Coleman say the two parties will have their first meeting today with the three judge panel that will decide the Senate election contest. Both campaigns have submitted timelines for how they want the election challenge to move along in court, and now it's up to the panel to make a decision. That ruling will be the first of many in shaping a legal proceeding that is expected to look like a civil trial but will have key differences as well, such as the three-judge panel.7:25 a.m.
• Birds a constant problem at Twin Cities airport
  Officials say the U.S. Airways plane that crashed into the Hudson River in New York yesterday apparently hit a flock of birds. Birds also are a major issue at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International airport.7:35 a.m.
• MnSCU reacts to Pawlenty's tuition cap proposal
  Gov. Tim Pawlenty specifically focused on tuition at insitutions of higher education in part of his State of the State speech yesterday, proposing a firm cap on tuition increases. University officials are concerned about that idea.8:35 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Sorting Out A Clear Strategy For Afghanistan
  When Barack Obama takes office next week, he'll inherit an increasingly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. A troop increase has already begun, but some question the signals that strategy sends. In addition, analysts urge Obama to take a regional approach.
• American Painter Andrew Wyeth Dies At 91
  American artist Andrew Wyeth, who painted his neighbors and the landscapes of Pennsylvania's Brandywine Valley and coastal Maine, died Friday morning at his home in suburban Philadelphia. Wyeth, who was 91, has been placed in the tradition of artists like Winslow Homer and Thomas Eakins.
• Obama's Other College Hopes For Presidential Boost
  It's well known that Barack Obama attended Harvard Law School and Columbia University. But before that, he spent two years at Occidental College in Los Angeles. The small college is hoping an "Obama bump" will help propel it over the rough financial waters facing many private schools.
• Exhibit Highlights Lincoln's Second Inauguration
  The Smithsonian American Art Museum is displaying a piece of inaugural history. The exhibit includes artifacts from President Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural ball in 1865. The exhibit is called "The Honor of Your Company Is Requested: President Lincoln's Inaugural Ball."
• On Inauguration Day Pedal Power Will Prevail
  Getting around Washington D.C. on Inauguration Day will be a challenge. The executive director of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association says Tuesday will be a perfect day to get around the city on a bike. The group is setting up two bike valet stations around the city to aid riders.
• Wireless Carriers Caution Of Blockages Tuesday
  Wireless companies are asking people among the huge crowd expected to attend the inauguration to text rather than make phone calls. Carriers say despite added capacity, mobile phone users are still likely to run into blockages. Carriers also ask that if people take photos, they wait until later in the day to hit the send button.
• Lithuania Debt Collector Uses Witchcraft
  A debt collection firm in Lithuania has hired the country's most famous self-styled witch to track down deadbeats. A spokesman said the new employee will use her "powers" to heal those "suffering from psychological impact of bankruptcy and depression." Her tools include hypnosis, herbal medicines and what she calls "the bio-energy field."
• 155 People Walk Away From Jet's Water Landing
  The National Transportation Safety Board is looking into what caused the two engines on a US Airways jetliner to fail shortly after takeoff Thursday from New York's LaGuardia Airport. The plane ditched in the Hudson River near midtown Manhattan. All 155 people aboard were quickly pulled to safety aboard rescue craft and private boats.
• Senate Endorses A $350 Billion Check For Obama
  President-elect Barack Obama scored an early legislative victory on Capitol Hill Thursday. After intense lobbying by Obama and top economic aides, the Senate voted to release the second half of the $700 billion financial rescue package. When Obama takes office on Tuesday, he will have $350 billion available to battle the financial crisis.
• Hearings Continue For Obama's AG Pick
  Attorney General-designate Eric Holder says "waterboarding is torture." He spoke about it at his confirmation hearing Thursday. The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to hear from other witnesses Friday.
• Will Second Half Of Bailout Money Fix The Economy?
  The government moved early Friday morning to shore up Bank of America with an additional $20 billion from the bailout fund. The government is still spending the first half of the bailout money. The Senate released the other half of the $750 bailout package Thursday. David Wessel of The Wall Street Journal talks with Renee Montagne about how well the plan is working.
• Does U.S. Need A Culture Czar?
  The idea of a Cabinet-level official for the arts has gotten some buzz lately. After all, many other countries have ministers of culture. High-profile artists such as Quincy Jones think it's necessary in the U.S., but not everyone agrees.
• Bush's Farewell Address Recalls Tough Decisions
  President Bush gave his farewell address to the nation Thursday night. Although he leaves office with very low approval ratings and a dismal economy, the president claimed some successes. Bush said, "You may not agree with some of the tough decisions I have made, but I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions."
• Fashion Writer: Michelle Obama More Than A Dress
  On Inauguration Day, all eyes will be on Barack Obama. When the sun goes down, that gaze will shift to his wife, Michelle. But Simon Doonan, a fashion writer and the creative director of Barneys, says Michelle Obama should be known for something more than what she wears.
• House Democrats Offer Stimulus Package
  House Democrats have unveiled an $825 billion economic recovery bill. By a combination of public spending and tax cuts, backers hope it will kick-start the economy. President-elect Barack Obama says it would fulfill his promise of creating or preserving more than three million jobs.

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