Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• New media a major factor in the 2008 campaign
  The advent of YouTube and other Internet video sites fueled a new breed of citizen journalists during the 2006 midterm elections, and the trend is expected to grow this year. Already there are signs in Minnesota that the candidates are paying attention.6:50 a.m.
• Coroner or medical examiner; who should tend the dead?
  When a person dies, the kind of investigation that's done varies from state to state. The trend appears to encourage the use of medical examiners rather than coroners. While the field of forensic pathology may seem popular on television, it's not so in real life.6:55 a.m.
• St. Olaf students have front-seat view of South Carolina campaign
  Students in a St. Olaf College political science class have gotten an up-close look at the presidential campaign. This month, they've been volunteering for presidential candidates -- first in New Hampshire, and now in South Carolina. MPR's Cathy Wurzer talked with two students.7:20 a.m.
• Unions prep for possible NWA merger
  Speculation is mounting about Eagan-based Northwest Airlines merging with Delta Air Lines. Such pairings are nothing new in the airline business, but history shows that it is critical to get airline unions on board to avoid possibly extreme turbulence.7:50 a.m.
• Walker Art Center's Frida Kahlo exhibit to close this weekend
  The Walker Art Center's exhibition of works by Mexican painter Frida Kahlo closes this weekend. It's been one of the most popular exhibitions since the Minneapolis contemporary art museum opened its new wing in the spring of 2005. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer talked with arts commentator and St. Paul Pioneer Press Theater Critic Dominic Papatola about the exhibit's popularity and what it means for the museum.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Gates: No Immediate Military Threat from Iran
  Iran poses "significant challenges" but is not a direct military threat to the United States in the near term, Defense Secretary Robert Gates says. Gates also says he has no plans to send more troops to Afghanistan beyond the recently announced deployment of 3,000 Marines.
• Lawmakers Clash on Economic Help
  As Congress returns to Washington, it's clear that the first order of business is legislation aimed at giving a boost to the economy. With many economists predicting a recession, lawmakers from both parties are proposing ways to ease the sting.
• In Today's World, the Well-Rested Lose Respect
  From Bill Clinton to Martha Stewart, many successful people brag about how little sleep they need. But sleep researchers say some people sneak in some extra shut-eye during the day, and the truly sleep-deprived usually pay a price.
• Rove Addresses GOP Leadership Meeting
  The Republican National Committee convenes its winter meeting under the theme "Leadership We Can Trust." But the GOP is still struggling to decide which presidential candidate to trust as its next leader. Karl Rove, President Bush's former top adviser, dispenses some advice.
• Europe Poses Terrorism Threat, Chertoff Says
  Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says some of the biggest threats to U.S. security may now come from Europe. In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corp., Chertoff says U.S. authorities are becoming increasingly concerned that Europe could become a platform for terrorists.
• Lighting Steals Your Sleep
  It's not surprising that people went to sleep earlier in the days before electric light. The use of modern lighting has made people "chronically sleep deprived," one doctor says. There's also evidence that people slept much differently than today — in shifts, as most animals do.
• Florida Bars Allstate from Selling Auto Insurance
  Florida's top insurance regulator tells Allstate it cannot sell new auto insurance policies in the state. It's punishment for Allstate's refusal to comply with an investigation into its property insurance business. Allstate has more than 1 million auto policies in the state.
• Airbus Bids for Pentagon Contract
  European plane maker Airbus sweetens a bid to win a lucrative Pentagon contract over arch rival Boeing. Airbus says if it wins an Air Force contract for refueling tankers, it will assemble those tankers — plus the freight version of one of its best-selling aircraft — in the U.S.
• Airline Prices Depend on Airport
  There's a disparity in airline ticket prices depending on which airport you fly out of, according to a recent study. The biggest determinant of prices is the operation of a discount airline, which forces other carriers to lower prices.
• EMI Artists Flee Amid Plans to Alter Business
  EMI's artists, who include the Beastie Boys and Norah Jones, aren't happy with the label's plans to slash one-third of the work force and shake up the way the firm sells music. Paul McCartney and Radiohead have already bolted. Coldplay and Robbie Williams are checking out the exits.

Resources

• Marketplace Tech Report®
• Marketplace Morning Report®
• Mark Seeley's WeatherTalk

Services

• Hourly Newscast
• HD Radio
• iPhone App / Mobile
• E-mail newsletters
• RSS feeds
• Podcasts
• Submit your photos
• Videos
• Weather
• Most e-mailed stories