Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• When nanoparticles go rogue: Wis.-based center leads new research
  Nanotechnology is changing many basic products. But there are questions about what happens to those nano particles when they find their way into the environment. A new federally funded research center in Wisconsin brings together scientists from several states to help answer those questions.6:20 a.m.
• Dead birch trees tell story of drastic change on North Shore
  Anyone who has driven along the North Shore of Lake Superior recently has likely noticed huge stands of dead birch trees. In recent years, several factors, including hungry deer, drought, development and thin, rocky soil, have drastically changed the forest in one of Minnesota's most popular and scenic areas.7:25 a.m.
• Debate touches on pros and cons of raising state minimum wage
  Some of the first bills introduced at the Minnesota Legislature this year would raise the state's minimum wage, which has not increased since 2005. The federal standard of $7.25 an hour applies to people who work for large companies or companies that engage in interstate commerce. The state minimum wage for the smallest of businesses is $5.25 an hour.7:40 a.m.
• Minnesotans at President Obama's inauguration
  Charles Hallman, a reporter for the Minnesota Spokeman Recorder, was on hand four years ago for Obama's first inaugural. He joins MPR's Cathy Wurzer by phone from Washington.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Nightmare Details Emerge After Siege Ends In Algeria
  After the four-day hostage crisis in Algeria, the death toll has risen to at least 81. Algerian forces that were searching the natural gas plant in the Sahara that was taken over by Islamist militants found at least 25 more bodies on Sunday.
• Second Terms Are Historically Hard To Navigate
  Shortly after his re-election, President Obama remarked that he's mindful of how many second terms go off track. As he embarks on the next four years, Renee Montagne talks to presidential historian Michael Beschloss about what lessons the president can draw from past administrations.
• First Lady Michelle Obama Also Starts Her 2nd Term
  With President Obama set to begin a second term, Michelle Obama embarks on another four years as first lady. For a look back at how Mrs. Obama has carried out her role and what she still wants to accomplish, Renee Montagne talks to Jodi Kantor, a correspondent with The New York Times, who wrote about the "first marriage" in her best-selling book The Obamas.
• During 2nd Term, Obama To Pivot To Asia
  Both India and the U.S. seem disappointed with each other after the high expectations raised by President Obama's election in 2007. India is concerned about the uncertainty in U.S. policy toward China and Afghanistan.
• Author Revisits Obama Comments From 4 Years Ago
  Jabara Asim's book is called What Obama Means. Four years ago, he told Steve Inskeep the incoming president was similar to the type of film character mockingly called the "Magic Negro," who redeems the lives of white characters. Asim returns to talk about what President Obama represents four years later, and how his legacy among African-Americans is developing.
• Myrlie Evers-Williams To Deliver Inaugural Invocation
  The widow of a slain Mississippi civil rights leader Medgar Evars will help open the inaugural ceremony Monday. President Obama has selected activist Myrlie Evers-Williams to deliver the invocation. She's the first woman and lay person to have the honor.
• Megaupload Founder Starts New Website
  The U.S. government last year shut down the file sharing web site Megaupload over charges of copyright infringement. It was a popular place for users to share pirated films and music. Over the weekend, the founder of Megaupload launched a successor to the site called Mega. The Justice Department hasn't commented yet, though the film industry has raised concerns.
• More Year-End Earning Statements Out This Week
  Companies including Apple, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft and Starbucks will announce their year-end results.
• Obama 'Suits Up' For Inauguration Day
  All eyes will be on the First Lady Michelle Obama's fashion choices at Monday's inaugural events. Presidential fashions do make history — think Ronald Reagan's brown suits, or Jimmy Carter's cardigans.
• Pedicabs Cash In On Inauguration Traffic
  With huge crowds expected in Washington, D.C., dozens of pedicab drivers have come to town to take advantage of the president's swearing in. Mike Kowalczyk of Newport, Rhode Island, told WTOP he's a little worried about directions. He said he got lost his first night in the nation's capital.

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