Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Midtown Energy project faces new challenges
  A proposed wood-fired electric generating plant proposed for south Minneapolis is facing several hurdles, including closer environmental scrutiny.7:20 a.m.
• Volatile stock market has many worried
  Asian markets were up, and European markets are down Wednesday as investors responded to what has been a volatile week so far. MPR's chief economics correspondent Chris Farrell answers some questions about the economic situation.7:50 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Obama Criticizes Bush Stimulus Plan
  In an interview with NPR from the campaign trail in South Carolina, Sen. Barack Obama talks with Renee Montagne about his approach to economic issues — including some harsh words for President Bush's stimulus plan.
• Wall Breached, Palestinians Stream Into Egypt
  After masked men destroyed much of a seven-mile-long wall that separated the Gaza Strip from the Egyptian town of Rafah, tens of thousands of Palestinians poured across the border. They are seeking supplies made scarce by an Israeli blockade of Gaza.
• Slide May Not Presage Severe Recession
  A day after the U.S. Federal Reserve slashed a key interest rate, world markets were calmer. A steep two-day slide was triggered by fears of a U.S. recession, but it's unclear that a nationwide downturn is a certainty.
• Market Slide Tests Asian 'Decoupling' Theory
  The experience of factory workers in Dongguan City suggests their well-being remains tied to the financial health of the United States. That contrasts with a theory that China's economy has grown enough that it has "decoupled" from U.S. influence.
• Ledger's Death Is Film World's Loss
  An autopsy is scheduled Wednesday for Heath Ledger, a day after the 28-year-old actor was found dead at his New York apartment. Ledger's Oscar nomination for Brokeback Mountain was the highlight of a career filled with promise.
• European Markets Lose Ground
  Most financial markets in Europe are trading lower Wednesday, extending losses despite Tuesday's move by the U.S. Federal Reserve to cut a key interest rate.
• S.F. Wins Round in Health Insurance Battle
  A federal court has cleared the way for San Francisco to start charging employers for the health-care costs of uninsured employees. Restaurant owners have sued to block the ordinance, but for now, the court says the city has the right to begin collecting premiums.
• Sorry, Wrong Number
  A Maryland man who wanted to give an opinion about mortgage foreclosures looked up the governor's office in the phone book. The person who answered his call said, "Hi, sexy." The phone-book number was a misprint, connecting to an X-rated service. The mistake had gone undetected for two years.
• Making Scents at the World Economic Forum
  As more than 1,000 business executives and government officials gather for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, one thing is for sure: The rooms will smell swell. Conference organizers have set up perfume machines to pump fragrances into the rooms, apparently to enhance discussion.
• Analysts Weigh Recession Forecast
  Investors are worried about the mounting evidence that the United States is headed for a recession. Many economists say that if a recession comes, it would probably be over quickly. But they say a downturn overseas could prolong it.
• Market Turmoil Gives Stimulus Plan a Boost
  After another day of turmoil in financial markets, the White House and Congress are expressing confidence that they can agree on measures to stimulate the economy. But the plan remains a work in progress.
• Easy Didn't Do It for Thompson Presidential Bid
  Fred Thompson's withdrawal from the Republican presidential race ends a White House bid that never really took off. The former Tennessee senator's relaxed leadership style failed to ignite meaningful support from voters.
• Asian Markets Bounce Back from Slide
  The Fed's rate cut, aimed at helping stabilize the American economy, appears to have appeased Asian markets. Most rebounded strongly Wednesday.
• Teens on Ice at U.S. Skating Competition
  The U.S. Figure Skating Championships start Wednesday in St. Paul, Minn. USA Today columnist Christine Brennan says Caroline Zhang and Mirai Nagasu, both 14, are vying to be the new American hope for the 2010 Olympics.
• European Markets Open Lower
  How will Europe's markets react a day after the U.S. rate cut? So far, they're not as enthusiastic as their Asian counterparts. Share prices in top European companies are down in early trading.

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