Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Heading across the border gets more complicated
  New border crossing rules take effect at the end of January. Federal officials say it will make the country safer, but northern border communities worry it will hurt their economies.7:20 a.m.
• The bovine TB challenge
  Minnesota faces new sanctions if another case of bovine TB is found. State and federal officials are talking about ways to ease the economic impact on farmers and ranchers.7:25 a.m.
• The drama of being transgender
  Local theater companies are increasingly staging plays revolving around transgender characters.7:50 a.m.
• Poll: Clinton, McCain leading in Minnesota
  With just five days until Minnesota's precinct caucuses, a new MPR poll shows Republican John McCain and Democrat Hillary Clinton leading in the race for president.8:40 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Kibbe at the Crossroads: A Lebanese Kitchen Story
  In the late 1870s, Lebanese immigrants began arriving in the Mississippi Delta, working first as peddlers, then grocers and restaurateurs. Kibbe, a meatloaf of sorts, is part of the glue that continues to hold the Lebanese family culture together in the Delta and beyond.
• Romney, McCain Trade Blows at GOP Debate
  Sharp exchanges over Iraq and the heated tone of the campaign spiced a tense debate Wednesday between Republican presidential candidates. The four-man debate was dominated by sparring between the new front-runner, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.
• Influence of Evangelical Voters Shifts
  Evangelical voters have played a significant role in shaping recent presidential races, with some success. But this year, the main impetus for the religious right may be to stop Sen. Hillary Clinton's election bid.
• Iran's Influence on Najaf Worries Many Iraqis
  The city of Najaf is poised to become a center of political and economic power as other cities in Iraq languish. But some Iraqis are wary of Iran's influence in the Shiite holy city.
• Letters: SOTU; Deford; Krulwich; Peace Corps
  Listeners comment on NPR analysis of the president's State of the Union address; Frank Deford's Shakespearean take on the Super Bowl; and Robert Krulwich's piece on how and why music sticks in our heads. And a correction: The University of Michigan was where President John F. Kennedy launched the Peace Corps in 1960.
• Explorer 1, America's Answer to Sputnik
  Fifty years ago Thursday, a 30-pound satellite called Explorer 1 joined Sputnik in orbit around the Earth, sending the United States into the space race. Replicas of the historic spacecraft are on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
• Soldiers' Head Injuries May Contribute to PTSD
  Concussions and other minor head injuries may have long-lasting implications for soldiers injured in Iraq. New research indicates a very high rate of these soldiers later experience post traumatic stress disorder.
• Making Sense Out of Mercury in Fish
  The mercury content of fresh, sushi-grade tuna may be higher than previously thought. A recent sampling of tuna from stores and restaurants in 23 cities turned up twice the levels of mercury as in previous FDA estimates.
• Isuzu to Abandon SUV Market in U.S.
  Isuzu Motors says it will stop selling sport-utility vehicles and light passenger trucks in the United States, though it will continue producing commercial trucks. Isuzu helped popularize SUVs in the 1980s, with models like the Trooper and the Rodeo.
• Rate Cuts May Set Table for Refinancing
  What does the latest Federal Reserve interest rate cut mean for consumers? It may be a good time to refinance a home mortgage or negotiate for a lower interest rate on credit cards.

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