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

• U.S. Border Guards Set to Demand Passports
  The Department of Homeland Security will begin asking people crossing into the U.S. by land for passports or other proof of citizenship. Critics predict confusion and many border-area businesses oppose the idea.
• Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick Addresses Scandal
  Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, under investigation for denying under oath an affair with his chief of staff, promises not to "quit" on his constituents. But with legal issues pending, his apology is short on specifics.
• 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.
• That's M-I-C-K-E-Y, Officer
  An unlikely suspect showed up in the arrest records for California's Sacramento County. Mickey Mouse was listed as a 47-year-old bartender from Anaheim, with aliases including Buzz Lightyear and Donnie Duck. It turns out the name was used to help deputies learning to use the sheriff's department's computer system.
• 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.
• 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.
• Senate Panel Offers Rival Stimulus Plan
  As the House's $146 billion economic-stimulus bill reaches the Senate, the Senate Finance Committee is ready with an alternative.
• 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.
• Mukasey, Senators Revisit Torture Debate
  A Senate oversight panel tried again Wednesday to get Attorney General Michael Mukasey to clarify his concepts of what constitutes torture. But the verbal sparring created more heat than light, leaving many senators frustrated.
• 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.
• 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.
• Departing Giuliani Throws Support to McCain
  Exiting the presidential race, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani offers a warm endorsement of erstwhile rival John McCain. Giuliani called the Arizona senator "the most qualified candidate to be the next commander in chief."
• 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.
• Assessing a Two-Person Democratic Race
  As John Edwards left the Democratic presidential race Wednesday, he said his rivals have promised to consider his core policy issues, including poverty. But how will the fight between Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton shape up?
• China's Snows Have a Chilling Economic Effect
  Unusual winter weather across 14 Chinese provinces has stranded millions headed home for the Chinese New Year. Heavy snows are making a serious energy shortage worse and affecting the economy.

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