Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Xcel Energy asks customers to conserve
  While we've been shivering through the recent deep freeze, Xcel Energy says our use of electricity is putting a strain on the power grid and is now stressing the importance of conservation over the next couple of days.6:25 a.m.
• James Vculek shoots "The Quietest Sound"
  A Minneapolis director decided to get back to basics for his latest film, "The Quietest Sound." It's 75 minutes long, consists of just one shot, and is receiving rave reviews.6:55 a.m.
• Pawlenty tries to walk fine line on stem cell issue
  Stem-cell research legislation that doesn't explicitly restrict the use of embryonic cells would face a gubernatorial veto, Gov. Tim Pawlenty said Monday, two days before state legislators delve into the issue.7:20 a.m.
• Interim Minneapolis superintendent sees himself as the right person for the permanent job
  Bill Green goes before community residents for a public interview Tuesday night.7:25 a.m.
• How design shapes where we live
  In a world where people are moving with greater frequency, and making job choices based on location, cities are competing to lure in new residents and businesses and keep them happy. The way a city is designed has an enormous impact on whether it thrives or dies.7:50 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Democratic Hopefuls Seek Right Stance on Iraq
  Looking ahead to 2008 elections, the Republicans are thought to be in trouble, mostly because of Iraq. But what are the leading Democratic presidential candidates saying about the issue?
• 'Lush Life,' a Self-Portrait in Song
  Songwriting genius Billy Strayhorn is the subject of a new documentary, as well as a fine companion CD. Both are titled Lush Life, after Strayhorn's enduring composition.
• Italy Seeks Answer to Soccer Violence
  The country suspended matches indefinitely after rioting occurred last week during a game in Sicily. A police officer was killed, and more than 70 people were injured.
• Soldier's Career Dreams Are Cut Short
  Army Sgt. Alex Fuller will be laid to rest Tuesday on Cape Cod. He died after a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle outside Baghdad. Fuller had hoped that his military service would lead to a later career as a police officer.
• Republicans Block Senate Debate on Iraq
  Senate Republicans stall a bipartisan resolution opposing a troop buildup in Iraq. Nearly every GOP senator — including the resolution's chief sponsor — voted to block a full-fledged debate on the measure.
• Ban Thwarts 'Year of the Pig' Ads in China
  A ban on pig references in commercials illustrates problems with China's advertising industry. The Year of the Pig begins Feb. 18, and many advertisers planned pig themes. The pig ban is meant to protect the sensibilities of 20 million Muslims.
• Rock Artists Embrace TV Commercial Sales
  It's no longer uncool for rock artists to sell songs for use in TV ads. Rocker Randy Bachman says he can make more in one year from a commercial than he did in the entire decade of the '70s.
• Flood Leaves Indonesian Capital Awash
  Much of the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, is under water. At least three dozen people have been killed in flooding from torrential rains. More rain is on its way.
• Giuliani Edges Toward White House Run
  Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani has taken another step closer to running for president. His "statement of candidacy" with the Federal Election Commission matches fellow Republicans John McCain and Mitt Romney.
• Astronaut Held in Kidnapping Attempt
  A U.S. shuttle astronaut is under arrest in Orlando, Fla., accused of trying to kidnap a woman she considered a romantic rival. Police say Navy Capt. Lisa Nowak, 43, drove 900 miles to confront the woman. She faces a court appearance Tuesday.
• Sales, Profits Rise at Toyota
  Reporting a 7 percent rise in profits for the most recent quarter, Toyota says sales in the United States and elsewhere continue to rise. The world's second-largest automaker cited strong sales of its Camry sedan and its SUVs. Toyota is expected to surpass GM as the world's No. 1 automaker this year.
• Settlement of Apple Suit May Put Beatles on iTunes
  The computer and electronics company Apple has settled its trademark dispute with the Beatles recording company of the same name. That could mean Beatles songs owned by the recording company will soon be available on iTunes online music store.
• Democratic Leaders Cool to Bush Budget
  President Bush has sent his nearly $3 trillion budget proposal to Congress, amid criticism from two key Democrats: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
• Debate Looms over Budget's Approach to Crime
  The administration and some law enforcement groups are at odds over whether the proposed federal budget for 2008 would cut grants to state and local anti-crime efforts.
• European Nations Reconsidering Nuclear Power
  More European countries are taking a new look at an energy source they had rejected. For instance, Germany's plans to phase out nuclear power by 2021 are under review due to concerns about energy security and climate change.

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