Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Green city blues
  Minneapolis has excellent "green" credentials. But even people in an eco-friendly city can get discouraged when looking at the big picture of waste and energy use.6:50 a.m.
• A window into the home front
  Nicky Inskeep and her husband Jason are both members of Minnesota's National Guard serving in different units. Jason is currently on an extended tour in Iraq while Nicky is staying home with their four-year-old daughter, Kirsten.7:50 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• CDC Tracks Salmonella to Batch of Peanut Butter
  Peanut butter is linked to a salmonella outbreak that has affected almost 300 people since August, sending dozens to the hospital. Investigators have narrowed the search to a Georgia plant making Peter Pan and Great Value brands.
• Have You Heard About B Flat?
  For reasons that remain mostly mysterious, the note we call "B flat" does the oddest things. It aggravates alligators, it lurks in the stairwell of an office building, and it emanates from a supermassive black hole 250 million light years from Earth.
• When a Friend Becomes a Donor
  Luke Thiboutot and Ryan Conner were roommates in college. Now in their thirties, they've stayed close. Last year, their friendship took a remarkable turn: Ryan donated a kidney so Luke could live a healthy life.
• New Citizenship Test Gets Dry Run
  The federal government began pilot-testing the new citizenship test this week. The test is designed to be more meaningful, but some think it is too hard. A visits to an adult education class finds prospective citizens preparing for the big day.
• Completing a Life's Work While Death Awaits
  Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner Ed McGaffigan is dying of cancer. But though his life expectancy is limited, he says he will go to work until he is physically unable to do so.
• Talks Aside, Nuclear Might Likely to Spread
  U.S. officials cite six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program as a diplomatic victory. But many observers believe North Korea will never disarm. Analysts say the outcome of the negotiations may influence Iran's thinking on nuclear weapons.
• Senate Democrats Seek Way Back into Iraq Debate
  The Senate started the ball rolling on a resolution opposing President Bush's plans for a troop increase in Iraq, but couldn't get its act together. Now the House is close to a final vote on the issue, while Senate leaders seek a way to take back the initiative amid procedural hurdles.
• Toyota Cars Set to Join NASCAR Field
  Toyota enters American stock car racing this Sunday at NASCAR's season opener, the fabled Daytona 500. What does it mean to NASCAR, racing fans and the U.S. auto industry to have a Japanese carmaker involved in the sport?
• Charting Iraq Progress: Security, Electricity, Oil
  As President Bush seeks to measure success in Iraq, key areas of focus are the development of Iraqi security forces, electrical output and oil production. How are things going in those areas?
• 'Breach' Spins a Harrowing, Human Spy Tale
  The story of FBI spy Robert Hanssen makes for a film that offers a tale of real-life espionage that doubles as a compelling psychological drama. A cast led by Chris Cooper offers a compelling look at the complexities of human relationships.
• Underground Lakes May Help Explain Glacier Habits
  Researchers have discovered vast lakes under the ice in Antarctica, a find that could help scientists understand the rapid and currently unpredictable behavior of huge moving glaciers — called ice streams — that can influence global sea levels.
• Hershey Plans to Shed 1,500 Jobs
  The largest U.S. chocolate maker — Hershey — says it will trim 1,500 jobs, or about 11 percent of its workforce. Hershey says it will also close some U.S. plants and move some production to Mexico. When the overhaul is complete, officials say production from North America and Canada will make up about 80 percent of the company's total, down from 90 percent.
• The Fine Art of Rebuiding West Oakland
  Oakland has seen a black exodus fueled by crime and rising housing costs. An African-American artist hopes to reverse the trend with a cultural district in a rundown part of town. Critics say his efforts aren't practical.
• Are Drinkers' Ed Classes in Vermont's Future?
  A leading educator in Vermont says it is time to lower the legal drinking age. He says 21 is too high, and just drives young drinkers underground. The former college president adds that 18-year-olds can serve on juries. They can also serve in Iraq. So he wants the legal age lowered to 18, provided people pass an alcohol education course.
• 'Bill of Rights' for Air Passengers Revived
  Passengers on a Jet Blue flight were stuck on a New York airport tarmac for nearly 11 hours this week during an ice storm. The incident boosted efforts for a "flyers' bill of rights." Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) plans a bill that would give passengers the option of leaving a plane held more than three hours and ensure access to food, water and hygiene.

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