Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Group of lawmakers hopes session will look ahead
  Minnesota lawmakers will be at the state Capitol Wednesday to open the 2006 Legislative session. We wanted to take a different look at the upcoming session, so we talked with two lawmakers from the 2020 Caucus, Republican Sen. Geoff Michel and DFL Rep. Diana Loeffler. That bipartisan caucus formed last year to focus on issues the state will face as its demographics change in coming years.6:50 a.m.
• Northwest pilots authorize strike
  Northwest Airline's pilots union has voted overwhelmingly to allow its leadership to call a strike. A federal bankruptcy judge is set to rule as soon as Wednesday on Northwest's request to cancel the pilots and flight attendants union contracts, which could provoke a walkout.7:20 a.m.
• Attorneys give closing arguments in Sackett case
  The fate of Ronald Reed is now in the hands of a Ramsey County jury. Reed is on trial for murdering St. Paul Police Officer James Sackett back in 1970. Attorneys gave their closing arguments in the trial yesterday. Prosecutors described Reed as man who hated police and had no conscience. The defense said the case against Reed has no credibility.7:25 a.m.
• Minnesota's Ford "focus"
  Ford plans to announce shutdowns at two more U.S. assembly plants by the end of the year. While developers envision various futures for the Ford site in St. Paul, state officials remain focused on just one: making cars.7:45 a.m.
• Minnesota lawmakers to open 2006 session
  Minnesota Lawmakers will be at the Capitol on Wednesday to open what they hope will be a short and productive legislative session. Lawmakers want to avoid the problems of last session, when disagreement over a state budget led to Minnesota's first partial government shutdown. Their main job this session is to come up with a bonding bill that will pay for building projects around the state. Minnesota Public Radio's Capitol Bureau Chief Laura McCallum will follow the session.7:55 a.m.
• St. Paul bars sue to stop smoking ban
  Several St. Paul bars are asking a judge to stop the implementation of the city's smoking ban, which is due to go into effect at the end of March. Several bars have hired attorney Pat O'Neill, who talked with MPR's Cathy Wurzer.8:25 a.m.
• U of M med school still recovering 10 years after ALG scandal
  Ten years ago this month, renowned University of Minnesota transplant surgeon Dr. John Najarian walked free of a barrage of federal charges which had cast a cloud over the U of M medical school. Now, the medical school continues to make slow and steady progress towards restoring its reputation.8:45 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• California Plumbers Stall Plans for No-Flush Urinals
  A powerful plumbers' union is blocking efforts to promote water-saving "flushless" urinals in California. The plumbers warn that the fixtures are potentially unsanitary. But so far, that hasn't discouraged water agencies from promoting them.
• Sex Between Prison Guards, Inmates Often Ignored
  Many states offer little protection for inmates who become sexual targets for prison guards, Amnesty International notes. Even states that prohibit such activity fail to prosecute most violations.
• It Wasn't Supposed to Be Gum-Based Paint
  You're 12 years old. You're on a field trip through a museum. You're a little bored, maybe, and you've got some half-chewed gum... and, well... you leave it behind on a painting. The 1963 abstract by Helen Fankenthaler turns out to be worth $1.5 million. A guard at the Detroit Institute of Arts noticed the gum, rounded up visiting students and quickly got a confession. The gum left a stain, which can be repaired. The boy was suspended.
• Troubled Classrooms... and Cafeterias
  The White House drug policy office describes a typical classroom this way: Out of 30 teenagers in a class, seven use drugs. Thirteen drink. Six smoke, and ten are sexually active. Believe it or not, officials call that an improvement. Meanwhile, at an Indiana middle school, security cameras captured 50 students taking part in a gigantic food fight. They caused $1,000 in damage, which will be paid for out of the extracurricular activity fund.
• Francis Fukuyama on Neo-Cons, Foreign Policy
  Political philosopher Francis Fukuyama talks with Steve Inskeep about the legacy of neo-conservatism and its impact on U.S. foreign policy. He says the promotion of democracy abroad has become far too militarized.
• Budget at Odds with Bush Health-Clinic Plan
  President Bush says he wants to double the number of community health centers that serve the poor and uninsured. But a new study suggests the administration's proposed budget could undermine that goal.
• Nuclear Deal a Focus of Bush India Visit
  One of President Bush's goals in South Asia is a deal to sell India nuclear fuel. The tradeoff -- and a potential sticking point -- would be India's willingness to open civilian nuclear facilities to international inspectors.
• A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Movie Industry Slang
  Who's Alan Smithee and why has he made so many movies? When is a martini not a martini? Camera operator and film industry veteran Dave Knox explains these terms and more. Knox is the author of an insider's guide to film slang, Strike the Baby and Kill the Blonde.
• Goss, CIA Confront Leadership Exodus
  Dozens of senior officials have left the CIA in the past 18 months. Some simply retired, but many were unhappy with CIA Director Porter Goss. Supporters say Goss is making needed changes at the agency. Critics question the impact on morale.
• 'Cheerful' Mardi Gras Gives Way to Lent
  New Orleans caps a cheerfully defiant Mardi Gras season with plenty of costumed references to Hurricane Katrina. Now it's Ash Wednesday, and celebration will give way to Lent... a season of more sacrifice.
• History Museum to Chronicle Roots of Hip-Hop
  Hip-hop artists say they will turn over relics such as vinyl records, CDs and diaries to the National Museum of American History. The museum plans to open an exhibit tracing hip-hop from its origins in the South Bronx to its emergence as a global phenomenon.
• Katrina's Impact on Elderly Still Resonates
  When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, the elderly suffered in disproportionate numbers. Six months later, there's evidence seniors are suffering health declines in greater numbers than younger storm victims.
• A Big Basketball Feat for the Big East?
  The newly expanded Big East could have a record nine teams in the NCAA tournament. But at 30 conference tournaments getting under way around the country, almost everyone has a final shot at glory.
• Italy's Berlusconi in U.S., Seeking Votes Back Home
  Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, facing elections in April, visits Washington for a news coverage boost. He met with President Bush Tuesday and makes the rounds on Capitol Hill Wednesday.
• High Court Hears Texas Redistricting Case
  The U.S. Supreme Court hears a case that could have a major impact on elections and the balance of power in Congress. Up for debate is the constitutionality of a political boundary map promoted by former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX).

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