Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Book explores history through the story of one family
  In a new book Southwest State University historian Joseph Amato traces the story of his family across North America and Europe. In "Jacob's Well: A Case for Rethinking Family History," Amato talks about his ancestors and uses their stories to put a human face on historical events.6:50 a.m.
• Enzyme linked to high incidence of breast cancer
  The findings of a new Mayo Clinic study may change how doctors predict who will develop breast cancer and how they look for it.7:20 a.m.
• SD approves new oil pipeline
  The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has unanimously approved a construction permit for a new oil pipeline.7:25 a.m.
• The value of SXSW
  For Minnesota musicians who make it to South by Southwest, the event offers them the largest critical mass of music industry officials during the year. But does the hype equal the payoff for local bands?7:50 a.m.
• Coast Guard is breaking ice on Lake Superior
  It's one of the first signs of spring in Minnesota: It's time to break up the ice in the Duluth harbor. The U.S. Coast Guard is giving Mother Nature a hand in plowing through the ice. A Coast Guard vessel called the Alder is out this week. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer talked with Lt. Commander Kevin Wirth, the Alder's commanding officer.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Deposed Thai Premier Maintains Rural Popularity
  Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra pleads not guilty to corruption charges after returning from exile. He remains very popular, particularly among Thailand's rural people and urban poor for his financial and social welfare policies.
• SXSW 2008: Three Artists to Watch
  This week, the South by Southwest music festival brings more than 1,700 bands to Austin, Texas, for a weekend that's all about volume in more ways than one. Narrowing down the seemingly limitless options isn't easy, but here are three acts likely to win some new fans in the coming days.
• Spitzer Resigns; Paterson to Be New York Governor
  New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer announces he is resigning, two days after he was linked as a client in a high-end prostitution ring. Lt. Gov. David Paterson will be sworn in to replace him.
• It Takes the Globe to Make Big Aircraft
  When Boeing lost a large Air Force contract to a consortium that includes a European aviation company, it created a furor in union halls and in Congress. Boeing workers and their supporters on Capitol Hill argue that the Air Force tanker will be a "European plane." But these days, large airplanes aren't truly made in any single country.
• Negotiating America's Future in Iraq
  The Bush administration is negotiating with Iraqis about the future operations of U.S. soldiers and civilians in Iraq. The current agreement is set to expire at year end. Critics say any deal made without congressional consent will unnecessarily bind future administrations to a costly campaign. Steve Inskeep talks with one of the negotiators, Ambassador David Satterfield.
• Spitzer Has Little Support in Albany
  Democratic Gov. Eliot Spitzer's has only tepid support, even among his allies within New York's political establishment. Some Democratic officials have called for Spitzer's resignation. A Republican opponent has threatened impeachment if Spitzer doesn't resign.
• Banks Scrutinize Even Routine Transactions
  Federal investigators have been looking into money transfers made by New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who's been tied to a prostitution ring. Bank officials noticed frequent cash transfers from several accounts and it triggered a money laundering investigation. Banks use software to spot patterns in routine transactions.
• Caterpillar's Business Not Crawling Overseas
  Many businesses and individuals are grappling with a beleaguered American economy, but one U.S. company has found increased success amid the financial gloom. Riding the surge of cheaper American exports made possible by the ever-weaker dollar, Caterpillar has expanded — shipping its large tractors and mining tools overseas to places like China and South America. Renee Montagne talks with Caterpillar Chief Executive Officer Jim Owens about the company's rapid growth.
• Grace to Pay $250 Million for Asbestos Cleanup
  Chemical giant W.R. Grace has agreed to pay the government $250 million to help clean up asbestos contamination around its mining operations near Libby, Mont. The fine is the largest ever ordered under the government's Superfund cleanup program.
• Weak Dollar Boosts Foreign Manufacturing in U.S.
  The dollar's slide against the euro means making goods in Europe for U.S. consumers is more expensive. The German company Sennheiser, which makes microphones and headsets, has been manufacturing products in New Mexico for years and may expand U.S. operations further.
• If Florida and Michigan Vote Again, Who Pays?
  With the Democratic race for president coming down to only 100 delegates or so, Michigan and Florida are trying to regain their standing at the convention. That means both states may have to cast their ballots, again. But holding elections can cost tens of millions of dollars. So who's going to pay?
• New Yorkers Relish Irony in Spitzer Scandal
  The apparent unraveling of Gov. Eliot Spitzer's political career is playing like a soap opera in New York. Member station WNYC's Fred Mogul found a lot of people in New York City have dropped everything in favor of watching the real-life political drama unfold in the media.
• The Man Behind Arizona's Toughest Immigrant Laws
  State Rep. Russell Pearce of Mesa is leading the legislative charge against illegal immigrants. If he had his way, citizenship would no longer be automatic for everyone born on U.S. soil.
• A More Colorful $5 Bill Debuts
  A new $5 bill enters circulation, full of changes aimed at foiling counterfeiters. President Lincoln is still on the front, but there are new historical details, new security threads, and lots more color. One of the numbers in the corner is larger, and purple — to help people with poor eyesight.
• Fed Credit Move Lifts Sagging Stocks
  Wall Street had one of its best days in years Tuesday, with the major stock indexes rising sharply on news that the Federal Reserve is taking new steps to address the mortgage crisis. The Fed is hoping that by making more money available to banks, they'll lend more money to each other and to consumers.

Resources

• Future Tense®
• Marketplace Morning Report®
• Mark Seeley's WeatherTalk

Services

• Hourly Newscast
• HD Radio
• iPhone App / Mobile
• E-mail newsletters
• RSS feeds
• Podcasts
• Submit your photos
• Videos
• Weather
• Most e-mailed stories

Become a Sponsor