Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• South Dakota tests program that'll pay kids to learn
  The National Math and Science Initiative gave $2 million to reach out to rural kids. The program encourages high school students to take Advanced Placement classes online in exchange for a cash bonus if they pass the final test.6:25 a.m.
• Weather with Mark Seeley
  University of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley discusses the snowy weather and looks ahead to the weekend forecast.6:55 a.m.
• St. Cloud residents worry about bridge closure
  After safety concerns on Thursday prompted MNDot to close the Highway 23 bridge in St. Cloud, residents were faced with the news that road detours would remain in place indefinitely. Neighbors near the bridge are wondering what kind of disruption the closure will create.7:20 a.m.
• Officials weigh next steps for the DeSoto Bridge
  After closing of the main Mississippi River closings in St. Cloud, state transportation officials are working through their options to fix or replace the DeSoto bridge.7:25 a.m.
• Two conductors in one
  As part of a collaboration with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, music students at the University of Minnesota are getting the rare opportunity to work with a professional conductor.7:50 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Stravinsky's Riotous 'Rite of Spring'
  Just in time for the change of the season, music commentator Miles Hoffman considers the lingering reputation of Igor Stravinsky's ballet The Rite of Spring as the shocker that altered the art world. The work has been called "one of the most daring creations of the modern musical mind."
• Skycaps Sue Airlines over Baggage Fees
  Baggage fees are increasingly popular among airlines, as a way to squeeze more money out of passengers. But the surcharges are affecting skycaps' curbside tips, and now they're suing the airlines for compensation. Apparently, travelers think the fees go into skycaps' pockets, but they don't.
• FedEx Blames Economy, Pricey Fuel as Profits Dip
  FedEx saw its profits dip last quarter. The overnight shipping company warns that the year ahead may be more of the same as it feels the pinch of an economic slowdown and high gasoline prices.
• Publishers Post 'Sneak Peeks' of New Books Online
  As an experiment, HarperCollins has posted complete electronic editions of a few books for free on its Web site, including titles by some of its well known authors. The publisher plans to post a fraction of new titles online before their publishing date as a "sneak peek."
• Airlines Cut Unprofitable Flights as Fuel Prices Rise
  It's been a difficult time for the airline industry. The soaring price of jet fuel forced United to announce flight cutbacks. Delta also eliminated flights and plans to slash 2,000 jobs. Other carriers increased ticket prices, and that still won't be enough to offset what's expected to be another year of multibillion-dollar losses for the industry.
• Aloha Airlines Files for Bankruptcy, Blasts Rivals
  Hawaii's second-largest airline has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, saying it's being driven from the skies by a new discount airline. Aloha's chief blasted its competition for what it calls "illegal" and "predatory pricing."
• YouTube Awards: 'Chocolate Rain,' Giggling Baby
  The YouTube Awards lack a Red Carpet and glamour, but what an audience! This year's winner for Best Music Video was an unknown baritone — until he got 15 million hits for his song "Chocolate Rain." The award for Most Adorable went to a baby giggling hysterically at ripped pieces of paper. Among those that didn't win: Barack Obama's No. 1 fan, Obama Girl — despite the fact that Obama's speech is currently the most viewed video on YouTube.
• Iranians: Sanctions Fall Short of Intended Effects
  The U.N. Security Council has imposed three rounds of sanctions against Iran over its controversial nuclear program. Washington has imposed sanctions on Iranian banks, designed to strangle Iran's ability to use billions of dollars of oil revenues in trade. The sanctions have had some effect, but ordinary Iranians appear to be more affected by government policies stemming from the international sanctions.
• Ex-Chiefs of Staff: Presidential Priorities, Limitations
  Amid a presidential campaign season in which the candidates are promising change, two former White House chiefs of staff — Leon Panetta of the Clinton administration and Andrew Card of the Bush administration — talk about the next president's priorities and some of the limitations on the president's ability to affect change.
• Some Efforts to Safeguard Economy Boosted Risk
  Market jitters may have worsened this week with Bear Stearns' collapse, but it isn't the first time Wall Street has seen tough times. Ten years ago, the Federal Reserve stepped in to bail out the hedge fund Long-Term Capital Management. A journalist who wrote a book about it discusses whether history is repeating itself.
• Homeland Security Tests Response to Cyber Attack
  A major government security exercise intended to find out what would happen in the event of an international cyber attack. Hackers simulated attacks on both the telephone network and the Internet. Although the government invited the media to observe the drill, it didn't reveal too much about how it would handle such a situation.
• Housing Crisis Deepens Across Britain, Europe
  In Europe, the financial markets are laying off employees, homeowners are worried that house prices might start to fall, and businesses are concerned by a potential recession. Most observers blame financial insecurity in the U.S. for the downturn.
• Businesses That Care for Vacant Homes Thriving
  As the number of foreclosures rises across the country, one corner of the real estate industry is benefiting — mortgage field servicing. These companies take care of homes that have been foreclosed upon and repossessed by the lender.
• Oil-Driven Land Proposal in Alaska Stirs Controversy
  The pursuit of new oil and gas reserves in Alaska is alarming local tribes. In the Yukon Flats region, north of Fairbanks, the tribes are concerned by negotiations involving a land swap with a federal agency to cash in on vast oil and gas deposits in a national wildlife refuge.
• 1927 Soviet Vase Expected to Earn Up to $300K
  Those who miss the Soviet Union have a chance to relive the old days. A Soviet propaganda vase is going up for auction in New York. The 1927 product of the State Porcelain Factory shows Red Army soldiers and hard-working peasants. It's a celebration of the working class. Now, some hard-working capitalist can own it — the price is forecast around $250,000 to $300,000.

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