Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Artists ease the pains of recovery
  People who suffer from chronic illness or debilitating trauma are often also afflicted by depression, deep frustration and low self-esteem. However a new program in the HealthEast network of hospitals is finding they can better improve their patients moods, and as a result, their health, through art.6:45 a.m.
• Bonding and education top issues this week at the Capitol
  The state House takes up a bonding bill today aimed at getting some construction projects underway throughout the state. The Senate is expected to vote on an education bill that cuts spending on public schools and raises taxes this week.7:20 a.m.
• Governor's hometown hits hard times
  City officials in South St. Paul worry that cuts in state aid by native son Tim Pawlenty will cause big problems.7:25 a.m.
• Fargo-Moorhead waits for the next crest
  People in Fargo-Moorhead are waiting for the second crest of the Red River. It's expected to come in about two weeks, and it could be as high or higher than last week's record crest.7:40 a.m.
• Fargo-Moorhead students return to school in wake of flooding
  Students in Fargo-Moorhead are finally heading back to school after a week and a half off because of flooding in the Red River Valley.7:45 a.m.
• Monday Markets with Chris Farrell
  Minnesota Public Radio News Chief Economics Correspondent Chris Farrell says the official 8.5 percent unemployment rate belies an even bleaker economic picture.8:25 a.m.
• Twins 'quietly confident,' sportswriter says
  The Twins came within one game of winning the American League Central Division last year. This year, as the team prepares for its opening game Monday night, sportswriter Phil Miller says the roster looks even stronger.8:35 a.m.
• 'Buy local' can be bad economics
  A new Twin Cities-based Web site encourages people to pick three local businesses and spend $50 at each of them every month. Organizers claim that will help the whole local economy. But economist Louis Johnston says buying local doesn't necessarily make economic sense.8:40 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Pentagon To Release Next Year's Budget
  Defense Secretary Robert Gates is scheduled to announce his proposal for next year's military budget on Monday. This represents the Obama administration's first chance to change the way the Pentagon spends its billions. Details of the budget remain under wraps.
• Obama Mending Relations With Turkey
  President Obama is on a two-day visit to Turkey to try to rebuild ties with the secular Muslim ally that was deeply alienated by Bush administration foreign policies. Turkey seems ready to welcome the new American leader, but Obama may have to negotiate through some tough spots along the way.
• Trafficking Of Foreign Workers Flourishes In Iraq
  Much of the menial work at U.S. military installations has been done by South Asian contractors. Those jobs are now declining as the United States reduces its forces, and some Iraqi employers are taking advantage of the cheap labor.
• Staying Fit After Marathon Days Are Over
  There comes an age in every marathoner's life when the body says it's time to hang up the running shoes. Still, there's plenty you can do to stay athletic and fit.
• Michelle Obama Captivates Europe
  President Barack Obama has been a big hit with crowds in Europe. But the president's popularity last week may have been topped by that of his wife, first lady Michelle Obama.
• Dozens Die In Quake In Italy's Abruzzo Region
  A powerful earthquake rocked central Italy on Monday, killing dozens of people, mostly in a 13th-century mountain city about 60 miles east of Rome. Officials say tens of thousands of people have been made homeless.
• Obama: U.S. Is Not At War With Islam
  In a speech to the Turkish Parliament, President Obama reassured the Muslim nation that Turkey is a critical ally. He said the United States "is not and will never be at war with Islam." Obama was in the Turkish capital Ankara. His next stop is Istanbul.
• Candy Company Makes Its Own Sweet Travel Deals
  The small New York chocolate company Sweet Riot knows how to bargain travel. The candy upstart recently sent five people on a trip to trade shows in San Francisco and Sundance, Utah. Here's how they did it on the cheap: They crammed five people — including the CEO — into one hotel room, which they snagged on Priceline for $50, and they paid the shuttle bus driver partly in chocolate.
• Airlines Had Best Quality Performance In 4 Years
  A new study shows that in 2008, airlines had their best quality performance in four years. Airlines lost less baggage, bumped fewer passengers and had fewer delays. Topping the list with the fewest overall consumer complaints was Southwest Airlines.
• Escorts Keep Amphibians From Being Road Kill
  In Vermont, being an amphibian comes with certain risks — and perks. Each spring, frogs and salamanders get crossing guards. Thousands of amphibians hop and slither across highways at night. Hundreds end up flattened. So volunteers stand on the road with flashlights, ready to escort the creatures. Once the animals reach their destination, mating season begins.
• Ban Ends: Media Covers U.S. War Dead's Return
  The media were permitted on Sunday to cover the arrival of a U.S. soldier's coffin at the Pentagon's main mortuary in Delaware. In February, the White House relaxed a media ban that had been in place for 18 years. The family of Air Force Staff Sgt. Phillip Myers of Hopewell, Va., agreed to have the media coverage but declined to be interviewed or photographed.
• Kiplinger: Investors Shouldn't Bury Their Heads
  This past year has been disastrous for many individual investors. Some have just stopped looking at their investment portfolios. Knight Kiplinger, editor-in-chief of Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, talks with Ari Shapiro about what investors should be doing now — including pulling their heads out of the sand.
• Is North Korea Overshadowing Obama's Trip?
  President Obama is in Turkey as part of his first overseas trip since taking office in January. Has North Korea's rocket launch overshadowed his trip?
• IMF May Spur Countries To Return To Growth
  Data due out this week will indicate whether the economy is still on its way toward hitting bottom or if it's starting to recover. Things could get better if plans agreed on at last week's G-20 summit are put into action. If commitments are kept, the International Monetary Fund could have as much as a trillion dollars to disburse.
• North Korean Launch Grabs World's Attention
  The U.N. Security Council is seeking a unified response to North Korea's defiant launch of a rocket over the weekend. The North claims it launched a satellite, but the U.S. and South Korea say the rocket, and whatever was on it, crashed into the Pacific.

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