Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Budget to dominate last week at Capitol
  We're heading into the last week of the 2010 legislative session, and Minnesota lawmakers still have a big financial mess to clean up. The state budget deficit of $536 million ballooned to nearly $3 billion as a result of a Minnesota Supreme Court ruling last week. The court ruled against Gov. Tim Pawlenty's unallotment budget fix from last summer.7:26 a.m.
• Hmong families, MPD struggle to communicate
  Responding to a growing need, Hmong teenagers in north Minneapolis are spearheading an effort to help their families communicate better with police.7:35 a.m.
• Sen. Klobuchar reacts to Kagan Supreme Court nominee
  President Barack Obama announced that Solicitor General Elena Kagan is his choice to fill the vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court. Kagan would replace Justice John Paul Stevens who is retiring.8:05 a.m.
• Monday Market report with Chris Farrell
  Minnesota Public Radio's chief economics correspondent Chris Farrell gives a preview of the week on Wall Street, and analyzes what's happening in the economy in the Upper Midwest.8:35 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Solicitor General To Be Nominated To Supreme Court
  President Obama is set to nominate Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court to replace retiring Justice John Paul Stevens. If confirmed, the nation's top court could have three women justices for the first time.
• European Union Creates Plan To Save Euro
  World financial markets have reacted positively to an enormous aid package worked out for Greece and other European countries with large debts in Brussels Monday. The $1 trillion package of loans and loan guarantees dwarfs any proposal considered prior.
• Afghans Want Karzai's U.S. Trip To Be Fruitful
  In Afghanistan, there is growing hope that President Karzai's trip to Washington will mend relations between the two governments. But few in the war-torn country think the visit will net any concrete results that will change the tide of destabilization there.
• Israel, Palestinians Begin Indirect Talks
  Israeli and Palestinian negotiators are resuming peace talks after a 17-month break. They won't be meeting face-to-face, instead, these will be indirect or proximity talks with U.S. envoy George Mitchell shuttling between the two sides. The revival of negotiations is considered something of a breakthrough, but expectations are low.
• Obama Budget Pushes Paid Leave Programs
  For millions of Americans, a major illness or family crisis means time off work with no pay. Several states have passed their own paid leave programs. A half-dozen more are trying but are largely stalled by the bad economy. The Obama administration aims to encourage states to move forward.
• Working To Stop Teens Texting Behind The Wheel
  For many teens, their cell phones are an extension of themselves. They use their phones while they're at school, while they're in bed — even while they drive. And an increasing number of car crashes are caused by those distracted by cell phones. Experts are developing projects to stop teens and adults alike from texting in the car.
• Q&A: Teaching Kids To Take Healthy Risks
  Risk-taking is a natural part of growing up. But sometimes teens take risks that are unhealthy, and often dangerous. NPR spoke to two experts about the role of risk-taking in growing up, and how parents can minimize dangerous behavior.
• LaHood: More Fines For Toyota Possible
  U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is in Japan. He toured safety facilities at Toyota's headquarters and said it was too soon to pass judgment on the company's efforts to improve vehicle safety. He also said more fines would be imposed if necessary. Last month, Toyota agreed to pay a record $16 million fine for moving too slowly in dealing with problems related to sticky gas pedals.
• Kit Kat Kaleidoscope: Far-Out Flavors From Japan
  The Kit Kats you find in American stores offer layers of chocolate and crisp wafers. But in Japan, Kit Kats go far beyond chocolate, with flavors like ginger ale, soy sauce, creme brulee and banana. We asked a Tokyo-based reporter why that is -- and asked NPR staff members to sample some of the flavors.
• Coke's Soda Fountain Goes High Tech
  Coca Cola has been working on a new soda machine for the last five years. The Wall Street Journal reports the high-tech, self-serve soda fountain has one spigot and a touch-screen display. Consumers will be able to make their own carbonated concoctions.

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