Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Grim jobs outlook for new college grads
  This spring Minnesota college graduates walked across the commencement stage and into one of the most challenging job markets in years. The poor economy means there are fewer jobs available for college graduates. And new grads say even when they find a job to apply for, they're competing with laid off workers who have more experience.6:25 a.m.
• Commentator taking it easy on lawn work
  Memorial Day is over, and across Minnesota we are turning a page - sprucing things up, getting the yard ready, moving from spring into summer. But there's a fine line between working at keeping up the yard and keeping up with the Joneses. Morning Edition commentator Peter Smith explains.6:55 a.m.
• Daniel Hauser back in Minnesota; court hearing today
  A court hearing is set for 2:15 p.m. today in New Ulm to determine the next steps in the case of Daniel Hauser. The 13-year-old boy returned to Minnesota with his mother yesterday after a week on the run to avoid court-ordered cancer treatments.7:20 a.m.
• Tax credit for first-time homebuyers stimulating real estate market
  Metro area housing statistics continue to point to an improving market. Real estate agents say the $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit in the economic stimulus package is attracting buyers.7:25 a.m.
• A look at the historic architecture of the Twin Cities
  Architecture critic Larry Millett has two new guidebooks of historic houses along Summit Avenue and the Minneapolis Lake district. Take a walk with Millet through some of the Twin Cities more unique and impressive pieces of architecture.8:40 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Assessing Sotomayor's Experience On The Bench
  As President Obama introduced his Supreme Court nominee, Sonia Sotomayor, Tuesday at the White House, he said, "Walking in the door, she would bring more experience on the bench ... than anyone currently serving on the United States Supreme Court had when they were appointed."
• Sotomayor Has Long Record As Lawyer, Judge
  When President Obama introduced his Supreme Court nominee Tuesday, he spoke at length about her personal story. Ed Whelan, president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, and Kenji Yoshino, a professor of constitutional law, talk about Sonya Sotomayor's long record as a lawyer and judge.
• Finding Flaws In The National Character
  Jiang Rong's life has spanned the history of the People's Republic of China. The 63-year-old writer of the acclaimed novel Wolf Totem is a democracy activist who has spent time in prison, as well as an old-school intellectual in the tradition of the classical scholar. He sees his role as speaking out against wrongdoing and injustice, whatever the cost.
• Illinois Lawmakers Considering Civil Unions
  Gay and lesbian couples in Illinois looking to get married can do so in the neighboring state of Iowa. Illinois is home to a number of gay rights groups, but the state is far from approving same-sex marriages. A bill that would legalize civil unions awaits a vote in the Illinois General Assembly.
• Job Training Gives Boost To High School Grads
  The recession has been particularly brutal for those without a college education. The best bet for high school students in the long run is to get some college experience. Teens can dramatically improve their shot at a job by getting training in high school.
• Analysis: Obama Picks Sotomayor For High Court
  President Obama tapped federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court on Tuesday. She would be the first Hispanic justice and the third female justice. If confirmed by the Senate, Sotomayor, 54, would succeed retiring Justice David Souter.
• Senate Will Have To Confirm Court Choice
  President Obama's first nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court is Sonia Sotomayor. She's a federal appeals court judge. And if confirmed, she'll be the third woman to serve on the high court and the first Hispanic. Lawmakers in the Senate will have to vote on her confirmation. Some have said her nomination is bullet proof.
• FDA Trying To Curb Overdoses From Painkillers
  Millions of American pain sufferers rely daily on drugs such as oxycodone, fentanyl and methadone. The Food and Drug Administration is trying to curb overdoses while maintaining access to critical pain medications.
• Obama To Nominate Sotomayor To High Court
  President Obama has chosen federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor for the opening on the Supreme Court. The announcement is expected to be made official Tuesday. If confirmed by the Senate, Sotomayor would be the first Hispanic to serve on the nation's highest court. She would succeed Justice David Souter, who is retiring.
• Obama To Name Supreme Court Nominee
  President Obama is expected to nominate federal appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. She would be the first Hispanic justice. If confirmed by the Senate, Sotomayor would succeed retiring Justice David Souter.
• MP3 Player May Soon Analyze Listener's Mood
  Consumer electronics maker Sony-Ericsson has filed a patent for a technology that allows an MP3 player to analyze your mood and come up with a list of suitable songs. The aim of the technology is not to reduce the cost of therapy, but to save you the trouble of coming up with your own playlist.
• Netbooks: Mini Laptops, Bigger Cell Phones
  Technology commentator Mario Armstrong talks with Steve Inskeep about netbooks, mini laptops that have some of the functions of a computer and some of the abilities of a cell phone. Netbooks are very portable, very stylish and cost about $300.
• Volkswagen, BYD Exploring Battery Partnership
  A company in China is grabbing headlines because it could start supplying car batteries to some of the biggest names in the global auto industry. BYD Co. is already one of the world's biggest producers of cell phone batteries. Media reports indicate that BYD is talking to Volkswagen about supplying batteries for hybrid and electric cars.
• Wolf Project In Maine Needs Volunteers To Howl
  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to know if wolves are returning to Maine's North Woods. They need volunteers to walk through the forest at night and howl like a wolf. Authorities in Japan are howling with rage. They think teenagers are vandalizing a Tokyo park. So they have begun playing a high-pitched tone at night that only young people can hear.
• Inmates To Ride In Their Own Tour De France
  Close to 200 prisoners will cycle around France next month in the first penal version of the Tour de France. They will be accompanied by 124 guards and prison sports instructors. Breakaway sprints will not be allowed.

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