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

• Forget The Monkey Bars; Go For Cheesy Feet
  Instead of running a mile down the road behind your still-new-to-a-bicycle son or daughter, food writer Nigella Lawson says, you could be making some cookies or bread rolls. It's another way to spend time with your children and get them to eat their food.
• A California Town Squeezes Water From A Drought
  When Bolinas, Calif., nearly ran out of water, the town came up with a plan — cut household usage to 150 gallons per day, half the average U.S. home use. The whole town pitched in, including the kids. Late rains saved the water supply, but it was only a reprieve.
• 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.
• Calif. Poised For Court's Gay Marriage Decision
  California's Supreme Court is expected to rule Tuesday on the fate of Proposition 8, the state's voter-approved ban on gay marriage.
• 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.
• Is Vaccine Refusal Worth The Risk?
  Over the past 10 years, pertussis, a highly contagious and sometimes fatal bacterial disease, has been on the rise. But more and more parents, worried about vaccine safety issues, are refusing to inoculate their children.
• Chrysler Restructuring Moving Quickly
  The Chrysler bankruptcy proceedings have been moving quickly and smoothly. In fact, the automaker has a hearing Wednesday that could help a new, healthier version of the company emerge from court next month. But some legal scholars say the rights of people who loaned Chrysler money have been trampled in the process.
• New Detroit Mayor Has Tall Order To Fill
  Dave Bing was sworn in as mayor of Detroit earlier this month. The NBA star-turned-businessman-turned-politician will have to draw from all of his years of experience to help this city, which is failing financially and is adrift politically.
• 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.
• 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.

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