Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Construction companies complain stimulus isn't helping
  The federal stimulus money is coming through in a big way for road building, but, with a few exceptions, it's not been much of a help for other parts of the construction industry.6:25 a.m.
• 'Short sales' a foreclosure alternative, but process can be difficult
  With Twin Cities housing prices down dramatically from their peak three years ago, increasing numbers of homeowners are turning to so-called "short sales" as an alternative to foreclosure.6:50 a.m.
• New DNA test may improve cancer screening
  Researchers at the Mayo Clinic say a new DNA screening may be able to save lives by helping to identify some hard-to-detect gastrointestinal cancers.8:25 a.m.
• Commentator urges unallotment of ramp meters
  Some people see only problems in the state's budget impasse. But others, like Morning Edition commentator Peter Smith, look at the situation and see a big opportunity.8:45 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Survey: Americans Tired Of Watching Every Penny
  According to WSL Strategic Retail, a New York-based consulting firm, Americans are spending more money on certain kinds of foods, including frozen dinners and cereal. The study found that shoppers are tired of watching every cent. They also have begun to spend more on cosmetics, clothing and entertainment.
• Detroiters Dreading Fallout From Downsized GM
  The Detroit area will lose thousands of jobs as General Motors tries to rebuild the company, which filed for bankruptcy protection Monday. GM's global headquarters is in Detroit, and union members and area residents are concerned about what the company's bankruptcy means for them.
• Lordstown, Ohio, Hopes To Benefit From GM's Cruze
  Residents in the area of Youngstown, Ohio, hope General Motor's new fuel-efficient compact car will help turn the company around. GM will build the Chevrolet Cruze in Lordstown.
• Dow Jones Industrial Average Drops GM, Citigroup
  The stock market's best-known barometer is adding Cisco Systems Inc. and Travelers Companies Inc. and dropping General Motors Corp. and Citigroup Inc. The changes were announced Monday as GM entered bankruptcy protection. The government has, through bailout money, become a major Citigroup shareholder and reduced its role as a publicly held company.
• Verona Opens Juliet's Balcony For Weddings
  The 13th century mansion of the Cappello family — believed to be the Capulets of William Shakespeare's tragic play Romeo and Juliet — has for years been a place of pilgrimage for lovers, who have scrawled messages on its walls. Now Verona's town council is offering it as a place to get married.
• Venezuelan President's Talkathon Cut Short
  President Hugo Chavez had promised a four-day marathon edition of his weekly television show. Saturday's show was called off without explanation. The government says technical problems interfered with the program.
• Does GM Stand For Government Motors?
  General Motors says it's confident it can steer a course through bankruptcy court and emerge as a leaner, more competitive automaker. The company filed for bankruptcy protection Monday. The federal government is helping GM with another $30 billion in aid. That will make the government the company's majority shareholder.
• GM Hopes To Be Revitalized After Bankruptcy
  GM's decision to file bankruptcy is expected to help the troubled automaker reorganize and emerge stronger, albeit smaller. Ray Young, GM's Chief Financial Officer, talks with Steve Inskeep about the bankruptcy proceedings and future of GM.
• Obama, Saudi King To Discuss Mideast Diplomacy
  President Obama will meet with Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah while he is in the Middle East. The Saudis are among the staunchest American allies in the region. Khaled Al-Maeena, editor of Arab News, talks with Renee Montagne about whether the Saudis are ready to take more of a diplomatic role in the Middle East.
• Obama Reaches Out To Muslims On Middle East Trip
  President Obama leaves for the Middle East on Tuesday. He is scheduled to make a major address in Egypt on U.S. relations with the Muslim world. He'll also visit Saudi Arabia. Obama talks about his trip with NPR hosts Steve Inskeep and Michelle Norris.
• Hearing For New Afghan Commander-Designate
  The Senate Armed Services committee holds a confirmation hearing Tuesday for Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, President Obama's choice to lead the war in Afghanistan. He is a former special operations chief. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has said the Afghan mission required new thinking.
• Brazil's Air Force Finds Plane Debris In Ocean
  Brazil's air force says it has found airplane seats and other debris floating in the Atlantic Ocean along the path that a missing Air France jet was flying. Authorities cannot immediately confirm they were from the plane. The Airbus A330 went missing Monday on a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris.
• Investigators Mull Cause Of Flight Disappearance
  Aviation investigators don't know what happened to Air France Flight 447 Monday. They also don't know exactly where or exactly when it happened. The plane disappeared over open ocean waters, outside the range where it could be seen by radar. Experts have few hints about what might have gone wrong.
• U.S. Helps Afghans Assume Control Of Local Security
  In Afghanistan's volatile Wardak province, U.S. Special Forces are setting up a neighborhood watch program with local recruits that officials hope will help drive out Taliban extremists and other militants. But critics say it doesn't address the real problem: the disconnect between Afghans and their government.
• Slaying Could Galvanize Abortion-Rights Activists
  NARAL Pro-Choice America hopes the murder of a doctor who performed abortions will make more people join the debate, while the anti-abortion side worries that the entire movement will be blamed for George Tiller's death.

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