Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Early-morning action sends flood aid to SE Minnesota
  Gov. Pawlenty signed the flood relief package early Wednesday morning after it passed the House and Senate. The governor called lawmakers back into a one-day special session. But there are some hints that another special session may be on the horizon if federal funding for the I-35W bridge doesn't come through.7:20 a.m.
• More older workers staying on the job
  New Census data show the Twin Cities workforce has a high percent of older workers. The numbers show more than a quarter of the regions workforce is between 65 and 72. That puts the Twin Cities in the top five among large metro areas.7:25 a.m.
• A conversation with new Walker director Olga Viso
  Olga Viso, 41, a Cuban-American viewed as an up-and-coming talent in the museum world, will be directing the Walker Art Center beginning in November. MPR's Cathy Wurzer talked with Viso about her decision to leave the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington to lead the Walker.7:49 a.m.
• Minneapolis may become ringleader in circus animal protection
  The Minneapolis City Council takes up an issue not usually on its agenda -- the safety of circus animals.7:54 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Ancient Ethiopian Culture Crosses Millennium
  An ancient culture leaps into the new millennium. Ethiopia follows a calendar from ancient Roman times. And according to that calendar, it is just New Year's Day, in the year 2000.
• Giuliani Struggled with Issues in First Campaign
  In his first race for mayor in 1989, Rudolph Giuliani struggled to define his moderate position on several issues. Now, his tendency to change his mind is threatening to become an issue in his presidential bid.
• Prognosis Better for Injured NFL Player Everett
  Injured Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett will walk again, a neurologist says. The assessment comes days after another physician predicted Everett might be paralyzed after suffering a "catastrophic" spinal cord injury Sunday.
• Ethiopians Lobby for Democratic Reform
  Ethiopia is a significant U.S. ally in the war on terror. When the U.S. wanted a change of government in neighboring Somalia, Ethiopian troops made it happen. Now some Ethiopian dissidents are lobbying Americans for democratic reform.
• Diary: Iraqi Soccer Victory Releases Tension
  Hassan Khaliday, a 24-year-old dentist struggling in war-torn Baghdad, describes a celebration by Iraqis after their soccer team's victory over Saudi Arabia in the Asian Cup in July. The festivity was one of the few moments for cheer in Iraq these days.
• Putin Shakes Up Russian Leadership
  President Vladimir Putin accepts the resignation of Russia's prime minister and will name a new one. The new prime minister might emerge as Putin's successor.
• FTC Probes Mortgage Lenders' Ads on Loans
  The Federal Trade Commission says it's investigating a number of mortgage lenders and brokers for making deceptive claims about the loans they offer. U.S. officials say a lot of these companies continue to misrepresent their products despite the big downturn in the business.
• Japan's Prime Minister Abe Steps Down
  Japan's youngest post-war leader, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is resigning. His decision to step down after less than a year in office follows a humiliating electoral defeat for his party and a series of financial scandals involving members of his cabinet.
• Britain, Ireland to Maintain Measuring System
  The British manage to hold on to their pounds and now they can keep their pints, too. The metric system was due to take over in 2009. But after public outcry, the European Union made a policy u-turn and will let Great Britain and Ireland measure goods in the old way.
• Midwest Beauty Queen Surrenders Crown
  Ann Knight, 18, lost her title as Miss Tuscola, Ill., after she visited a hookah bar — a place where you smoke with water pipes. She was photographed there, and local officials say that violates her contract. The college freshman will surrender the title even though she's old enough to smoke.
• Sessions: Success in Iraq Means Stability
  Sen. Jeff Sessions says success in Iraq means establishing a stable government. He sees "a commitment of years" to make that happen. Sessions, a Republican from Alabama, joined in questioning Gen. David Petraeus Tuesday on Capitol Hill.
• Tower Records Founder Opens New Store
  The music retailer Tower Records closed in December. But founder Russ Solomon, 81, has opened R-5 Records, a new store in Sacramento, Calif. He plans to make it work with knowledgeable staff and a deep catalogue.
• Philippines Offers Amnesty to Ex-Guerrillas
  Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is offering amnesty to members of the communist New People's Army — if they renounce their cause. The NPA has waged a decades-long guerrilla war.
• Former Filipino Leader Sentenced to Life Term
  A six-year legal battle, former Philippines President Joseph Estrada is sentenced to life in prison. A court found him guilty of four counts of corruption. Estrada was accused of taking insurance kickbacks, tobacco taxes and payoffs from gambling lords.
• Survey: Casual Dress Leaves Workers Uneasy
  One survey finds that dress codes are so relaxed that employees don't know what to wear anymore. More than 40 percent say they wear jeans or whatever is most comfortable to the office. But most still think how they dress affects their performance reviews.

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