Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Phone counseling to begin for those who want assisted living
  If you plan to move into an assisted living facility in Minnesota, starting this weekend you'll have to make a phone call first. A new state law is going into effect that mandates a telephone consultation with a trained nurse nurse or social worker who'll ask a series of 'screening' questions before you're allowed to go to an assisted living facility.6:20 a.m.
• Wind set a record this week
  MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with University of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley who talked about windy days earlier this week that included a record wind speed in the absence of a storm.6:55 a.m.
• Religious leaders debate political endorsements
  Two Minnesota pastors debate whether they should be in the business of political endorsements.7:20 a.m.
• More MN schools missing federal marks; officials reluctantly release list
  Nearly half of Minnesota's 2,255 schools were not on track to meet Adequate Yearly Progress, a basis for measuring school performance in meeting requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind law.8:25 a.m.
• Weisman Art Museum to open doors, show off new galleries
  Closed a year ago for expansion, The Weisman Art Museum, the almost abstract metal-clad icon of the University of Minnesota's Minneapolis campus is readying to throw open its doors to the public.8:40 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• International Debt Inspectors Return To Greece
  In Greece, financial inspectors returned Thursday to review whether the government was complying with the terms of a $150 billion bailout that it agreed to last year. But the inspectors were met with loud demonstrations protesting further wage and pension cuts, public sector layoffs and higher taxes.
• Afghan Factions Vie For Position Amid Civil War Fears
  In Afghanistan, ethnic political parties are carving up the government and military in anticipation of renewed factional fighting after Western forces leave the country. Tajik and Pashtun groups, in particular, are placing party faithful in key posts.
• What Is Retirement, Anyway?
  Planning for retirement isn't just about mutual funds, 401(k)s and reverse mortgages anymore. With the traditional notions of retirement changing, figuring out how to spend our later years requires a different approach.
• Military Retirees' Insurance Premiums Going Up
  The Defense Department announced this week the premium for retirees with a family plan will be $520 a year, up from $460. Active military members do not pay for health care. The military health program, TRICARE, has been around for decades and may face scrutiny as lawmakers work to cut spending.
• Asteroids Pose Less Risk To Earth Than Thought
  NASA's most accurate census yet of near-Earth asteroids suggests that astronomers already know the location of more than 90 percent of the largest asteroids that could cause mass extinctions. The survey also suggests there are far fewer midsize asteroids than expected, but scientists don't know where most of these are.
• 100 Days Revisited: Checking In On Bradenton, Fla.
  A U.S. Postal Service worker and a coordinator of a homeless shelter in Bradenton weighed in on the economic picture there in 2009, just after President Obama was elected.
• Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Joy Of Letters
  Another tweet, another text, another trite, impersonal way that we choose to communicate with each other in the modern age. Writer Gwen Thompkins describes the ties that bind us to the well-written letter.
• Bank Of America Latest To Add Debit Card Fee
  Many Bank of America customers will have to start paying a monthly fee to use their debit cards next year. The fee won't apply to customers who only use their cards at ATMs or to premium customers. But for everyone else, it'll be five dollars. Banks have started imposing new fees on services that were previously free to make up for losses they expect from regulatory changes.
• Alaska Town Leaves U.S. Chamber, Citing Politics
  The Homer, Alaska, Chamber of Commerce has withdrawn its membership from the National Chamber of Commerce. Businesses in the small fishing village say the national Chamber does not represent their concerns about taxes or climate change. Only a handful of cities, such as San Francisco and Chapel Hill, N.C., have done likewise.
• Forget Florida: Colder Climes Top Retirement List
  A survey of the top retirement locations ranks the Twin Cities region as No. 1, along with other areas with colder climates. Boston, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Denver round out the top five. The study by insurance company Bankers Life and Casualty Co. looked at health care availability, including geriatric services and public transportation.

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