Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• High-risk groups to receive H1N1 vaccine first
  By the end of this week, some Minnesota pediatric clinics are expected to receive their first shipments of H1N1 influenza vaccine, but supplies are so limited at this point, state health officials have asked doctors only to offer the vaccine to the most medically-fragile kids.6:20 a.m.
• Many Minnesotans spend too much income on housing
  For Craig Benson and other unemployed Minnesotans, making monthly rent or mortgage payments is a constant challenge. The latest census numbers from 2008 show the recession is making that struggle even tougher for many Minnesotans.7:20 a.m.
• New Ulm 'bullying' its way to wind energy, landowners say
  The city of New Ulm wants to put up five wind turbines as a power source, but proposal has angered a group of landowners who say eminent domain is being used to secure rights for a wind energy project.7:25 a.m.
• Mixed reviews for Bob Dylan's new Christmas album
  Early reviews are pouring in for Bob Dylan's new Christmas album and the verdict is anything but unanimous.7:45 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Banking Giant JPMorgan Chase Reports $3.6B Gain
  JPMorgan Chase on Wednesday reported sharply higher income in the recent quarter. The country's second largest bank says it made $3.6 billion, up from about a half-billion dollars at this time last year. The gains came mostly from trading and investment banking activity, which outweighed continuing losses in the bank's credit card and other consumer lending businesses.
• Ford Recalls 4.5 Million Vehicles Over Fire Fears
  Ford Motor Co. is recalling 4.5 million vehicles, fearing that a cruise control "deactivation" switch could cause a fire. It's the largest single recall in the company's history, and it's part of a string of recalls connected to this problematic cruise control switch.
• Analysis: International Sanctions On Iran
  RAND analyst Alireza Nader talks with Steve Inskeep about the impact of international sanctions on Iran.
• PepsiCo Apologizes Over Controversial IPhone App
  PepsiCo released an iPhone app that recommends pickup lines and other ways for guys to get girls. It was designed to promote Pepsi's new energy drink, Amp. After some people were offended and complained on Twitter, PepsiCo apologized.
• Rhetoric Heats Up Around Limbaugh's NFL Bid
  The NFL's woeful, winless St. Louis Rams are the talk of the sports and news media because conservative radio talk-show host Rush Limbaugh reportedly is part of a group interested in buying the team. There've been some strong statements in light of Limbaugh's racially charged comments in recent years.
• An Urban Bookstore In Philly Finds Its Niche
  Even in the recession, a Philadelphia bookstore that specializes in urban fiction is flourishing. Many of the titles are written by people who live in Philly. Owner Hakim Hopkins says urban fiction has increased in popularity over the past few years, following the trend of hip-hop music.
• Photos Show Shriver Breaking Cell Phone Law
  California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says that even his wife is not above the law. The celebrity Web site TMZ has posted photos of Maria Shriver apparently breaking a law her husband signed. The photos show her holding a cell phone to her ear while driving.
• Hybrids To Get Sound Effects For Pedestrian Safety
  When electric cars replace conventional vehicles, the roads get quieter — but maybe also more dangerous. The relatively quiet hybrids are prompting some pedestrians to complain that they can't hear the cars coming. Now automakers tell the New York Times that they are working to create sounds for their cars — kind of like ringtones.
• Bracelet Serves As Warning System For Investors
  Greed may be good when it comes to investing, but fear definitely is not. One way to curb emotional decision-making is the Rationalizer, a bracelet from Philips Electronics that acts as a warning system. It pulses yellow, then orange, then red — something like a mood ring — mirroring the wearer's pulse. A spokesman says the cuff-like bracelet is targeted at men, who tend to be more emotional investors.
• Health Care Bill Faces Fierce Debate In Senate
  After months of debate and delay, the Senate Finance Committee passed a health care overhaul bill Tuesday. All 13 Democrats on the committee and one Republican, Olympia Snowe, voted in favor. Nine Republicans voted against. The finance committee bill has no public option, and although Democrats say they plan to add one when it's combined with other bills in committee, they may risk losing support from moderate Republicans like Snowe.
• Proposed Debt Watchdog Faces Stiff Opposition
  President Obama's plan for a new federal agency to be the watchdog for home loans, credit cards and other kinds of consumer debt goes before a House committee Wednesday. The president says protecting consumers from such abuses would also help protect the economy from another financial meltdown. But the overhaul of the nation's financial regulations system faces stiff opposition from bankers and other business interests.
• Golf In Cross Hairs Of Venezuela's President
  Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez has ordered the nationalization of the oil industry, steel and cement companies — even coffee roasters. Now, he could be taking aim at golf. He dismissed the sport as elitist this summer and has taken steps that could lead to the takeover of two courses. Some golfers are bracing for more.
• Do Offsets Really Help Reduce Emissions?
  The climate bills working their way through Congress are the biggest effort ever to limit greenhouse gases for the U.S. One huge concession to industry is a system of offsets, by which companies that need to lower their carbon "footprint" can pay to reduce carbon emissions somewhere else. But offsets are seen by critics as a dodge for companies that don't want to clean up at home.
• U.S. Lawmakers Tout Aid Plan Criticized In Pakistan
  Pakistan's foreign minister is back in Washington this week amid much criticism in his own country over a multibillion-dollar American aid package. The authors of the bill — including Sen. John Kerry — are standing by the legislation but will try to clarify parts of it to ease Pakistani concerns.
• Dylan's Christmas Album, And '50 Great Voices'
  A sampling of Bob Dylan's first ever Christmas album, plus an appeal for listeners' nominations for NPR's new series "50 Great Voices."

Resources

• Future Tense®
• Marketplace Morning Report®
• Mark Seeley's WeatherTalk

Services

• Hourly Newscast
• HD Radio
• iPhone App / Mobile
• E-mail newsletters
• RSS feeds
• Podcasts
• Submit your photos
• Videos
• Weather
• Most e-mailed stories

Become a Sponsor