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

• N.Y. Mandates Flu Shots For Health Care Workers
  New York is the only state so far to require all workers in hospitals and clinics to get immunized against the flu. Advocates say it's a matter of patient safety, while opponents worry about the effectiveness and side effects. They also argue about the principle: They want control over what's injected into their bodies.
• Six Years After Saddam, Iraq's History Is Updated
  Students in Iraq will open new textbooks this school year that reflect the enormous changes the country has been through and include historical events that were once forbidden topics. Many of the fawning references to the former dictator have also been excised.
• Author: Economic Changes Opened Doors For Women
  In When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Present, author Gail Collins chronicles the transformation of women in society. Many of today's career advances were created by market forces, she says.
• Soda Tax Could Shake Up Industry
  Amid the health care overhaul debate, one big question has been where to come up with the money to change the system. One idea that has been suggested is a tax on soda. Public health advocates say drinking soda is directly linked to obesity, which is partly responsible for skyrocketing health care costs.
• Deford: Boise State Needs NCAA's Help To Buck BCS
  Boise State has one of the upwardly mobile teams in college football — but there may be a limit to how far the team can go. Commentator Frank Deford says the powers that be in college football keep teams like Boise State from having a shot at the big time.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Author: Pakistan, India At War In Afghanistan
  Journalist Steve Coll, author of Ghost Wars, talks with Steve Inskeep about how Pakistan and India are fighting a proxy war in Afghanistan. Coll says Pakistan uses terrorist elements in Afghanistan to keep its regional rival off balance — while India sees Afghanistan as the key to meeting its vast energy needs.
• 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.

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