Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Minneapolis house gets top energy rating
  A house in Minneapolis is the first newly constructed home in Minnesota to get the highest possible LEED rating for sustainability. MPR's Cathy Wurzer took a tour of the house.6:40 a.m.
• Speaking without an accent
  After studying the language for years, non-native English speakers often have another hurdle to overcome -- an accent. Many take advanced language classes to try to eliminate, or at least minimize, their accent. Often they're professionals who see an accent as a weakness in a competitive workforce.6:50 a.m.
• Fall leaves vexing commentator Peter Smith
  The leaves are mostly off the trees all over Minnesota. The colder temperatures and strong winds that came in last weekend knocked down many of the leaves that were just barely hanging on. All those fallen leaves have commentator Peter Smith searching for answers.6:55 a.m.
• Edina lawmaker goes it alone after override vote
  One of the "override six," Rep. Ron Erhardt is seeking re-election to a 10th term in the Minnesota House. But this time he's running as an independent.7:20 a.m.
• Older Americans hit hard by economic turmoil
  Seniors and those close to retirement are getting hit hard by the volatile economy. Some are figuring out they can't afford to retire, and many retirees are heading back to work.7:45 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• A New Life For IndyMac Borrowers
  When the federal government took over IndyMac Bank, Cynthia Hendrix and other consumers with home loans from IndyMac got brand new loans — and a new chance to keep their homes.
• Some Displaced Iraqi Christians Ponder Kurds' Role
  In northern Iraq, thousands of Christian families remain displaced from their homes in the city of Mosul. Many are living with relatives or taking refuge in churches and monasteries in an area north of the city that's known as the Nineveh Plain.
• Power-Sharing Deal Elusive In Zimbabwe
  A regional summit has failed to break a deadlock in power-sharing talks in Zimbabwe. President Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai, the main opposition leader, are vying for control of the Home Affairs Ministry. That ministry is powerful because it oversees the police force. Tsvangirai accuses Mugabe, who has led Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980, of trying to hold on to too many of the most powerful posts.
• Climate Changing Walden Pond's Flowers
  Henry David Thoreau is perhaps best known for his book Walden, about living a simple life in harmony with nature. But Thoreau didn't just love nature — he studied it and kept meticulous notes. Now, scientists are using Thoreau's records to look at how the landscape has changed during the past 150 years.
• Independent Gives Subdued Support To Obama
  Barack Obama is hoping this election will translate into big gains among independent voters. But not all independents are embracing him whole-heartedly. One voter says she's concerned about Obama's foreign policy experience but that she's supporting him because she doesn't trust John McCain on health care.
• The Old College Try, Costing More
  The global financial crisis is not just hurting investors. It has forced commentator Mia-Sarah Abedullah of Youth Radio to rethink her college plans. She is now considering state schools instead of higher priced universities. The high school junior may be ahead of the game — she's already wondering if she has to mortgage her future on student loans.
• McCain Says He Wants To Create Opportunities
  The GOP presidential ticket campaigned Monday in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. While continuing his argument that his opponent would redistribute wealth, John McCain said he would create opportunity for all Americans. McCain's plan relies heavily on tax cuts.
• Obama Tells Supporters Not To Let Up
  One week before Election Day, Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama is laying out his case to be president. He gave a speech Monday in Canton, Ohio, that his campaign described as Obama's "closing argument." He told supporters they can't afford to slow down or let up for one day, one minute or one second.
• Diwali Better Minus The Fireworks
  Unlike most immigrants, commentator Sandip Roy finds the American celebration of Diwali far superior to the Indian version, with its extreme and incessant fireworks.
• Democracy In Thailand On Life Support
  Thailand's democracy appears to be on life support as the embattled prime minister clings to office. That's despite calls for his resignation from political opponents and, indirectly, the military. It has conducted 18 coups, or coup attempts, since Thailand became a constitutional monarchy in 1932.
• Bombings Cast Pall Over India's Diwali Celebrations
  In India, some are celebrating Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. It's similar to New Years. People set off vast quantities of fireworks, and they feast and party and give each other gifts. But because of recent bombings, this year is different.
• Treasury Injects Cash Into Banking System
  The U.S. Treasury has cleared the way for banks to start lending again. Nine major financial institutions this week will receive $125 billion. In addition, more than a dozen regional banks will share part of another $125 billion from the government.
• Sen. Stevens To Appeal Verdict As He Faces Voters
  Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, who faces a re-election battle, says he will fight Monday's "unjust verdict" that found him guilty of all seven corruption charges against him. Stevens was convicted of failing to disclose gifts including major home renovations from an oil industry executive.
• GM, Chrysler Merger Talks Resurface
  Two of the nation's automakers reportedly are asking the government for billions of dollars to finance a merger. GM and Chrysler are both bleeding cash, and a last-ditch merger between the two has been discussed for weeks. Industry executives have been meeting with government officials in Washington, D.C. The money could come from funds recently authorized by Congress to help carmakers retool their factories. Or, it could come from the $700 billion bailout fund. It could even mean that the government would take a stake in the car industry.
• Runaway Poodle Escapes Aiport Kennel
  Planes can get stuck on airport runways for many reasons — including a poodle on the run. Choochy evaded authorities at Boston's Logan International Airport for 17 hours. She escaped her kennel Saturday as it was being unloaded after a flight from Detroit. The dog ran in circles, chased by several vans, and delayed at least eight flights. She finally was caught Sunday and was reunited with her family.

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