Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Former U.S. Attorneys predict future of Dept. of Justice
  Two former U.S. Attorneys from Minneapolis outlined their predictions for the Justice Department and its priorities under the new administration.6:50 a.m.
• Weather with Mark Seeley
  University of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley discusses Minnesota weather history and looks ahead to the weekend weather.6:55 a.m.
• NTSB stresses connection between bad design and weight
  NTSB investigators have found the weight of the bridge and construction materials and equipment placed on it forced a poorly-designed and under-sized gusset to fail.7:20 a.m.
• Secretary of State's office outlines rules for Senate recount
  The Minnesota Secretary of State's office is giving election officials across the state some direction on how to conduct next week's recount in the U.S. Senate race.7:25 a.m.
• Former MnDOT official reacts to NTSB findings
  Bob McFarlin, who was second in command at MnDOT when the 35W bridge collapsed, says the NTSB report does not find fault with the state's bridge inspection procedures. He spoke with MPR's Cathy Wurzer.8:25 a.m.
• St. Paul native makes another trip to space
  NASA officials are optimistic the weather will cooperate for this evening's launch of the space shuttle Endeavour with a Minnesota astronaut aboard. Heidi Stefanyshyn-Piper is making her second shuttle trip.8:35 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• In York, Pa., New Outlook After Obama's Win
  In a diverse panel of voters, even those who voted for John McCain said they found cause for optimism in Barack Obama's victory. For some blacks in the group, the election's outcome also brought a longed-for sense of acceptance.
• Vietnamese Workers Fear U.S. Spending Slowdown
  As the economic crisis continues, the possibility that U.S. consumers will spend less next year than they did this year is causing worldwide concern. In Vietnam, which exports a large share of its products to the U.S., garment factory workers are already worried about their jobs.
• First Extrasolar Planets Caught On Camera
  Scientists have taken images of multiple planets orbiting a star other than our own sun. One extrasolar system reportedly has three planets; another star, 25 light-years away from Earth, has one planet in its orbit.
• Is The Economy Heading Into A Deflationary Spiral?
  One year ago, economists were worried about inflation. Now, they are worried about deflation — prices for everything from corn to soybeans to gold are falling. While it might seem like lower prices could be a good thing, unchecked deflation can bring economic activity to a standstill. Economists say the risks of deflation should not be ignored.
• Nebraska Legislators Evaluate Safe-Haven Law
  State legislators in Nebraska are meeting in a special session to evaluate the state's safe-haven law. It was meant to protect infants. But more than half of the 33 children legally abandoned under the law since it took effect in mid-July have been teenagers. Todd Landry, director of Children and Family Services in the state, says the law has had unintended consequences.
• India: World's Finances Need More Oversight
  India is not a member of the G-8, but it is one of several emerging powers included in the G-20. Many believe these countries should have a greater say in global decision making. President Bush hosts a G-20 summit Friday. India believes key international financial institutions should be strengthened so the economic fallout on developing countries is minimal.
• Bank Robber Flees Without Cash
  If you ever get frustrated waiting for a bank teller, consider the feelings of a guy in York County, Pa. He had one simple request. He just wanted to rob the bank. But when he demanded money, the teller fainted. The robber proceeded to two more windows. But those tellers had no money. The bank had just opened, and their drawers weren't filled. The robber fled after threatening to file a complaint with management.
• Obama Documentary Needs Emanuel Brothers
  Hollywood is buzzing about a documentary on Barack Obama. A film crew has been following Obama for two years. One of the talent agents involved with the project is Ari Emanuel. He's the brother of Congressman Rahm Emanuel, who has been chosen as White House chief of staff to Barack Obama. So far, the third Emanuel brother has not been involved with the project. Zeke Emanuel is a doctor at the NIH Clinical Center.
• Who Murdered China's Emperor 100 Years Ago?
  One hundred years ago Friday, a crime was committed behind the imposing oxblood-red walls of Beijing's Forbidden City: An emperor was murdered. But there was no proof — until now. New tests show that Guangxu Emperor ingested a fatal dose of arsenic. And historians say his own aunt was the mastermind behind his murder.
• Hedge Fund Managers Favor More Transparency
  Five of the nation's most successful hedge fund managers urged a congressional committee Thursday not to impose too many new regulations on their industry. Several fund managers did say they support efforts to force the industry to become more transparent about its holdings. Hedge funds have been criticized for accelerating the worst financial crisis since the Depression.
• FDIC's Bair Offers Plan For Reworking Mortgages
  FDIC Chairwoman Sheila Bair wants to dedicate a chunk of the government's $700 billion bailout fund to a proposal for reworking millions of mortgage loans. She tells NPR the restructuring would be similar to the FDIC's cleanup efforts after the failure of the California bank IndyMac.
• Bankruptcy Judges May Help Mortgage Holders
  Congress is struggling over what to do about the epidemic of home foreclosures. Senators told some of the nation's biggest bankers Thursday that they should do their part to help homeowners. If they don't, Congress might turn to bankruptcy judges to rewrite the terms of mortgages — as they already do for car loans and even vacation homes.
• Bosnian Clothing Company Sells 'Obama Suits'
  A company in Bosnia launched its Obama clothing line before the U.S. presidential election was decided. Designers chose the name Obama Suits because they thought it had a certain ring. Apparently the line is selling well in Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia. No word on whether the company plans to sell its Obama Suit in the U.S.
• Obama To Resign Senate Seat Sunday
  President-elect Barack Obama has announced that he'll resign his Senate seat, effective Sunday. Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat, will appoint Obama's successor. Should the governor name an African American to replace the Senate's only African American member?
• Shuttle Hauling Equipment To Expand Space Station
  A new toilet and fridge will soon be orbiting the Earth. Astronauts on board space shuttle Endeavour will take a load of new equipment up to the International Space Station, to get everything ready so that next year the station can double its crew from three to six. The space shuttle is scheduled to lift off Friday night.

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