Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Living wage eyed for St. Paul
  St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman says he supports a plan to impose a living wage requirement on businesses receiving city contracts. The ordinance, which was introduced yesterday, has wide support from City Council members, but the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce is voicing concern about the proposal. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.7:10 a.m.
• Will the US Airways-Delta merger push NWA into the arms of another airline?
  US Airways' bid to buy bankrupt Delta Air Lines is fueling speculation about possible suitors for Eagan-based Northwest Airlines. But analysts disagree about what's the most likely outcome.7:20 a.m.
• "Chasing Windmills" is pretty hard work
  Lately a camera crew has been working--working very hard--in downtown Minneapolis. They're making a drama called "Chasing Windmills" that's posted every weekday on the World Wide Web.7:45 a.m.
• Vlogging profiles of Minnesota artists
  Local artist and Best Community Video Blog Vloggy recipient, Chuck Olsen, profiles Minnesota artists7:52 a.m.
• Holiday arts season
  Cathy Wurzer talks with Morning Edition's arts commentator Dominic Papatola about holiday offerings in the arts communmity.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Teaching Kids the Science of Calories
  Everyone has a rough idea about which foods are high in calories, but one veteran science teacher in Philadelphia is teaching fourth graders the science of calculating them.
• For Teens, 'Healthy' and 'Diet' Aren't the Same
  High school junior Karime Blanco says a few of her friends have decided to eat healthy -- but not necessarily because they want to improve their health.
• Obama Land Deal Clouds Senator's Image
  Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) admits he made a mistake when he purchased land from an indicted political fundraiser. Obama made the purchase to enlarge the yard around his south-side Chicago mansion. The deal has cast a shadow across Obama's public image.
• Federal Western Land Deals Keep Money at Home
  A Senate panel is considering two proposed land deals in Nevada and Utah. In both cases, the federal government will sell off public land to private parties and, in exchange, will designate other land as protected wilderness. But questions surround a requirement that all money generated by the sales stay in the state.
• Soldier Pleads Guilty to Rape, Killing in Iraq
  A U.S. soldier has pleaded guilty to the rape and killing of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl, and to the killing of her family. He is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
• Bush Argues for Economic Openness on Asia Trip
  President Bush is in Singapore, on a trip that includes stops in Vietnam and Indonesia. In a speech, the president made the case for open trade between nations. In Hanoi, Vietnam, the president will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
• A Guide to Being James Bond 007
  There's a book that can help you walk the walk and talk the talk of fictional spy hero James Bond. Steve Inskeep speaks with Author Christopher Hitchens about The Book of Bond by Sir Kingsley Amis, published in 1965 under the pen name William (Bill) Tanner.
• 'Echo Maker' Wins National Book Award for Fiction
  Star writers gathered in New York City on Wednesday night for the National Book Awards ceremony. Books dealing with the events of Sept. 11, and war, were among the nominees. A graphic novel was also among the nominees, a first. Among the winners was Richard Powers' The Echo Maker, which took the prize for fiction.
• Congolese Wary of Violence After Kabila Victory
  President Joseph Kabila has won a tense runoff election in the Congo. Supporters of opponent Jean-Pierre Bemba claim fraud gave Kabila the win. Some are threatening violence. Civilians will be the ones caught in the crossfire if there is a return to fighting in the country.
• Airline Outlook Improves, While Uncertainties Remain
  This year could be a turning point for the airline industry. Two older established carriers, American and Continental, are about to make a profit for the first time in six years. But all of them face major challenges, from labor unrest to volatile fuel expenses.
• Murtha Bid for House Leadership Post Faces Opposition
  Democrats in the House of Representatives meet Thursday to elect leaders for the upcoming Congress. California's Nancy Pelosi is set to become speaker of the House. She's endorsed Pennsylvania's John Murtha to be the majority leader. But critics have raised questions about whether Murtha is the best person to end the culture of corruption in Washington.
• Charity Auction Sets the Record for Truffle Price at $160,000
  What's on your fantasy menu? For Gordon Wu, it's fungus. The Hong Kong businessman recently paid more than $160,000 at auction for a giant Italian white truffle. An auction spokeswoman says that sets a new world record for the most expensive truffle. The fancy fungus weighs in at more than 3 pounds. The auction proceeds will go to a charity. The truffle will be served tonight during a five-course banquet hosted by Mr. Wu.
• Trent Lott Returns to the Spotlight with Whip Win
  Senate Republican leaders met behind closed doors Wednesday and chose Mississippi's Trent Lott as Minority Whip. Lott stepped down from the position of majority leader four years ago after making racially insensitive comments.
• General Warns Senators Against Pulling U.S. Troops from Iraq
  In an armed service committee hearing Wednesday, the top U.S. commander in the Middle East warned Congress not to set a timetable for withdrawing troops from Iraq. Gen. John Abizaid was grilled by senators, including John McCain.
• Listeners: Political Interviews, RPS, Yucatec
  Listeners this week commented on our political interviews, on our coverage of the game rock, paper, scissors and on the Yucatec language.

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