Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Franken returns to comedy for Don Shelby roast
  Don Shelby signs off for the last time on Monday as an anchor for WCCO-TV. Last month, Shelby was honored and lampooned at All-Star roast in downtown Minneapolis. At the Shelby roast, Sen. Al Franken showed he hasn't lost his comedic chops.6:50 a.m.
• Cold coming for Thanksgiving
  MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with University of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley about a tempurature drop for Thanksgiving, and he explains "thunder snow." It happened in a recent winter storm, and he says it's very unusual.6:55 a.m.
• Dayton calls Republicans' court attempt 'desperate'
  Democrat Mark Dayton on Friday called the Republican Party's attempt to have the state Supreme Court weigh in on the election for governor "desperate."7:20 a.m.
• Kaler faces many challenges as he takes over at U of M
  Big challenges lie ahead for Eric Kaler, the man chosen to be the next president of the University of Minnesota, primarily having to do with its financial situation. The state faces a nearly $6 billion budget shortfall over the next two years, and higher education is bracing for more budget cuts.7:25 a.m.
• St. Paul launches Promise Neighborhood to improve student performance
  St. Paul community leaders are launching a new education experiment called a Promise Neighborhood, which is designed to help children make it to college. The effort targets 250 blocks with overlapping services they hope will promote educational success.7:40 a.m.
• For Eiko and Koma, it's a lot of work being 'Naked'
  For the last two weeks performers Eiko and Koma have spent six hours a day, six days a week, rolling slowly in a pile of dirt straw and feathers at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.7:45 a.m.
• Cedar Lake bike trail through Mpls. unlikely to open this year
  Anticipation is building among Twin Cities bicycling enthusiasts over a long awaited new trail link, but Minneapolis officials now say they're unlikely to meet their goal of having the new Cedar Lake trail through downtown Minneapolis open for use this year.8:20 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Obama Wants Lame-Duck Congress To Pass START
  Republicans in Congress appear intent on blocking approval of the START treaty, the nuclear arms reduction agreement between the United States and Russia. The president gathered prominent Democrats and Republicans around him this week, and they called for the Senate to ratify the treaty that allows inspections of Russia's nuclear arsenal.
• Health Industry Cool To Complete Repeal Of New Law
  Republicans in Congress say their priority for next year is to build momentum for an eventual repeal of the new health overhaul. But they could be in for a surprise: While repeal may be popular with Republican voters, the GOP could face pushback from some allies in the health care industry.
• Even In Calm Corner Of Afghanistan, Future Is Murky
  At NATO's summit Friday and Saturday, leaders will map out a plan to start transitioning some provinces to Afghan control by early next year. Herat may be on the list, despite a recent uptick in violence. Its governor says that's possible, but the province isn't there yet.
• Italian Priest's Trial Shines Light On Pedophilia
  Many parents come to cheer Don Ruggero Conti, a charismatic 55-year-old priest charged with molesting seven boys, and show their support for him. But plaintiffs' lawyers say the trial has already made history as it has forced an Italian bishop to take the stand in such a case for the first time.
• Supervillains Gather, Dare To Ask The Question: Is James Bond Dead?
  At a recent meeting of supervillains, the possible demise of James Bond at the hands of Hollywood financing problems was front and center.
• Coolio Samples Mama Stamberg's Cranberry Relish
  Susan Stamberg first broadcast her mother-in-law's "sounds terrible, tastes terrific" relish recipe on All Things Considered in 1972. This year, she asked rapper and chef Coolio to taste the Pepto-Bismol-hued Thanksgiving dish: "The color is a little weird, but it was actually quite good," he reports.
• Toyota To Ask Court To Dismiss Acceleration Cases
  Toyota will ask a federal judge in California Friday to toss out some of the lawsuits that claim its cars have defects that cause sudden acceleration. Toyota says the plaintiffs have been unable to prove that a design defect is to blame.
• Bankruptcy Still Fresh For Cautious GM Investors
  The "new" General Motors started selling its stock to the public Thursday. The return of GM brought excitement to Wall Street as an American corporate icon was resurrected. But, the new GM still has obstacles ahead.
• Former Car Czar Settles With SEC, Fights N.Y. AG
  The Securities and Exchange Commission has settled its case against Steven Rattner, the Obama administration's former car czar. But the investment banker faces two new lawsuits by New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, seeking a $26 million fine and a lifetime ban from the securities business.
• Kia Motors' U.S. Sales Rise In Tough Economy
  Korean automaker Kia Motors has a tiny percentage of the U.S. market but its sales are up 15 percent this year. That's a bigger increase than Toyota, Honda or GM.

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