Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Meet the Minneapolis Movie Bears
  More than 80 bears turned up at a Twin Cities movie theater the other night. These bears were not true ursines, but members of a human social group, the Minneapolis Movie Bears.6:55 a.m.
• State officials predict 'historic' budget deficit
  Minnesota finance officials announce Thursday the size of the deficit they see looming on the state budget horizon. Recent predictions say the shortfall could surpass $4 billion, and lawmakers will need to consider deep spending cuts and tax increases.7:20 a.m.
• Campaigns continue to raise money to fund recount efforts
  Long after the election, the two campaigns continue to aggressively raise money, not to pay for TV commercials and lawn signs, but instead to bankroll their recount operations.7:25 a.m.
• Dance is enjoying a renaissance
  From the new Broadway musical "Billy Elliott," to the variety of "Nutcrackers" flitting across local stages, dance seems to be enjoying a renaissance -- or at least increased attention -- these days. But there are challenges for the art form as well, both locally and nationally.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Two New Bibles Preach A Hip, Eco-Friendly Gospel
  The Bible has gotten a makeover: Two new editions target a young — even secular — audience. One is a slick, illustrated version of the New Testament; the other is an environmentally friendly edition that takes advantage of the popularity of the green movement.
• Will The Rich Pardon Trip Up Obama's Pick For AG?
  When Eric Holder served as deputy attorney general, he recommended that President Clinton pardon Marc Rich, who had been charged with fraud and tax evasion and whose ex-wife contributed thousands of dollars to the Clintons. At the time, many considered the move scandalous.
• Flu On Campus: Avoiding Misery For $20
  Every year, about 1 in 4 college students gets the flu. A $20 flu shot can be a cheap insurance policy against aching joints and muscles, high fever, missed classes. But even that isn't enough to motivate some students to get vaccinated, so one health expert is trying an economic argument.
• Treasury Weighs Plan To Cut U.S. Mortgage Rates
  The Treasury is considering a plan to lower mortgage rates for homebuyers to as low as 4.5 percent — more than a full point below currently offered rates, sources say. But analysts say the plan would be even more effective at boosting the economy if it also lowered rates for refinancings.
• Big, Small Home Builders Feel Housing Pinch
  Smaller home builders — like Florida's Chuck Fowke — are going out of business, while large companies are cutting back. The industry wants any federal stimulus package to include new incentives for homebuyers. But analysts say the industry won't begin to rebound without a decrease in home builders and inventory.
• Economy, Drug Wars Hurt Cross-Border Business
  El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez in Mexico are economically tightly intertwined. The economic downturn in the U.S. is hurting the hundreds of assembly plants just across the border as a raging drug war that's killed some 1,400 people in Juarez this year is squashing tourism.
• Analyst: Pakistani Group Behind Mumbai Attacks
  A radical Islamic group from Pakistan has emerged as the prime suspect in last week's deadly attacks in Mumbai, India. The group known as Lashkar-e-Taiba was thought to have mainly local ambitions, but it shares the jihadi philosophy of al-Qaida.
• Finding Health Insurance Can Be Tricky For Grads
  Many young adults transition out of college into jobs that have limited benefits. Negotiating how to find health insurance that will meet their needs can be difficult.
• With Google Phone, Track Flu In Your Zip Code
  Owners of a T-Mobile G1, also known as the "Google phone," can now download a program that tracks flu outbreaks by zip code. The makers of the flu remedy Zicam created the program and got their information from polling health care providers and pharmacies. A version for the iPhone is expected to be availible later this month.
• Bratz Dolls To Disappear From Toy Shelves
  Just in time for the holidays, a federal judge has granted giant toymaker Mattel one of its big wishes. The judge ordered a rival company to stop selling Bratz dolls, which have undercut sales of Mattel's own Barbie. Wednesday's ruling follows a jury's finding that Bratz doll designer Carter Bryant came up with the pouty-lipped dolls while working for Mattel. The judge said the Bratz dolls may remain on store shelves until after the holidays.

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