Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• More Minnesota students taking online, hybrid classes
  Both the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system say they've seen double-digit increases in recent years in the number of students taking online courses.6:20 a.m.
• Heroin use increasing in Twin Cities metro
  Figures show heroin use in the Twin Cities has been trending upward for more than a decade, and two metro area sheriffs are speaking out about the problem.7:20 a.m.
• Solving computer problems for hospital patients and their families
  The Geek Squad has set up shop at a Minneapolis hospital to offer free tech help to patients and their families.7:25 a.m.
• Essayist highlights the side effects of the smartphone battle
  The battle is on for the smartest smartphone. Apple's iPhone and Google's new "Nexus One" are competing for the hearts and dollars of phone buyers. But with so many phones out there, essayist Peter Smith is starting to notice some side effects.7:45 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Unions Fear Health Tax Would Target Middle Class
  Imposing a tax on the most costly health insurance plans is important — many say essential — to bringing health care costs down. The problem for President Obama is that the unions for years have been negotiating bigger and better health insurance packages in lieu of wage increases. On Monday, Obama met with labor leaders to discuss the matter.
• House, Senate View Health Exchanges Differently
  One key element of both the House and Senate health bills would create health insurance "exchanges" where individuals and small businesses could purchase health insurance. However, the different approaches would work in very different ways — and would affect what kind of insurance coverage is available.
• Senators Propose Commission To Explore Deficit
  Sens. Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Judd Gregg (R-NH) say that if significant change is not made to lower the national debt, financial disaster is just beyond the horizon. They proposed a bipartisan task force to explore the issue exclusively.
• Cold Wave Smacks Florida's Citrus, Vegetable Crops
  Florida is in the grip of its worst cold spell in more than a decade, and that means trouble for the state's fruit and vegetable growers. Farmers in some parts of the state are bracing for substantial losses.
• S.C. Legislators To Consider Censuring Gov. Sanford
  When the South Carolina Legislature begins its yearly session Tuesday, it will decide whether to take action against disgraced Gov. Mark Sanford. Sanford left the state without notice last summer for a secret rendezvous with an Argentine woman he referred to as his "soul mate." In the days after the affair came to light, a majority of legislators called for Sanford to resign or face impeachment. The Legislature now is merely considering a censure.
• Federal Prisoners Kept Beyond Their Sentences
  If deemed "sexually dangerous," federal prisoners can be kept behind bars indefinitely. This practice, which has been called unconstitutional, is being considered Tuesday by the U.S. Supreme Court.
• AP Investigation: Toxic Metal In Kids' Jewelry
  Chinese manufacturers have been banned from using lead in children's jewelry, so some have started switching to an even more dangerous toxin. An Associated Press investigation finds the heavy metal cadmium in charm bracelets, shiny pendants and movie tie-in products being sold throughout the United States. Lab tests show one tainted trinket had as much as 91 percent cadmium by weight.
• Introspection After Allegations Of Discrimination
  In 2001, the food services giant Sodexo was hit with a class action discrimination lawsuit by a group of African-American employees. The suit set off a period of self-examination and the development of strategies to make the company more inclusive.
• Big Three's Tough Sell: We've Turned Things Around
  Auto executives are spending a lot of time trying to make the case that a turnaround is well under way, and this week's International Auto Show in Detroit showcases what the future holds for General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. Ford got off to a good start — winning both car and truck of the year — while Chrysler has become opaque.
• GM Says Chinese Will Drive Future Demand For Cars
  The American and European markets used to set the major trends for the automobile industry. But with China expected to become the largest car market in the world, General Motors and other automakers now have a different audience to cater to when they create new vehicles.

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