Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Mille Lacs Band swears in new chief executive
  Several hundred people gathered at Grand Casino Mille Lacs Tuesday for the swearing-in of a new, and familiar, chief executive of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Former chief executive Marge Anderson returned to the role she's held before, as she delivered the 25th annual State of the Band Address.6:50 a.m.
• Pollution control agency looks to snuff out rural burning
  For most farmers, garbage day is a simple routine. They grab the garbage bags, take them outside and light them on fire. State officials are trying to douse the urge to burn.6:55 a.m.
• Franken goes to Supreme Court; voters sue over rejected ballots
  The dispute over Minnesota's U.S. Senate race has expanded. A group of 64 voters filed suit in the Minnesota Supreme Court to have their votes counted. Meanwhile, Democrat Al Franken asked the court to order the governor and the Secretary of State to sign an election certificate declaring Franken the winner over Republican Norm Coleman.7:20 a.m.
• Klobuchar's office sees increased traffic due to empty Senate seat
  With no declared winner in the U.S. Senate election, Minnesota remains one senator short. This could affect individual Minnesotans, the state as whole and, quite possibly, national politics.7:25 a.m.
• An early look at long-term state budget solutions
  A bipartisan panel this week said that Minnesota's budget problems are here to stay unless elected officials take steps to fix the situation long term. The state faces a projected $4.8 billion deficit for the next two-year budget cycle.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• French Minorities Push For Equality Post-Obama
  France has long been considered more enlightened than America on matters of race. But Barack Obama's election as U.S. president has underscored France's failure to achieve a colorblind society. Now, French politicians are being pressed to promote more diversity.
• Blair: Obama, Clinton Can Make Progress In Mideast
  Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair says one lesson to be learned from recent violence in the Gaza Strip is that Gaza must be a part of any plans for a lasting peace in the region. He thinks the new administration can make headway.
• Where Does The Oath Of Office Come From?
  Every incoming president back to George Washington has spoken the 37 words in the oath of office. The oath is written into the U.S. Constitution — in fact, one expert says it's the only sentence in quotes in the entire document.
• Congress To Attach Strings To Bailout Money
  Congress is debating whether to authorize President-elect Barack Obama to spend the second half of the $700 billion financial bailout approved last fall. Many lawmakers are unhappy with the way the first half of the money was spent, and they want some guarantees before approving any additional funds.
• Pelosi Expects To Pass Twice-Vetoed SCHIP Bill
  Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are busy debating matters from health care to stimulus plans and financial bailouts. But an initiative that would provide health insurance for millions of children may have been overshadowed — an initiative that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi now expects will pass.
• Fla. Jews, Muslims Seek Common Ground On Gaza
  Florida is home to sizable Jewish and Muslim populations. In South Florida, scarcely a day goes by there's not at least one rally in support of Israel, or a protest of the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip. But some Palestinian and Jewish activists are joining forces, hoping the broader goal of peace overrides either side's position.
• Bush Will Soon Call Dallas 'Home' Again
  President Bush will soon leave Washington, D.C., and return to the same Dallas neighborhood where the family lived before he became Texas governor 16 years ago. The house in Preston Hollow is a sprawling rambler next to the estate of billionaire Tom Hicks, a longtime friend.
• Chrysler Reportedly Considers Selling 'Key Assets'
  After receiving billions in government bailout money, Chrysler is under pressure to restructure. Reuters reports the struggling automaker may sell "key assets" to the French-Japanese carmaker Renault-Nissan. The wire service also reports that Chrysler may sell an Illinois assembly plant to a Canadian auto parts supplier.
• Citigroup, Morgan Stanley Merge Brokerage Units
  Citigroup and Morgan Stanley are combining their brokerage units, in a deal that has Morgan Stanley paying Citigroup $2.7 billion for a 51 percent stake in the joint venture. Citigroup's retail brokerage, Smith Barney, was once the crown jewel in its wealth management business.
• Geithner Failed To Pay Self-Employment Taxes
  Tax issues are delaying Senate confirmation hearings for Tim Geithner, President-elect Barack Obama's choice for Treasury secretary. Geithner initially failed to pay a portion of his taxes between 2001 and 2004. He says it was an honest mistake, but a key Republican wants to hear more.

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