Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Budget negotiations may focus on tax relief
  Both Democrats and Republicans say they'd like to see more done on the property tax issue.7:20 a.m.
• Higher ed officials say budget proposal doesn't cover inflation
  Pawlenty proposes more than $440 million in new spending for state-supported institutions; that's more than a 16 percent hike above current levels. But officials at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System say the increase fails to meet basic inflationary costs.7:25 a.m.
• No tax increase, no long term solution for transportation funding
  Minnesota vehicle owners come out pretty well in Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposed budget. As expected, he does not propose raising the gasoline tax or license tab fees. But some people worried about repairing roads and bridges, and building transit, have some issues with the governor's proposals.7:50 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• 'Dreamgirls,' 'Babel' Top Oscar Nominees
  Dreamgirls is nominated for eight Academy Awards, but not for Best Picture. Babel, which is among five nominees for the top film, earns seven nominations.
• Petraeus Set for Another Shot at Iraq
  Gen. David Petraeus — poised to become the top commander in Iraq — has been there before. He is well-regarded by fellow officers and military experts, but he faces immense challenges in his latest assignment.
• Guerrilla Tactics Drive Iraqi Insurgency
  Will President Bush's decision to send more troops into Iraq trigger a cat-and-mouse game with insurgents? There's ample evidence of a guerrilla war that would tend to counteract the impact of more force.
• Ethanol Plan Fuels Bush Environmental Critics
  President Bush is expected to push for more production of ethanol. Environmental groups and many businesses say he should propose stronger steps to stop global warming.
• Amtrak Urged to Bolster Service in Northeast
  Amtrak's Washington to Boston routes are increasingly popular, but need maintenance. Some want Amtrak to spend more on heavily traveled routes, and less to subsidize service in rural parts of the country.
• Leading Member of Islamic Courts Held in Kenya
  Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, a leading member of Somalia's Islamic Courts Union, has reportedly surrendered to authorities in Kenya. He's seen as a moderate who could possibly play a role in Somalia's future.
• Running for Office Via the Web
  Web sites are becoming an essential part of the process of running for office. Tuesday, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York held the first of several "Web chats" with supporters of her presidential ambitions. What's next on the Web for White House hopefuls?
• Abortion Foes Mark 'Roe v. Wade'
  On the 34th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, opponents of abortion marched on the National Mall. President Bush addressed the crowd and two presidential candidates used the event as a campaign stop.
• Best Picture? Five Picks Ahead of the Nominations
  Kim Masters couldn't wait for the nominees to deliver her list of the top five films: The Departed, The Queen, Little Miss Sunshine, Dreamgirls and Babel.
• Pfizer to Cut Jobs, Close Plants
  Pfizer, the world's largest drug company, is slashing 10,000 jobs — about 10 percent of its total work force — and closing several research and manufacturing facilities. Pfizer is trying to cut costs after losing billions in revenue to expiring patents on key drugs.

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