Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Franken to argue for election certificate
  Democrat Al Franken's lawyers head to the Minnesota Supreme Court today to ask for an election certificate. If he gets one, it could make it easier for the Democratically-controlled U-S Senate to seat Franken, even as Republican Norm Coleman's lawsuit continues.6:55 a.m.
• Rochester feels the recession, but economy still expands
  Even with the lowest unemployment rate among Minnesota metro areas, Rochester feels the recession's sting.7:20 a.m.
• Will there be jobs for newly-trained nurses?
  The number of jobs in nearly every sector of Minnesota's economy is shrinking. The exception is health care. As of December, there were still new jobs created in health care professions.7:25 a.m.
• Art Hounds: Week of Feb. 5
  "Art Hounds" is a new weekly feature from MPR News. Call it an insider's view of what's exciting in local arts.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• More Students Turning Illegally To 'Smart' Drugs
  Adderall and Ritalin are generally prescribed to treat ADD, but college students are increasingly buying them on the black market as "study drugs" or "smart drugs." Students say popping an "Addy" gives them an instant dose of focus and motivation. But the drugs also can be addictive.
• 1-Ton Snakes Once Slithered In The Tropics
  The largest known snake that ever lived grew as long as a school bus, weighed over a ton and ate crocodiles — presumably whole and al dente. Not to worry: Titanoboa cerrejonensis lived 60 million years ago. But scientists say a hotter world was required for a cold-blooded animal to grow to that size.
• Family Of Man Cleared By DNA Still Seeks Justice
  Timothy Cole got 25 years in prison after he was convicted of raping a woman in 1985. DNA test proved he didn't do it, but not before Cole died in prison. Now his family wants to clear his name — and so does the woman whose testimony helped imprison him.
• Editor Upholds Ideology Of Iran's Islamic Revolution
  Hossein Shariatmadari, chief editor of Iran's conservative Kayhan newspaper, was once imprisoned and tortured by the Shah of Iran's intelligence agency. Now, he edits an edgy newspaper full of sarcasm for perceived enemies, including the United States.
• Work Of Independent Journalist Stymied By Tehran
  Iranian writer and editor Issa Saharkhiz is deeply involved with reformist politics and is a critic of the Islamic republic and its leaders. He has been brought to court for his journalism, and his passport has been seized. Still, he remains in Iran and hopes to continue his work.
• Russia Tries To Control Former Soviet Central Asia
  Just two weeks into President Obama's administration, Russia is moving to reassert its influence over former Soviet republics in Central Asia. Moscow is pushing military cooperation and offering financial aid in what some say is reminiscent of the Kremlin's client-state relationships during the Cold War.
• Colleges' Health Insurance Fees Questioned
  Parents may be paying twice for their college students' health insurance. Often, they're paying for private insurance plus health insurance fees buried in overall college costs. Now, the attorney general's office in New York state is investigating college disclosure policies about health care fees.
• Ticketmaster, Live Nation Dance Around Merger Talk
  Concert fans aren't happy about the reported merger of Ticketmaster and Live Nation. The Wall Street Journal has reported that the dominant player in concert ticket selling and the world's leading concert promoter are near a deal. There's concern that a combined company would have too much control over concert prices.
• Bush-Era Drilling Lease Sales Voided In Utah
  Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has canceled scores of oil and gas leases sold by the Bush administration in Utah's red rock country. The sales would have brought $6 million to the government, in addition to royalties on any oil or gas production.
• Dairy Farmers Reel As Raw Milk Prices Plunge
  After years of record sales and profits, demand in the dairy industry is way down — and so are the prices farmers can get for their raw milk. That's forcing many to leave the business. Some are being forced to sell their herds.

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