Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Specter's switch raises stakes in Franken-Coleman contest
  Sen. Arlen Specter's decision to switch parties in anticipation of the 2010 election may mean that Minnesota's 2008 election will go on even longer.6:40 a.m.
• Jobless benefits help unemployed weather the storm
  People who lose their jobs are generally pretty concerned about how they're going to make ends meet. More than 200,000 Minnesotans collected unemployment insurance payments last year, and even more will likely do so this year.7:25 a.m.
• Infectious disease specialist: additional cases should be expected
  Minnesota health officials say a probable case of swine flu has been discovered in Cold Spring. Rocori Middle School and St. Boniface School have been closed as a result. The sample has been sent to the Centers for Disease Control so it can be confirmed.8:25 a.m.
• Preservation of historic buildings vs. progress
  This week, the National Trust for Historic Preservation came out with its annual list of America's 11 Most Endangered Places.8:40 a.m.
• 'Four Boxes' comes home
  A much anticipated Minnesota-made film gets its local premiere at the Minneapolis St Paul International Film Festival tonight. "Four Boxes" is a thriller shot in Rosemount by friends who met years ago at the Childrens Theater.8:45 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Keep Flu At Bay With A Song
  Experts say washing your hands for at least 20 seconds can keep nasty germs away. Singing a catchy tune while you lather can help you keep track of the time.
• The Challenge: Constant Current From Fickle Winds
  In many remote areas of the country where wind is plentiful, no power is harnessed from the land because there aren't enough transmission lines to carry the electricity. And though the Plains offer untapped electrical potential, grid managers worry that the erratic nature of wind could make the grid unreliable.
• In Torture Memo Furor, Rizzo's Name Is At The Top
  All four of the recently released Justice Department torture memos were sent to one man: John Rizzo. As the CIA's top lawyer, Rizzo was a conduit for questions about the legality of its interrogation tactics. His lack of objection to the answers in those memos has thwarted his career.
• U.S. Officials To Decide On Swine Flu Vaccine
  The Obama administration appears close to announcing a decision to make a vaccine against swine flu as early as this fall. Experts say even if cases of the new swine flu disappear with warm weather, the virus may return next winter.
• Antiviral Drugs Discounted For Government
  The threat of a flu pandemic means more demand for antiviral drugs. The two European companies that make them — Roche and GlaxoSmithKline — stand to gain monetarily. But it's not likely to be a profit bonanza.
• Specter's Exit Punctuates Grim 100 Days For GOP
  The 100th day of the Obama presidency is also a milestone for the Republican Party. It marks 100 days in an unfamiliar exile — controlling neither the House nor the Senate nor the executive branch. And on Day 99, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) announced he's switching sides.
• Obama And Health Care: Big Hurdles Yet To Come
  The Obama administration has pushed through several health measures, expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program and dedicating more than $100 billion in stimulus money to health care. But the big test will come when Obama tries to get Congress to act on a bill overhauling the U.S. health care system.
• Bank Of America Shareholders Trying To Oust CEO
  Tempers may flare during Bank of America's annual meeting Wednesday. The Charlotte, N.C.-based banking giant took tens of billions of dollars in federal bailout money. A move is under way by a block of powerful shareholders to oust the company's chairman and several other board members.
• Societe Generale's Chairman Resigns
  The French bank made headlines last year after revealing a rogue trading scandal that cost the institution billions of dollars. Daniel Bouton had already relinquished his CEO title. Bouton blamed relentless verbal attacks on his performance for his decision to quit.
• Teens Will Have To Work Hard To Find Jobs
  With the recession claiming more than 5 million jobs, it's likely to be even more difficult for teenagers to find jobs this summer. That's tough news for teenagers and retailers. If teenagers don't have jobs, they'll have less money to spend.

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