Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Essayist Peter Smith conducts his own budget talks around the kitchen table
  Politicians like to compare balancing the state budget to a family sitting around the kitchen table trying to figure out its finances. That oft-repeated metaphor inspired essayist Peter Smith.6:55 a.m.
• Who is to blame if govt. shuts down? Lawmakers stay mum
  Legislators are saying little about their closed-door meeting and negotiations, so who takes the political blame if government shuts down?7:20 a.m.
• Shutdown won't stop tax collections, but could affect refunds
  Even if Minnesota state government shuts down on Friday and has to stop spending money on many state programs, that doesn't mean it stops collecting money. Taxes will still be due, shutdown or not.7:25 a.m.
• St. Paul School Board discussion on bullying is first of many
  St. Paul School Board members began a discussion about student bullying, hoping open up further conversation on the issue and define district policy.7:39 a.m.
• Medical journal blasts Medtronic-sponsored studies of spine product
  Studies of Medtronic Inc.'s Infuse, used to spur bone growth after spinal surgery, failed to disclose serious and potentially life-threatening side effects, leading to excess use of the product, researchers said.7:44 a.m.
• Near-famine conditions driving Somali refugees to Kenya
  The United Nations says Somalia is on the brink of famine. The UN announced yesterday it's seen a dramatic increase in Somali refugees arriving at camps in neighboring Kenya. As many as 20,000 have crossed the border in just the last two weeks.8:25 a.m.
• Shutdown could devastate critical mental health programs
  Advocates for the mentally ill say a government shutdown could be devastating for people who rely on state medical assistance to pay for care, and could leave critical programs underfunded.8:41 a.m.
• North Dakota continues to grapple with flooding impacts
  Flooding continues to be a big problem in North Dakota. Even as the waters begin to recede, some of the temporary dikes along the Souris have started to erode and weaken.8:46 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Obama Takes Manufacturing Jobs Message To Iowa
  President Obama spoke at a manufacturing plant, where he talked about jobs and the future. Tuesday's speech was much like many he's delivered in recent months — except this one was in Iowa, where the 2012 campaign for president is well underway.
• Solid Start Puts Bachmann In Front-Runner Territory
  A day after her formal announcement that she's running for president, Rep. Michele Bachmann headed to New Hampshire, touting her conservative credentials. And right now, she is the leading alternative to front-runner Mitt Romney.
• China And Brazil Warm Up Business, Culture Ties
  Increasingly, Beijing is using a sophisticated charm offensive in its quest for new markets and resources. It's using this "soft power" approach in countries like Brazil, where it's found a receptive trading partner. And it has a model for its efforts: the United States.
• Ex-Israeli Spy Chief's Iran Comments Spark Row
  Since leaving Mossad, Meir Dagan has attacked Israel's leaders for their "reckless intent" to attack Iran over its suspected nuclear program. That someone so respected would talk publicly about one of the country's most sensitive issues has set tongues wagging.
• Federal Probe: Massey Kept Fake Safety Records
  The Mine Safety and Health Administration releases preliminary findings in the federal investigation of the Upper Big Branch mine disaster in West Virginia Wednesday. Families of the victims were briefed privately Tuesday night.
• Texas-Size Drought Dries Up Lake Travis
  People in Texas are suffering through a major drought that's putting pressure on cities, farmers, ranchers and businesses. It's also impacting Lake Travis, which is near the capital Austin. The drought problem is complicated by water management rules.
• Bank Of America Reaches Deal Over Mortgage Suit
  Bank of America will pay $8.5 billion to investors who lost money on risky mortgage securities. This would be the biggest bank settlement so far, relating to the housing market collapse.
• Cash Is King In Baltimore's Real Estate Market
  In Baltimore, Md., homes that once sold for $300,000 can be had for just $30,000. Investors are paying cash and snapping up distressed properties throughout the city. But unlike house flippers of the real estate boom, these investors typically rent out the properties rather than sell them for a quick profit.
• France's Lagarde Named To Head IMF
  Christine Lagarde, France's finance minister, is the new managing director of the International Monetary Fund. Lagarde will take the place of Dominique Strauss-Kahn who resigned after being arrested on rape charges in New York City.
• Washington, D.C. To Offer Online Gambling
  The federal government has cracked down on online poker sites. But a Washington, D.C. official managed to slip an online gambling measure into a budget bill that passed earlier this year.

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