Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• O! what a fall is here
  The beautiful light of October gives us all the reason we need to endure Minnesota's other seasons.6:50 a.m.
• Climatologist says weather about to turn
  MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with University of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley about the windy weather we saw in the Twin Cities on Wednesday. He also talked about the lack of frost in the metro area so far in this warm October.6:55 a.m.
• Young voters a key in November elections
  President Barack Obama will be in the Twin Cities tomorrow. He is coming to speak at a campaign rally on the University of Minnesota campus in support of Mark Dayton, the DFL candidate for governor. When Obama was elected two years ago, the enthusiastic support of college students and other young voters were a key to his victory. The importance of young voters in this election is less clear.7:20 a.m.
• Jimmy John's workers vote whether to unionize
  Some 200 workers at several Jimmy John's sandwich shops in the metro area vote today on whether they should join a union. If the union organizers are successful, it will be a groundbreaking event for the fast-food business.7:25 a.m.
• Duluth treatment model is 30 years old; its effectiveness hotly debated
  A domestic abuse intervention program developed in Duluth 30 years ago is the most widely used approach for treating domestic violence. But as the program prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary this weekend, its effectiveness is hotly disputed.7:40 a.m.
• Film tells of true-life wrongful conviction drama
  Betty Anne Waters once believed everyone in prison was guilty. Then a Massachusetts court sentenced her brother Kenny to life imprisonment for a brutal murder he claimed he hadn't committed. This set Waters on a remarkable path, which is the subject of a new movie, "Conviction," which opens this weekend.7:45 a.m.
• Museum portrays the dangerous history of mill work
  Working in a 19th century flour mill could be hazardous to your health.8:25 a.m.
• Family protests after DNR sells land they donated near Stillwater
  The family who donated land to the state Department of Natural Resources in 1974 so it would be preserved says they will pursue legal action after the land was sold recently.8:45 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Coming Face To Face With The President
  The White House says President Obama enjoys backyard sessions because they give him a chance to talk directly with people. Three men who have met Obama at such events -- a Catholic priest, a veteran's son and a small-business owner -- share their experiences.
• Amid Reforms, Cubans Fret Over Food Rations Fate
  In Cuba, every person receives a basic monthly food ration from the communist government. It's not enough to survive on, but no one starves, either. Now, with changes coming to the island's economy, this hallmark of Fidel Castro's revolution is also in doubt.
• China May Regret Pushing For The G-20
  Finance ministers from the G-20 are meeting in Seoul this weekend. At the top of their agenda: growing tensions over how countries use their currencies to gain advantage in global markets.
• Publisher To Remove Black Confederate Reference
  In Virginia, a new textbook for fourth graders has created a stir. The line in question claims that thousands of blacks fought for the South in the Civil War. It's a claim disputed by most historians and an idea pushed by some to minimize slavery's role as a reason the war was fought.
• Fox News Gives Juan Williams $2 Million Contract
  NPR has been sharply criticized for terminating the contract of news analyst Juan Williams for remarks he made about Muslims. Williams appeared on Fox's The O'Reilly Factor Thursday night to respond to NPR's decision. Fox has extended Williams' contract with the network for three years for $2 million.
• Influence Of Israel's Leftist Peace Movement Wanes
  Support for traditional left-of-center parties is slipping dramatically, according to a recent poll. And the mostly right-wing government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reflects a fundamental shift in Israeli politics.
• Fannie, Freddie Bailout Continues To Cost Taxpayers
  The two mortgage giants -- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- could end up costing taxpayers billions more over the next three years, according to a new government report.
• Get Ready To Say Goodbye To Windows XP
  This is the last day Microsoft will install the Windows XP operating system on new computers. XP was introduced in 2001 and outlived its successor Windows Vista. It's now being supplanted by Windows 7. Todd Bishop, of TechFlash.com, talks to Steve Inskeep about the end of Microsoft XP.
• First Lady's Wardrobe Sways Stock Prices
  Michelle Obama wears high-end designer outfits but also shops at stores like Kohl's and The Gap. The Harvard Business Review analyzed the impact her wardrobe choices had on 29 publicly-traded companies whose clothes she wore. Those shares tend to go up after Mrs. Obama wears their clothes.
• Dissatisfaction Builds Ahead Of Midterm Elections
  Democrats took control of both houses of Congress four years ago following widespread dissatisfaction with the economy, Republicans and President Bush. Now Democrats are in jeopardy of losing at least the House, and possibly the Senate, because of widespread dissatisfaction with the economy, Democrats and President Obama.

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