Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• University survey shows holiday shoppers expect to spend less
  An annual University of St. Thomas survey suggests Twin Cities residents expect to spend about 12 percent less on holiday shopping this year. Researchers at the university found the average household anticipates spending $663, about $90 less than last year.6:55 a.m.
• Both candidates lose votes as ballots are challenged
  It is day two of what Republican Senator Norm Coleman's campaign has dubbed the "Great Minnesota Recount." The numbers from the first day of the state-mandated Senate race recount show, of the ballots that are not in dispute, both Coleman and Democrat Al Franken lost votes from the initial count.7:20 a.m.
• Minnesota company to test escape system for astronauts
  Later today, a Minnesota-based company will test an escape system for NASA astronauts in the event of an emergency. The aerospace and defense company Alliant Techsystems is developing what is called a Launch Abort System. That system would sit on the very top of the new space vehicle that is replacing the Shuttle, and whisk the crew to safety in an emergency.7:25 a.m.
• Cultural groups focus new money on education and access
  Some Minnesota cultural organizations are in an enviable position, spending millions of dollars worth of recent grants that are coming from national philanthropic groups. The locally based organizations say they plan to use the money to develop audiences and improve access to art, with little of it actually going to create art.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Experts: Bad Economies Don't Cause Crime Waves
  With the U.S. economy's current troubles, many people assume a crime wave is just around the corner. But criminologists say that's just an American myth.
• Debate Rages Over Those Still At Guantanamo
  So far, more than 500 Afghans, Pakistanis, Europeans, Saudis and others have been released. But 101 Yemeni detainees are still held at Guantanamo. They represent the single largest contingent at the camp.
• Museum Of American History: A Gem Gets Polished
  Washington's National Mall will regain a star attraction Friday, when the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History reopens after a two-year renovation. It took $85 million and a horde of curators, builders, architects and advisers to reframe space for the museum's 3 million historic objects.
• Economy Continues Downward Spiral
  The economic news just keeps getting worse. The stock market is at its lowest level in more than five years. The number of homes being built continues its downward spiral. Retailers are predicting a miserable holiday season. David Wessel, economics editor of The Wall Street Journal, tells Steve Inskeep he's watching for signs of deflation.
• Letters: Rep. Barney Frank Interview Challenged
  Listeners disagreed over the way an interview was conducted with Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts. Some thought Frank was being berated, while others thought the back and forth was an intelligent and civil exchange of ideas. There were also comments on Somali pirates, and a correction to a story on foreign actors who play Americans on U.S. TV shows.
• 'Twilight' Fans' Destination: Forks, Wash.
  The teen vampire movie Twilight opens in theaters Friday. The movie follows the best-selling series of romance-thriller novels, set in the small and rainy hamlet of Forks on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. Despite its remoteness, the town has become a pilgrimage destination for readers from around the world.
• Underinsured Struggle To Afford Health Care
  Improved medicines and treatments are increasing life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis. But insurance doesn't pay for enough of those medical costs, leaving families affected by the disease to struggle with the financial consequences.
• Falling Prices Point To A Struggling Economy
  Economists say falling prices are a sign that the economy isn't doing well. Slowing consumer demand is behind the fall in oil prices, which are heading toward $50 a barrel. The government reported Wednesday that prices for consumer goods are eroding at a record pace. A short while ago, inflation seemed to be the danger. Economic policymakers now are fretting about deflation.
• Auto Industry Jitters Drive Down Stock Prices
  Worry that the U.S. auto industry could collapse has added to recession jitters on Wall Street. The Dow Jones industrial average finished down nearly 430 points Wednesday, falling below the 8,000 mark — levels not seen since 2003.
• Companies Looking Everywhere To Cut Costs
  As companies try to survive the rough economy, they are cutting costs. The person in charge of deciding where and how deeply to cut is often the chief financial officer. CFO Magazine recently interviewed more than 300 CFOs, and nearly half said they plan to lay off workers. Kate O'Sullivan, a writer with the magazine, tells Steve Inskeep that companies are also looking at hiring freezes and reductions in overtime.

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