Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• One-third of state's authorizers are getting out of charter school business
  Having an authorizer, or sponsor, had been an almost mundane requirement for charter schools -- until this year, when the state started implementing a new law designed to make authorizers more accountable.6:20 a.m.
• Recount Day 2: Emmer camp steps up ballot challenges
  With nearly 70 percent of ballots recounted in Minnesota's governor's race, there has been little change in the Election Night result that showed Mark Dayton with a lead of more than 8,700 votes.7:20 a.m.
• Powderhorn has problems, yes. And it's a wonderful place to live.
  We're the sort of neighbors who get to know each other, and why wouldn't we? We're seriously interesting.7:25 a.m.
• Rochester looking to create an Uptown of its own
  The nightlife in Rochester, Minnesota is not exactly like the Twin Cites. But some business owners and at least one city official are looking to change that. They'd like to imitate the popular "Uptown" entertainment district in Minneapolis.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• How Iran Failed To Acquire A Russian Missile
  The released WikiLeaks diplomatic documents include behind-the-scenes details about a failed weapons deal between Russia and Iran. Iran had planned to buy a Russian missile that would have been a powerful defense against a military strike on its nuclear facilities. But Russia abruptly halted the deal in September.
• Historian Relishes WikiLeaks Cable Dump
  Author and historian Timothy Garton Ash says WikiLeaks' release of 250,000 U.S. cables is a diplomats' nightmare and a historians' dream. The cables reveal the inner workings of the State Department. Garton Ash tells Renee Montagne that the mass of diplomatic cables is like a multi-course banquet.
• EU Probes Google For Antitrust Issues
  Europe's antitrust regulator, the European Commission, is investigating whether Google used its dominant position in search and online advertising to put competitors at a disadvantage. Google said it works hard to do the right thing and will work with the commission to address concerns.
• New Networks Target Discomfort With Facebook
  Facebook is the most popular social network, but that doesn't mean everyone is happy with how personal information gets shared on it. Experts are looking with interest at emerging startups that aim to solve some of the privacy issues raised by Facebook.
• Overeating, Like Drug Use, Rewards And Alters Brain
  An addict's motivation to take drugs and a hungry person's motivation to eat use similar circuits in the brain, research indicates. That doesn't mean food is addictive, but certain foods do act a lot like a drug in the brain and can alter the brain the way drugs do.
• Musharraf May Gamble On Return To Pakistan
  Former Pakistani leader Pervez Musharraf is contemplating a return home from exile and a possible run for the presidency. But the history of his rule haunts him, and any comeback is fraught with uncertainties.
• China Plays Middleman Between North, South Korea
  As South Korean military drills continue with the U.S., North Korea said the drills could lead to a full-scale war. The two countries separated in 1945 and the animus between them has ebbed and flowed since. Barbara Demick, of the Los Angeles Times, has written a book on North Korea called Nothing to Envy. She's now based in Beijing, and talks to Renee Montagne about why China is a key player in the drama.
• Class-Action Lawsuit May Proceed Against Toyota
  The lawsuit is on behalf of owners who may not have experienced sudden acceleration but who claim economic loss. By this they mean: Toyota's recalls and all of the bad publicity reduced the value of their cars. The judge turned aside Toyota's request to dismiss the lawsuits.
• Senate Passes Overhaul Of Food Safety System
  The Senate has approved new food safety rules that consumer advocates are calling historic. Among other things, the bill would allow the Food and Drug Administration to order the recall of contaminated food, something it doesn't have the power to do now.
• Jobless Get Creative, Rethink Holiday Gifts
  Holiday sales projections are up about 2 percent from last year. But most unemployed people are scaling back on purchasing traditional holiday gifts. Instead, they're turning to handmade creations or offering to do something like cook a meal for loved ones and friends.

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