Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Minn. economy promising, but recovery will be slow
  The state's job market is definitely recovering, Minnesota budget officials say, but recovery will continue at a crawl.6:50 a.m.
• Climatologist reviews warm and dry November
  MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with University of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley about the driest November on record in many parts of the state like the Twin Cities. The southern part of Minnesota is in a drought.6:55 a.m.
• Surplus shakes up politics at the state Capitol
  Minnesota's forecast for a revenue surplus is giving state lawmakers new fodder in their battles over taxes and spending.7:20 a.m.
• Bank to end wire transfers to hawalas; Somali community scrambles
  The last U.S. bank to allow wire transfers to Somalia has given notice it no longer will, sending members of the Minnesota Somali community scrambling to find new ways to send money that country.7:25 a.m.
• Investigation finds possible fraud in accounting practices at veterans home
  A state investigation into accounting practices at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis has found evidence of possible financial wrongdoing and fraud.7:40 a.m.
• 'How to Cheat' challenges actor with role just for him
  It's uncommon for actors to have plays written specifically for them. But Randy Reyes has the role cut out for him in the edgy comedy, "How to Cheat."7:45 a.m.
• Civic leaders to meet on racial disparity problems in Minn.
  Minnesota was once on the vanguard of managing social issues. But that's changed, and a group of civic and elected leaders meets Friday to work out a strategy on how to deal with the growing problem.8:25 a.m.
• Author explores Minnesota's smallest towns
  Author Jill Johnson's new book, "Little Minnesota," explores the state's 100 smallest towns.8:45 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Merkel, Sarkozy Push For Fiscal Change In Eurozone
  Time is running out for European leaders to find a way out of their debt crisis and salvage the euro as the single currency for 17 nations. As they prepare for a European Union summit next week, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have presented their plans to their respective countries.
• U.S. Troops Monitor Volatile Afghan Border
  The border between Afghanistan and Pakistan is at the center of controversy. Last week, NATO forces on the Afghan side fired across at what they thought were insurgents, and killed two dozen Pakistani soldiers. Officials are investigating.
• Russia By Rail: Setting Off From Moscow
  NPR Moscow correspondent David Greene, producer Laura Krantz and photographer David Gilkey share their journey along the Trans-Siberian Railroad from Moscow to Vladivostok.
• 'Shame' Is Hard To Watch But You Can't Turn Away
  A new film called Shame arrives in theaters with several honors, including the best actor award from the Venice Film Festival. It also arrives with a rare NC-17 rating. Michael Fassbender plays Brandon, a New Yorker who's addicted to sex.
• Senate Passes Controversial Defense Bill
  The Senate has passed a defense policy bill that includes controversial provisions requiring terrorism suspects be held in military custoday rather than civilian custody. President Obama has threatened a veto.
• Businesses Pledge 'Healthier Choices' For Customers
  Corporate America is jumping on the opportunities to make people healthier, while keep their bottoms line strong. Leaders of supermarkets, hotel chains and restaurant groups gathered in Washington this week for a summit aimed at shaping private sector solutions to the obesity epidemic.
• Study: Multitasking Multistressful For Working Moms
  A study in the American Sociological Review shows that working moms are more stressed out by multitasking than working dads. It's a significant finding because women report they do a lot more multitasking than men.
• Available Financing Helps Auto Sales Rebound
  Sales of new cars in the U.S. were up by 14 percent last month. One reason is more consumers are getting access to car loans — including those with less than perfect credit.
• Housing Market Lags Other Areas Of Recovery
  The housing industry continues to be a drag on the economy. David Wessel, economics editor of The Wall Street Journal, talks to Steve Inskeep about the state of the housing market, and possible action the administration might take to boost this critical sector of the economy.
• British Intelligence Needs Internet Specialists
  One of Britain's intelligence agencies is struggling to find computer whizzes. They are inviting would-be employees to hack a website to test their skill.

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