Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Mpls. budget saves public safety jobs, but more cuts loom
  The Minneapolis City Council budget committee reduced the size of the recommended tax levy and found funds to avoid layoffs in the police and fire departments at a meeting Thursday night.8:20 a.m.
• Nonprofits see uptick in volunteers during down economy
  Andrea Roeger is among a growing number of unemployed who are using their free time to help others by volunteering for organizations like Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and other nonprofits.8:25 a.m.
• Jason Reitman -- the man who decided not to be a director
  Director Jason Reitman seems to have a thing about writers with Minnesota connections. He had a huge hit with "Juno" written by Diablo Cody. Now he's getting a lot of buzz for "Up in the Air," which is based on Minnesota native Walter Kirn novel.9:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• U.S. General Defends Pakistan's Anti-Insurgent Fight
  Gen. David Petraeus, in charge of American troops throughout the Middle East and South Asia, says Pakistan is making strides to root out militants along the border with Afghanistan. He also tells NPR's Steve Inskeep that there needs to be understanding about the country's inaction toward some extremists.
• Undefeated Horned Frogs Leap To Title Contention
  The Horned Frogs of Texas Christian University went undefeated this year. They are ranked No. 4 in the country and field one of the best defenses in college football. But the team may not be getting the respect it deserves.
• Time Again To Debate College Football Playoff System
  It's a big weekend in college football, with the two top-ranked teams facing off against each other for a spot in the national title game. There are no playoffs in college football. Every year when it's time for the bowl games, the debate resumes over whether the Bowl Championship Series should be changed.
• The Estate Tax Explained: Who It Hits And Doesn't
  If you listen to Congress, you might think most people owe a lot of taxes when they die. Republicans like to call the inheritance tax the "death tax," while Democrats say it hits only the very rich. But, as is often the case, the truth is more complicated.
• Sorting Fact From Fiction In Health Care Debate
  Some egregious claims are being made by each side in the Senate debate over health care. Morning Edition launches a new series called "Is That So?" — a look at the health care debate going on in the Senate.
• States Try To Override Federal Health Care Mandate
  As the health care debate continues in Washington, some states are taking steps to limit or block changes. In Arizona, voters are being asked to ratify a legislative move that gives residents the right to opt-out of any health-care system.
• 'Up In The Air': Life, No Strings Attached
  Juno director Jason Reitman's latest film stars George Clooney as Ryan Bingham, a corporate hit man who flies around the country firing people. A professional drifter, Ryan avoids all attachments, but when two women enter his life and challenge his philosophy, the question becomes whether Ryan's detachment is preventing him from truly living.
• Government To Release New Jobless Numbers
  The government's monthly jobs report is out Friday morning and economists have been working their calculators. More than 80 surveyed by Bloomberg News expect it to show that 125,000 jobs were lost in November. That number would be much smaller than the hemorrhaging of jobs that took place at the height of the recession.
• Wal-Mart Hopes To Score With Soccer Merchandise
  Wal-Mart and World Cup Soccer are teaming up. The world's No. 1 retailer, plans to sell official World Cup soccer gear.
• You Can't Put A Bow On An E-Book
  Bookstore owners are hoping the 2009 holiday season will be a little merrier and brighter than it was in 2008. So far, so good — booksellers say highly hyped books from big name authors are bringing more customers into stores. But online purchasing and e-books are still stealing away many potential customers.

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