Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• FDA launches look into safety of drug coated stents
  A Food and Drug Administration committee meets Thursday and Friday to review the safety of drug-coated stents.7:21 a.m.
• Duluth students concerned about walk to school
  Duluth's winter weather is helping a group of high school students make a point. They say that the school district should re-examine its bussing policy. The policy states that school bus service is only available to high school students who live more than two miles away. The students at Central High have organized a protest march Friday morning from Leif Erickson Park to their high school which is two miles away. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Bryan Karban who is participating in the march.7:55 a.m.
• Arts organizations bring out the classics, or is it the retreads?
  The holiday season is a time when arts organizations bring out the classics, or in some people's opinion, the tired old retreads. Look through the listings around our region, and you will find that many theaters and dance companies are going with familiar fare like the "Nutcracker" and "A Christmas Carol." Of course, the tried-and-true are easy to sell, but they make the eyes of some audience members roll. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Morning Edition arts commentator Dominic Papatola, who has some thoughts on this subject.8:25 a.m.
• Mercury spill closes school
  Students in all Eden Valley-Watkins schools will wait until Monday to return to school while clean-up crews mop up a mercury spill after an old-fashioned barometer broke in a science class at Eden Valley Secondary School last Tuesday.8:55 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• L.A. Returns Water to the Owens Valley
  For nearly a century, California has diverted the Owens River, sending its water 200 miles south to feed the ever-growing needs of Los Angeles. After years of litigation, L.A.'s mayor flipped a switch, returning the water to the river.
• 'Tangerine Scarf': A Story of Muslims in America
  The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf, a new novel by Mojha Kahf is about a Syrian girl transplanted to the American Midwest in the 1970s. The book delves into clashes among Muslims and bigotry from non-Muslim Americans.
• Causes of Wrist Pain a Throbbing Mystery
  A year and a half ago, David Kohn's wrists exploded. Kohn is a newspaper journalist and whenever he tried to type up a story, he was hit with a piercing pain. While trying to find a cure, he's discovered that doctors don't even know the cause of an ailment that affects five percent of Americans.
• Iran Reacts to the Iraq Study Group Report
  Reaction in Iran to the Iraq Study Group report has been one of mild satisfaction. Analysts in Iran are pleased to see a recognition of Iran's role in bringing security to Iraq. But the Iranian government is divided over how to approach relations with the U.S.
• The View from Syria of the Iraq Study Group Report
  Robert Malley, the Middle East and North Africa Program Director of the International Crisis Group, talks about Syria's reaction on the Iraq Study Group report. He speaks with Deborah Amos from Damascus, where Malley is meeting with Syrian officials.
• Retired General Advocates a Larger Army
  Retired Gen. Gordon Sullivan, a former Army Chief of Staff, says the U.S. has stretched troop levels almost to the limit with operations in Iraq. Sullivan tells Steve Inskeep that he thinks the U.S. should increase the size of the regular Army by about 100,000 soldiers.
• Letters: PTSD, a Baby in Baghdad, Calling in Sick
  We received many letters about Daniel Zwerdling's story on mental health care for soldiers with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. We also received comment on the problems of a new child in Baghdad. And some listeners questioned a guest who criticized workers for calling in sick when they're not.
• Political Crisis Drives Financial Losses in Lebanon
  The ongoing political crisis in Lebanon shows no sign of easing, leaving many people worried about the stability of the country, and the damage to Lebanon's already battered economy.
• Take When Wet: Labels May Add to Medicine Errors
  Medication error is the most common medical mistake, and several studies suggest clearer instructions on drug labels would cut down on misuse.
• Senate Considers Bill to Outlaw 'Pretexting'
  The Senate may act today to outlaw the use of deception to obtain people's telephone records without their consent. The practice, known as "pretexting," came out of the shadows when contractors working for Hewlett-Packard impersonated board members and journalists to obtain personal information.

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