Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Payment shift makes rough waters for charter schools
  Charter schools in Minnesota are bracing for a cash flow crunch that could determine whether some survive.6:20 a.m.
• Builders prepare for stricter rules on lead paint
  Even though lead paint has been banned since 1978, it's still a problem -- especially in older homes. Starting next spring, Minnesota builders and remodelers will have to comply with new federal guidelines for preventing lead contamination.7:20 a.m.
• Duluth news briefs: Voracious fish, ballast rules and mining delays
  A roundup of recent news from the Duluth area.7:25 a.m.
• On call no more: One woman's decision to let go of her cell phone
  After paying $7,000 to mobile phone companies over 10 years, a Duluth college professor decides cell phones just aren't worth it anymore.8:45 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Gold Prices Hit Record High Monday
  Gold prices have soared this year — largely because the U.S. dollar has gotten weaker. Investors have been looking at gold as a better bet than the dollar. And the expectation is that the dollar will stay weak because of low U.S. interest rates. That means investors — including governments — will likely continue pouring their money into the gold market.
• When Your Boss Wants Your DNA
  The University of Akron said it could ask new workers for a DNA sample to run background checks. But an anti-discrimination law that went into full effect Nov. 21 prevents employers from requiring workers to share genetic information.
• Reality TV, Iraqi Style: Giving Leaders An Earful
  One of the most popular programs on Iraqi TV these days is Hotline, a call-in show that allows viewers to take their problems directly to the highest government officials. It offers an unprecedented chance for ordinary Iraqis to confront their government.
• Rare Darwin Book Found In Guest Bathroom
  Charles Darwin's revolutionary book On the Origin of Species turns 150 on Tuesday. It's the book where Darwin introduced the theory of natural selection and survival of the fittest. To mark the publishing milestone, Christie's will be auctioning a recently discovered treasure: a rare first edition. It had been on a shelf in the guest bathroom of a family in Oxford, England.
• Charity Tries Texting To Make Up For Donations
  Like many charities, donations are significantly down to the United Way in Charlotte, North Carolina. In June, it announced cuts to nearly every member agency. The problems have continued. Now the United Way is trying a new way to raise money: texting.
• Susan Boyle Releases "I Dreamed A Dream"
  Internet sensation Susan Boyle's debut album is out in the United Kingdom. It will be available in the U.S. Tuesday. It's called "I Dreamed a Dream." It's her signature song, which is from the musical Les Miserable. A British newspaper critic has panned it. Amazon.com says the album is its biggest ever pre-ordered CD.
• Final Health Bill May Be Out Of Reach For Democrats
  Democrats united on Saturday to advance health care legislation in the Senate. Several Democratic senators have made it clear that they will not vote for a final health care proposal without big changes to the bill.
• 'Teach For America' Teachers Learn On The Job
  Tim Cooper, 26, is a new teacher at Isaac Bildersee Middle School in Brooklyn, N.Y. Cooper has his own classroom after a brief six-week training program with Teach for America. TFA says it has raised the standards for teachers by recruiting the best and the brightest and giving them hands-on experience. But some question whether the program's training regimen is adequate.
• Capitol Corridor Runs Cleaner-Burning Diesel Train
  One of the busiest passenger rail trains in the nation is getting a new engine — a greener engine. In California, Amtrak's Capitol Corridor, which runs between San Jose and Sacramento, is starting to use a cleaner-burning diesel engine. The new technology cuts harmful emissions in half.
• Ambassador Vexed At Hollywood's British Vampires
  The vampire romance The Twilight Saga: New Moon was No. 1 at the movie box office over the weekend. It's not just tween girls who are paying attention. Vampire flicks are having an impact on trans-Atlantic relations. Britain's ambassador to the U.S. Sir Nigel Sheinwald tells Renee Montagne he takes issue with so many British actors playing what he calls "the unholy ranks of the silver screen's undead."
• Cities Use Cash To Encourage Carpooling
  Washington D.C. has launched a pilot program to reduce road congestion and pollution: It is paying commuters $2 a day to carpool. It's based on programs in Atlanta, Los Angeles and other cities. The assumption is that after a few months of being paid, people will evolve into full-time carpoolers without a cash incentive.
• Turan's Book Spotlights Theater Producer Joe Papp
  There's a new book out about legendary theater producer Joseph Papp. Kenneth Turan's book is called Free for All: Joe Papp, the Public, and the Greatest Theater Story Ever Told. Papp founded the New York Shakespeare Festival and the Public Theater. He also produced works like Hair and A Chorus Line.
• Certain Digital Readers In Short Supply
  Barnes & Noble says shoppers who have pre-ordered its new digital reader may not receive it until January. Sony says one of its new e-readers also is in short supply. Analysts say the companies underestimated the demand. Amazon is in a good position. The online retailer had shortages of its reader last year, but this year it says it has plenty in stock.
• N.Y. Tavern To Offer 100-Proof Thanksgiving Turkey
  The owner of O'Casey's Tavern in Midtown Manhattan will unveil on Thanksgiving what he says is the nation's first 100-proof turkey. The bird will be infused with fruit-flavored and 100-proof vodka for three days before roasting. The meat will have hints of peach, raspberry, cherry and apple. The gravy also will be laced with liquor.
• Unexploded Bomb May Shatter N. Ireland Peace
  In Northern Ireland, a 400-pound car bomb failed to detonate over the weekend. It was placed outside police headquarters in Belfast, and that has residents wondering if dissident factions of the IRA are intent on stepping up violence.

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