Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Minnesota resident returns to Zimbabwe, turmoil
  MPR's Tom Crann speaks with a native of Zimbabwe about returning to the southern African nation.4:49 p.m.
• Franken challenges Coleman on the economy
  DFLer Al Franken is ripping Sen. Norm Coleman for wanting to make the Bush tax cuts permanent for the wealthiest Americans. Coleman says raising taxes on anyone right now would be bad for the economy.5:20 p.m.
• Done deal
  Delta Air Lines says it has reached an agreement with Northwest Airlines to take over Northwest and create the world's biggest carrier.5:24 p.m.
• Pine County offers reward in cabin arson case
  Pine County authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the arson of several cabins.5:50 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Delta, Northwest Agree to Merger Deal
  After a year of negotiations, Delta and Northwest Airlines have agreed to a stock-swap merger. The combined airline would be called Delta and be based in Atlanta. It would also be the world's biggest carrier.
• Seminarians Reflect on Dearth of Priests
  Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United States comes at a time when Roman Catholic seminary enrollment is down 60 percent since 1968. Two seminarians talk with Michele Norris about the shrinking pool of priests and other issues facing the U.S. church.
• Is Free Speech at Risk for Olympians?
  In the highly charged political atmosphere at the Beijing games, the world will be watching to see if any athletes criticize China's human rights record. Already, officials are walking a fine line — barring protests at Olympic venues, but insisting that athletes have the right to express their views elsewhere.
• Murder Ensnares Surfer Gang Documentary
  Crime and drugs are commonplace for kids growing up in Maroubra Bay, Australia, but surfing has been an outlet for many. A new documentary called Bra Boys — named for a surf gang — follows a murder trial that affects the family of the film's director, Sunny Abberton. He talks with Michele Norris about the film.
• An Immigration Crackdown Has Unintended Effects
  A controversial new immigration law in Prince William County, Va., is getting mixed reviews so far. Some laud the arrest of dozens of illegal immigrants for minor crimes and the deportation of hundreds as a sign of success. Others lament a 40-percent drop in sales at some businesses and worsening housing foreclosures.
• Video Game Makers Favor Diversion over Depth
  Some say video game makers are squandering their cultural clout by not making games that contribute to the national conversation about important issues such as the war in Iraq or teen pregnancy.
• Expatriate in Shanghai Inspired by Asian Optimism
  Anne-Marie Slaughter, dean of Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School, is living in Shanghai this year. She finds a palpable contrast between Asian optimism and American pessimism and says that embracing American values once again is the key for national confidence to come surging back.
• Letters: Sadr City Bond; Foster Care in First Person
  Listener sheds tears over the powerful bond of friendship between two Iraqi men in Sadr City; a WNYC "Radio Rookie" about to "age out" of foster care gets positive feedback.
• Man Survives Fall into Mount St. Helens Crater
  Will Rinta, an emergency medical technician in Yacolt, Wash., talks with Michele Norris about the helicopter rescue of a 52-year-old man who fell hundreds of feet into the gaping crater of Mount St. Helens on Saturday. It's believed to be the first time a person has fallen into the crater.
• Haitians Tense after Food Prices Spark Riot
  A 40 percent rise in food prices globally is being deeply felt in impoverished Haiti, where most people live on less than $2 a day. Aid organizers say a World Bank pledge of $10 million along with government subsidies for rice may be too little to ease Haitians' anger.
• Iraq's Sadr City Units Struggle Despite U.S. Support
  U.S. commanders have tried to put Iraqi forces in the forefront of the fight in Baghdad's Sadr City neighborhood. It's an experiment they hope gives the Iraqi army vital combat experience and a boost of confidence. But Iraqi units continue to struggle as American units coach, support and in some cases direct the fighting.
• Italians Restore Conservative Berlusconi to Power
  With final voting ending Monday in Italian national elections, conservative billionaire Silvio Berlusconi leads in both houses of Italy's parliament as his chief rival for prime minister concedes.
• Japanese Pay Less for More Health Care
  Japan spends half as much on health care as the U.S., yet its people have the longest healthy life expectancy. Diet and lifestyle are key, but affordable health care plays a major role.
• Beijing Looks to 'Green' Buildings to Cut Emissions
  Last year, China overtook the U.S. to become the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide. The government is trying to tackle the problem by making all new buildings 50 percent more efficient by 2010. The Natural Resources Defense Council estimates that nearly half of China's total energy use comes from buildings.
• U.S. Shot-Putter Nelson Aims for Olympic Gold
  Adam Nelson has two silver Olympic medals under his belt, but not a gold. The U.S. track and field athlete is gearing up for Beijing this summer in hopes of taking home the ultimate prize.

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