Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Accusations fly over Duluth Entertainment Center money
  Some journalists are calling this "the stadium session," but the only sports facility which had already received public support in a referendum got skunked at the Capitol.5:15 p.m.
• Will LRT and change come to central corridor neighborhoods?
  There's wide agreement that building a nearly $1 billion light rail line between St. Paul and Minneapolis will affect surrounding neighborhoods. The disagreement is over whether the effects will be good or bad.5:20 p.m.
• Twins' stadium opponents were tired of the fight; supporters weren't
  One reason the Twins were successful in their stadium quest is because they convinced enough long-time stadium opponents to change their minds and support the plan.5:48 p.m.
• Roller coaster safety
  The Wild Thing roller coaster at Valleyfair amusement park remains shut down after an accident yesterday injured 18 people. Valleyfair said today that the coaster will be left untouched until an independent investigation is completed. The rear car of one of the coaster's trains separated as the ride was slowing and entering the station, tipping the car over and sending some riders to the hospital with scrapes and sprains.6:19 p.m.
• Socialist realist and nonconformist art collide in Minneapolis
  A new exhibit at the Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis presents two distinct interpretations of Soviet life in late 20th century.6:23 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Confounding Conventional Wisdom on Math Classes
  The end of the school year is coming up -- and so are end-of-the-year exams. Commentator and education consultant Ron Wolk says that some students would be better served if they didn't have to take math classes that are just too advanced for them.
• Locking In Gas Prices When They're Low
  There you are, steamed at paying $3 for a gallon of gasoline. So how does it feel to learn that some people are paying $2 dollars, or even a buck a gallon? That's because they bought from a Minnesota chain that allows customers to purchase gasoline at market prices, then stockpile for periods when gas is more expensive.
• Leaving Guantanamo: Enduring a Harsh Stay
  In late November, three Guantanamo detainees were released and sent back to Bahrain. The men had been held by the United States for about four years, first in Afghanistan and then in Guantanamo. None were ever charged, nor were they told why they were being held or why they were finally released.
• WHO Leader Dies After Surgery for Blood Clot
  The doctor who led the World Health Organization's battles against SARS and bird flu has died following surgery for a blood clot on the brain. Dr. Lee Jong-Wook, the first South Korean to head a U.N. agency, was 61.
• Buying Leniency: Small-Scale and Widespread
  In the criminal courts of eastern Washington, people arrested for offenses such as drunk driving could routinely get a lenient sentence by contributing money to prosecutors' favorite charities. A prominent defense lawyer in Wisconsin calls the practice the "dirty little secret" of criminal courts in America.
• In Iraq, Blair Discusses Troop Withdrawal
  British Prime Minister Tony Blair visits Iraq's new prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, in Baghdad. British officials say the leaders spoke about the eventual departure of foreign forces from Iraq. Maliki has said his top priority is halting insurgent attacks and stemming sectarian violence that has wracked the country.
• Barbaro's Owners Watch Over Recovery
  Barbaro, the horse scrutinized by many for the strength and speed required to win the Triple Crown, is now under the watchful eyes of doctors and his owners, Gretchen and Roy Jackson. The thoroughbred colt underwent emergency surgery after shattering parts of his right rear leg in Saturday's Preakness Stakes.
• FBI: Rep. Jefferson Took $100,000 Bribe
  The FBI says it has video footage of Rep. Bill Jefferson (D-LA) accepting $100,000 from an FBI informant. Jefferson, who has not been charged with anything, insists that he has committed no crime. NPR's Brian Naylor reports.
• A Sampling: 'My Fellow Graduates'
  Thousands of seniors graduated from U.S. colleges in recent weeks. The traditional speeches from students to their classmates offer a view of the modern world through the eyes of those looking to put down new roots. We hear excerpts of speeches from students who spoke at their college commencements.
• Tehran May Set Aside Washington Talks
  Iran is no longer interested in a dialogue with the United States, according to officials in Tehran. Word that proposed talks are not likely to get off the ground came after Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, renewed an offer of talks in an interview with the Associated Press.
• An Arizona Town Suffers First Iraq Casualty
  Pvt. First Class Patrick Tinnell of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., was killed in Iraq in April. Tinnell was on a combat patrol when a car bomb detonated. The 25-year-old's death was the first death of the Iraq war in his town. Laurel Druley of member station KNAU has this remembrance.
• Pressuring Iran to Abandon Nuclear Power
  NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr is keeping track of the rhetoric on Iran. He assesses the pressure being put on Tehran to abandon its nuclear program.
• Red Tide Returns to Northeastern Shellfish Area
  Shellfish beds are closed to harvesters from Maine to Cape Cod, the result of a toxic "red tide" algae bloom. The ban on clamming and other shell-fishing for the second year in a row comes as the summer season starts.
• Recalling Choreographer and Activist Dunham
  Dancer, choreographer, and activist Katherine Dunham died Sunday morning at the age of 96. Michele Norris talks with Harry Belafonte about the life and work of Dunham, who brought African and Caribbean influences to the dance world at a time when it was very Euro-centric. Dunham is also remembered for the work she did with poor communities in East St Louis, and for her 47-day hunger strike in 1992 on behalf of Haitian boat people.
• Laying Out a Vision for New Orleans
  With Mayor Ray Nagin set to return for another term in New Orleans, those on the Bring New Orleans Back Commission and other planning panels are making recommendations for rebuilding the city and its infrastructure. Kim Boyle is the chair of the Health/Social Services Committee of Bring New Orleans Back, as well as co-chair of the Committee for a Better New Orleans/Metropolitan Area Committee. Boyle says the future of New Orleans is exciting, but a main challenge remains the city's health care system. Michele Norris talks with Boyle, member of the Louisiana Recovery Authority Board, and partner in the Employment Group with the law firm of Phelps Dunbar LLP.

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