Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Franken, Klobuchar preview roles in Sotomayor hearing
  DFL Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken -- who both sit on the Senate Judiciary committee -- made their opening remarks today at the confirmation hearing of Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor.5:13 p.m.
• Man killed in Somalia may have recruited others to the cause
  One of the two Somali-American men from Minnesota reportedly killed over the weekend in Mogadishu apparently played a role in recruiting others to fight in his homeland.5:24 p.m.
• Why is the loss of Minnesota's political contribution refund a problem?
  Common Cause has been one of the most vocal advocacy groups for election reform across the country, including here in Minnesota. Bob Edgar, president of Common Cause, talked with Tom Crann about elections and election reform.5:50 p.m.
• Northern Minn. police prepare for Hells Angels visit
  Police officials in northern Minnesota are holding public meetings this week to inform residents about a visit from the Hells Angels motorcycle club later this month.5:54 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Sen. Grassley: Sotomayor Off To 'Good Start'
  Republican Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, discusses the start of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. "She was very positive in saying today that fidelity for the law is going to be her benchmark," he says.
• Rubble Recedes, But Gaza Waits For Reconstruction
  Six months after the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip ended, the U.N. has launched a $12 million project to clear away the rubble, but there is no indication when actual reconstruction will start. Israel continues to block cement, steel and other building materials from entering Gaza.
• How To Choose The Right Camera For You
  NPR's multimedia director Keith Jenkins gives tips as to whether your camera phone, a point-and-shoot or a DSLR is right for you. And he also gives tips on how to take better photos.
• Female Directors, Still A Scarce Movie Commodity
  Of the films you saw last year, it's likely that fewer than 10 percent were directed by women — which makes it remarkable that seven movies now in theaters have women's names above the credits.
• Librarians Go Wild For Gold Book Cart
  Each year, limber librarians compete for the coveted gold book cart at the annual Librarian Book Cart Drill Championships. With elaborate dance, athletics and performance art routines, they vie to show that librarians can be hip.
• Mourning A Marine Killed In Afghanistan
  Family and friends held a funeral in Adairsville, Ga., for Lance Cpl. Charles Seth Sharp. He was the first Marine killed in the start of a major operation in Afghanistan's Helmand province. He had served previously in Iraq.
• Back From The Front Lines In Helmand Province
  About 4,000 U.S. Marines in southern Afghanistan are engaged in the largest American military operation in years: rooting out the Taliban in Helmand province. Two NPR journalists who spent time with Marines share two distinctly different stories of how the offensive is unfolding.
• Rep. Waxman Opens The Book On Congress
  Rep. Henry Waxman, a Democrat from California, has spent 34 years in the House. His new book, The Waxman Report: How Congress Really Works, tells tales of gridlock, horse-trading and victories large and small. Waxman speaks with Robert Siegel.
• Perservering Doctor Picked For Surgeon General
  President Obama has made his choice for U.S. surgeon general. Regina Benjamin's clinic in Alabama was destroyed twice by hurricanes and once by a fire. She's also a MacArthur fellow who was the first minority to sit on the board of the American Medical Association.
• The British In Afghanistan
  Sir Jock Stirrup, chief of the British defense staff, is in Washington, D.C., to meet with his counterpart, Adm. Mike Mullen. Stirrup talks about the leading role of British troops in Afghanistan's Helmand province.
• A Fond Adios To A Texas Sharpshooter
  A famous Texas sharpshooter has died. Joe Bowman's shooting ability — as well as his skill twirling a six-shooter — earned him the admiration of some of Hollywood's most famous on-screen cowboys.
• Why California Matters
  Ross DeVol, director of regional economics at the Milken Institute, offers his thoughts on why the rest of the country, and the world, should care about California's budget woes.
• Sotomayor Confirmation Hearings Open
  Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor listened to hours of senators' comments at her confirmation hearing Monday before giving her own opening statement. Tuesday, senators begin asking questions.
• Searching For The Soul Of L.A. Through Kitsch
  The self-professed historian Charles Phoenix gives tours of places locals often overlook in Los Angeles. And he says he finds beauty in just about everything — even an income tax office shaped like a tamale.
• Hispanics Divided Over Census Boycott
  Some in the Hispanic community hope to undermine efforts to count illegal immigrants in next year's census. They want undocumented immigrants to boycott the count to send a protest message to Congress. But boycott opponents say it won't make a difference.

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