Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Planning for newest light rail line enters new phase
  Construction is just getting started on the Central Corridor light rail line, and transit planners have their eyes set on the next project, the Southwest Corridor LRT. Local planners Friday sent federal officials projections for Southwest Corridor cost and ridership.5:20 p.m.
• Dairy farmer's witness concedes problems while defending farm
  A dairy consultant testifying on behalf of a Gibbon dairy farmer testified in court Friday that he believes "quality milk products and safe products can be produced on that farm." However, he acknowledged that higher-than-allowable levels of bacteria were found recently in some milk samples taken from the farm.5:24 p.m.
• Living in a Lustron, the '50s 'house of the future'
  In the late 1940s, a dwelling made of prefabricated steel panels called the Lustron, was hailed by promoters as the house of the future. About 19 Lustrons were built in Minnesota, including a handful in the Twin Cities.5:50 p.m.
• Dinner Party Download featuring Bollywood broker Aamir Khan
  This week's guest of honor is Bollywood power broker Aamir Khan tells the guys why Indian films are so popular, why they're becoming more challenging, and why he's a Rubik's Cube whiz.6:20 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Massive Flooding, Stewing Resentment In Pakistan
  Hungry flood victims beg for food. Men, women and children wade through waters teeming with venomous snakes. Eight million people are in urgent need of food, water and shelter. Weeks into Pakistan's disaster, the lackluster government response has people angry and comparing the situation to Katrina in the U.S.
• The Accidental Hybrid: Discovering New Tomatoes
  There's a heady delight in stepping out in your garden and discovering a plant perhaps never before grown. It's even more fun when it happens by accident. Commentator Julie Zickefoose wasn't expecting big purple tomatoes, but now she's boiling down vats of them.
• Brutality Against Women Stirs Fear In Afghanistan
  In one recent case, an Afghan widow suspected of adultery was tortured and shot. In another, a woman seeking to flee an abusive marriage had her nose cut off. Activists say the U.S.-supported government of Afghanistan has been passive on issues of human rights as it is eager to negotiate peace with the resurgent Taliban.
• 'The Tillman Story': One Family's Quest For The Truth
  A new documentary takes a close look at the life and death of Pat Tillman, who famously walked away from a multimillion-dollar contract with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the Army. NPR's Bob Mondello says The Tillman Story is a "riveting detective story" -- but also a compelling portrait of Tillman himself. (Recommended)
• Esperanza Spalding: It Takes A 'Society'
  Blending jazz, soul, Brazilian vocalese and classical, Spalding creates music with broad appeal. With Chamber Music Society, the bassist and composer harkens back to her classical music training with a string section.
• Sweet, Hot And Savory: Swing Era Jazz Archive Unearthed
  The National Jazz Museum in Harlem has acquired an enormous collection of radio broadcasts from the late 1930s. The newly discovered archive features hundreds of live recordings of jazz legends at the heights of their careers.
• Israel, Palestinians To Resume Peace Talks
  For the first time in nearly two years, the leaders of Israel and the Palestinians have agreed to talk face-to-face about peace. Both sides describe the negotiations that led to the announcement as "torturous."
• Week In Politics Reviewed
  The dispute over the proposed Islamic center near the site of the World Trade Center and the public perception of President Obama's religion dominated the week in politics. E.J. Dionne of The Washington Post and Ramesh Ponnuru of National Review offer their insight.
• Week In Baseball Reviewed
  The perennially last place Washington Nationals signed a 17-year-old talent for a record sum, a Mets pitcher tries to save his contract after injuring his hand in a fight, and two teams with relatively small payrolls are having great seasons. Sportswriter Stefan Fatsis talks baseball.
• In Iowa, Indiana State Fairs, Weird Foods Reign
  The food sold at state fairs around the country has become an arms race of fat and calories, as vendors try to get fair-goers to eat newer and wackier things. At the Iowa State fair, more than 50 different foods are sold on a stick. At the Indiana State Fair, corndogs and funnel cakes are out and the Donut Burger is in!

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