Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• As Ramadan approaches summer, fasting gets longer
  Thursday is the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. It is a time for Muslims around the world to engage in acts of prayer, and it is also a time of daytime fasting. That restriction can represent a particular sacrifice for Muslims in Minnesota because of our northern latitude.5:42 p.m.
• Terry Ryan resigns as Twins GM
  Ryan has been general manager for the past 13 years. "The defeats are getting a little harder to take and the wins aren't as much fun. That's not a good thing to experience as a general manager," he said Thursday.5:51 p.m.
• Minnesota pressures Washington on health care for kids
  Just a little more than two weeks remain before the State Children's Health Insurance Program is set to expire. During its current five-year authorization, the federal program has provided $25 billion to states to insure needy children.5:54 p.m.
• Minnesota State Lottery announces $200,000 loser
  One lucky lottery winner is actually a loser as of Thursday afternoon. The Minnesota State Lottery says a $200,000 lottery winner failed to meet the one-year deadline to collect the winnings by the 5 p.m. deadline. The money now reverts to the state's general fund.6:20 p.m.
• Health Department reports stolen radioactive device
  State health officials are asking the public to keep an eye out for a stolen device containing radioactive materials. A state hazerdous materials expert says the amount of radioactive material in the device is not enough to cause widespread damage.6:23 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Pollster's Book IDs Society's 'Microtrends'
  Mark Penn, a Democratic pollster who advises Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign, talks about Microtrends. Penn's book identifies dozens of niche audiences, from "caffeine crazies" to "snowed-under slobs."
• Senate Leaders Prep for More Debate on Iraq
  The Senate is preparing for President Bush's latest remarks on Iraq and another round of debate on the war in Iraq. Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada offer their insights in an NPR interview.
• Rick Ankiel: In Defense of Baseball's 'Un-Natural'
  Rick Ankiel of the St. Louis Cardinals — a pitcher who became a slugging outfielder, a la Babe Ruth — has admitted taking human growth hormone. But even a batter who lifts weights and takes protein supplements still has to connect to hit home runs.
• West Virginia Torture Case Under Review
  A 20-year-old woman was raped and tortured during a week of captivity in a rural West Virginia county. She is black and six people accused of the crime are white. The complexities of the racially tinged case are proving troublesome for prosecutors.
• Fundraiser Hsu Sent Suicide Note, Authorities Say
  Suicide notes by Democratic fundraiser Norman Hsu surface along with more details of his illness aboard a train. Hsu's attorney says he will allow his client to be extradited to California for sentencing on a grand theft charge dating to the 1990s.
• X Prize Announces Lunar Landing Challenge
  The X Prize Foundation, known for encouraging privately funded space exploration, has revealed its latest challenge: To design, build and launch a robotic rover to the moon. The winner not only gets bragging rights, but a $20 million purse from Google.
• Wounded Soldier's Care Tangled in Military System
  After Spc. Ron Hinkle was wounded by an IED blast in Iraq, the Army failed to properly document the brain injury he suffered. That has cost his family tens of thousands of dollars, including special payments reserved for injured soldiers.
• Why Are So Many Quakes Jarring Indonesia?
  Indonesia has been rattled by dozens of earthquakes over the last two days, including three severe shocks, causing at least 10 deaths and at least 100 injuries. The Indian Ocean basin is still on alert for tsunamis. What's causing the spate of seismic activity?
• Letters: Wounded Vet, Jodie Foster
  Letters from listeners include comments on an interview with an Alaskan scientist, a report about the struggles of a wounded veteran's family and a conversation with actress Jodie Foster.
• Virginia Town Shuts Day-Labor Center
  After two years of local disputes over a center that employs day laborers, the Northern Virginia town of Herndon finds itself back at square one. Town officials announced they are closing the controversial worker center.
• Bush Set to Brief Nation on Iraq Plans
  President Bush will address the nation Thursday night. He's expected to announce the beginning of a drawdown of U.S. troops from Iraq — including 5,700 troops to be pulled out in December.
• High-Tech Licenses to Ease Border Travel
  A handful of border states will start issuing international travel documents: driver's licenses with beefed-up security and better background checks. The project may make it easier to cross into Canada and Mexico. It has the federal government's blessing.
• Key Sunni Leader Dies in Anbar Bombing
  A top leader of the Sunni Arab movement that has been aligned with U.S. forces in Iraq's Anbar province was killed Thursday in a roadside bombing. Sheikh Abdul Sattar Abu Risha was founder of the Anbar Salvation Council, which joined U.S. troops fighting al-Qaida in Iraq last year.
• What Became of the Coalition of the Willing?
  Amid preparations for war in Iraq in 2003, the Bush administration asked other nations to contribute forces. Four years later, the "Coalition of the Willing" is dwindling.
• Epic Auto Contract Talks Focus on Health Care
  Contract negotiations between the United Auto Workers and Detroit automakers are about to enter a critical phase. Detroit is trying to shed some of its enormous health-care costs. One idea under serious consideration is for the union to assume financial control for retiree health care.

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