Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• USDA crop survey shows corn harvest down slightly
  The U.S. Agriculture Department reported Monday the nation's farmers will harvest 9 percent fewer acres of corn this year compared to 2007.5:15 p.m.
• Study: Charter schools a mixed bag
  A new state report on Minnesota's charter schools shows mixed results in the state's nation-leading education reform.5:44 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Jacob Riis: Shedding Light On NYC's 'Other Half'
  Through photos and writings documenting poverty in New York City in the late 19th century, a Danish immigrant became a famous campaigner against slum housing. Two new books tell the story of Jacob Riis, a social reformer and natural showman.
• A Brief History: The Smallest National Park Site
  Forget the walking shoes and bug repellant. The Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial is a mere 0.02 acres and is inside a Philadelphia row house. Kosciuszko, an American Revolutionary War hero, spent seven months in the room that serves as the main exhibit area.
• The Year of Musical Thinking, A Minute At A Time
  Today, composer David Morneau finishes off an ambitious yearlong project: Throughout the past 365 days, he has written 60 seconds' worth of music daily. He speaks with Robert Siegel about being a musical "one-minute man."
• Mugabe Cold-Shouldered At African Summit
  Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has attended the African Union summit a day after being sworn in for a new term. The BBC's Elizabeth Blunt says people inside the summit said few spoke to Mugabe, and no one congratulated him on his election win.
• Obama Seeks To Reassure Voters On Patriotism
  Democrat Barack Obama says he won't question the patriotism of others during the presidential race, and blames his own "carelessness" for some criticism of him. The speech is part of an effort to reassure voters about his commitment to the country.
• Anglican Conservatives Step Back From Split Threat
  Anglican conservatives headed into a conference in Jerusalem last week with angry rhetoric and veiled threats of a split. But as their conference ends, they went only so far as to call for a church within a church, something that is unlikely to fly.
• Shot-Putter Nelson Makes Third Olympics
  Shot-putter Adam Nelson has been picked to participate in the Olympics for a third time. In the final round of the shot put in Eugene, Ore., this weekend, he took third place with a 20.89-meter toss. Nelson is a two-time Olympic silver medalist.
• Tailwind Bars Sprinter From Claiming New Record
  U.S. sprinter Tyson Gay ran the fastest-ever 100-meter sprint this weekend. But his 9.66 seconds won't go down as a world record because of tailwind. Dave Johnson, of the U.S. Track and Field Hall of Fame, discusses how a tailwind helps sprinters.
• A Vintage Photography Flash Lamp In Action
  Jacob Riis, a writer and photographer who exposed poverty in late 19th century New York City, used crude tools to light up his subjects. He ignited magnesium powder with a pistol, and later a frying pan. A vintage photography hobbyist demonstrates a flash lamp similar to Riis'.
• Oil Development Plans Meet With Resistance In Iraq
  Iraq's Oil Ministry announced Monday that it is opening six prime oil-producing regions to long-term development by international oil companies. Iraqi opposition leaders have denounced the plans, saying they put the country's oil wealth into Western hands.

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