Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Funeral services set for Minnesotan killed in Iraq
  Friends and family say Andrew Kemple joined the military following the 9-11 terrorist attacks and believed strongly in the war on terrorism.6:55 a.m.
• South Dakota Senate approves nation's strictest abortion ban
  The South Dakota Legislature took a major step Wednesday toward making South Dakota the first state to ban abortion. The Senate passed the bill 23-12.7:20 a.m.
• Star witness in Sackett trial backtracks on testimony
  A key prosecution witness in the trial of Ronald Reed Wednesday backtracked on her story. Reed is charged with first degree murder in the 1970 slaying of St. Paul police officer James Sackett.7:25 a.m.
• Adventures of a reporter covering the Olympics in Turin
  The U.S. men's curling team is headed to the bronze medal game in the Turin Olympics. They will take on Great Britain, after losing yesterday to Canada 11-5. Meanwhile, Sasha Cohen has a slim lead heading into the finals of the women's figure skating competition tonight. MPR's Cathy Wurzer has been checking in periodically with Jay Weiner who's covering the games for the Star Tribune.7:50 a.m.
• World Voices to explore Native American music
  In a concert this weekend World Voices will feature music and texts from native American tribes as well as from early American French Canadians and Shakers.7:55 a.m.
• Themes for recent plays coming from newspaper headlines
  Art and current events have always intersected, and over the years, influenced each other. But recently, some Twin Cities theaters seem particularly keen to put what you read in the headlines on stage in the theater. This week alone, you can see plays about cloning, Osama bin Laden, and the perils of Americans traveling abroad. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Morning Edition Arts Commentator Dominic Papatola about this topic.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Winter Sports Dangerous for Occasional Participants
  Studies show that winter sports can be particularly dangerous for the occasional participants. Injuries and fractures are high among skiers and snowboarders who visit the slopes only a few times a year.
• Oscar-Nominee 'Tsotsi' Takes Trip to Soweto
  One of the contenders for Best Foreign Film at this year's Academy Awards is an entry from South Africa, called Tsotsi. Renee Montagne talks to the writer-director and lead actor about the story of a brutal young thug living in the slums of Soweto. The film opens on Friday.
• A Taste of Mardi Gras: The Return of the King Cake
  King cake is a treat tied to the Mardi Gras season in New Orleans. With so many people returning to the city from far-flung places, this special Danish-like confection is flying off the shelves at local bakeries.
• Europeans Knock U.S., Canada out of Olympic Hockey
  The Canadian and United States hockey teams are heading home from the Turin Olympics after tough matches against rivals in Europe. Canada was beaten 2-0 by Russia in the quarterfinals and the Americans lost 4-3 to Finland.
• White House Gives Post-Katrina Recommendations
  A White House assessment of the sluggish federal response to Hurricane Katrina calls for more clearly defining the military's role during catastrophes, along with more than 100 other recommendations.
• Yoo Says President's Powers Sufficiently Checked by Congress
  Legal scholar John Yoo talks with Steve Inskeep about the reach of executive power during a time of war. Yoo says the Constitution gives presidents expansive power in these situations, held in check by Congressional review and oversight.
• Call Center Outsourcing Slows
  There are signs that the trend toward outsourcing call center jobs to low-wage countries like India may be slowing down. Research shows that some call centers are most effective when staffed by Americans.
• Journal Raises New Questions About 2000 Vioxx Study
  The prestigious New England Journal of Medicine is publishing more criticism of a 2000 study on Vioxx. The journal says at least two researchers knew about "adverse cardiovascular events" more than four months before the article was published. Merck removed Vioxx from the market in 2004 and faces thousands of Vioxx-related lawsuits.
• Videos Win Support for Iraq Insurgency
  Videos by Jihadist groups are widely available on the Web, and under the counter in Baghdad CD shops. The films are violent, disturbing and are used to help foster sympathy for the insurgency in Iraq.
• Food Assistance Used by 25 Million Americans
  A new survey shows that more that 25 million Americans receive emergency food assistance each year. According to the report, two of the largest groups that receive food from food banks, soup kitchens and shelters, are women and single parents.
• Dubai Ports World a Multinational Corporation
  Dubai Ports World, a company owned by the government of Dubai, is at the heart of the controversy over port security in the United States. Observers and company employees talk about the history and operations of Dubai Ports World.
• Lack of Public Defenders Slows Courts in New Orleans
  Judges in New Orleans are suspending the trials of indigent defendants who rely on public defenders as their legal counsel. The city fired dozens of public defenders in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and the judges say the lawyers who remain cannot give the defendants sufficient representation.
• In Praise of the Snowshoe
  Snowshoes could be a necessary item depending on where you live. They are also a good way to stay in shape. Marty Hansen leads snowshoe treks on Mount Hood in Oregon and he sent us this audio postcard.
• Alaska Prepares for New Gas Pipeline
  Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski has reached a deal with three major oil companies that would hasten construction of a $20 billion natural gas pipeline from Prudhoe Bay to the lower 48 states.
• Bee-Hive Glue Makes for Safer Kissing
  It's Carnival time in Brazil. The celebration may be best known for lots of smooching with strangers. This year, it's safer for Carnival-kissers thanks to a new germ-fighting mouth spray. The name of the spray translates to "kiss." It's made from bee-hive glue.

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