Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Sharing the Seder
  The Jewish celebration of Passover is traditionally marked with a Seder, a feast commemorating the liberation of Jews from slavery in Egypt. Many Jewish groups share their freedom from bondage with African-Americans. But Robin Washington of Duluth, who is both black and Jewish, has a few questions about the joint celebrations.6:54 a.m.
• MPCA staff at odds on stopping spread of contamination from 3M plant
  The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's plan for cleaning up PFCs from the 3M plant in Cottage Grove is under question. As a result of MPR's investigation, the MPCA commissioner says he will bring in an independent third party to review his agency's proposal to stop the spread of PFC contamination.7:20 a.m.
• Twins win opener
  Two-time Cy Young award-winning pitcher Johan Santana struck out six and last year's American League MVP, Justin Morneau, got three hits, including a home run. However, the excitement around their first day and first win was muted as they honored the memory of broadcaster Herb Carneal, who died Sunday.7:50 a.m.
• Dealers of 'power toys' battle suppliers
  We Minnesotans love our power toys. All told, we have 1.4 million snowmobiles, ATVs and boats. But lately, sales have been slipping. And that's helped spark a battle between snowmobile, boat and ATV dealers and big Minnesota companies that make power sports equipment.7:55 a.m.
• How much money is enough money for schools?
  Both Gov. Pawlenty and the president of Education Minnesota, Judy Schaubach, have an idea.8:40 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Ganges Reveals Sublime Luxury, Polluted Wasteland
  India has overtaken Japan as home to the most billionaires in Asia. Yet it also has the world's largest population of hungry people, as one reporter's continuing journey down the Ganges River reveals.
• Free Trade: Who Benefits in the Long Run?
  Free-trade pacts with Peru, Colombia and Panama — negotiated by the Bush administration — are pending in Congress, amid some Democratic skepticism. What are the arguments for and against more free trade?
• Sustaining the Surge: What Would It Take?
  The U.S. troop "surge" in Baghdad appears to be making a difference, at least in the short term. But what are the prospects for a lasting impact on the nation's security?
• Pakistani Protests Pose Challenge to Musharraf
  Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's decision to fire the country's chief justice continues to spark nationwide protests. Are the protests a real threat to Musharraf's control of the country?
• Meth Production Moves to Mexico
  Methamphetamine remains one of the most addictive drugs on U.S. streets. Successful law enforcement efforts have cut meth production in the United States, but that only means that most of the production has shifted to Mexican drug cartels.
• Justices Thwart Bush Team on Environmental Policy
  The Supreme Court rejects two Bush administration plans — one on global warming, the other on coal-fired power plants. The decisions are the latest in a string of setbacks the administration has suffered in the courts.
• Sam Zell's Latest Gamble: Tribune Co.
  The man behind the buyout of Chicago-based Tribune Co. has a penchant for risky investments. But they tend to pay off: Real estate mogul Sam Zell, 65, is worth an estimated $4.5 billion.
• Big Subprime Lender Files for Bankruptcy
  Subprime mortgage giant New Century Financial Group has filed for bankruptcy. The company loaned tens of billions of dollars to people with weak credit. When the housing market went flat those homeowners couldn't pay their mortgages.
• Republican Hopefuls Post Fundraising Totals
  The money race among Republican presidential prospects is beginning to take shape. Several GOP candidates have now disclosed their first-quarter fundraising totals.
• States, Feds Divide on Chemical Plant Rules
  The Bush administration's new regulations for chemical facilities are meant to tighten security and prevent terrorist attacks. The industry applauds the proposals, but critics say the federal rules will block more effective state plans.
• Rep. Pence Compares Baghdad Market to Indiana
  Some Baghdad shopkeepers are challenging the accounts of four U.S. lawmakers who visited their market to show it was safe. Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) compared the market to a "normal" one in Indiana. But a merchant told the Associated Press the area was sealed off and heavily protected by U.S. soldiers.
• Iran Crisis: 'Deja Vu All Over Again'
  Are their parallels to be found between Iran's capture of 15 British sailors and marines and the seizure of U.S. hostages by Iran in 1979? If history is any guide, the British service members may be there for a while.
• Trading Canned Pet Food for Home Cooking
  There's a spike in sales of cookbooks for Fido and Fluffy as pet owners seek to replace kibbles and bits with old-fashioned home cooking. And some of the recipes are good enough to make a human drool.
• An Abundance of Spring Music in the Air
  The season of new buds and blossoms has long been an inspiration for composers. As a result, there's plenty of classical music that's a perfect fit for spring.
• Checkpoints Make for a Safer Haifa Street
  The U.S. military "surge" in Baghdad is having an impact on Haifa Street. A neighborhood that used to be a frequent battlefield has become much safer, in part because there are checkpoints every 100 yards.

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