Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Miners look for answers on taconite exposure
  Workers on Minnesota's Iron Range are hoping a new study will explain why so many of them are dying from a rare form of cancer.7:20 a.m.
• Author Kate DiCamillo: "It's the lie I like"
  In an interview with MPR's Cathy Wurzer, DiCamillo talks about the book that made her realize she wanted to be a writer.7:50 a.m.
• A new think tank in town
  MPR's Cathy Wurzer talked with professor Kelly Cain, the head of the new St. Croix Institute for Sustainable Community Development.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Rural Russia Left Barren by Economic Exodus
  Economic collapse in Russia's countryside has prompted an exodus of young people, while many older inhabitants succumb to alcoholism and ill-health. Those left behind are struggling to survive, and to maintain some dignity.
• Where the Ganges Meets the Sea, a Journey Ends
  Our Ganges journey ends on Sagar Island, where the river meets the sea. Once a year, millions of Hindus come here to worship the river and to toss coins into its waters. It's a spot where the income gap between rural and urban India is evident.
• Britons Describe Capture, Detention by Iran
  The British sailors and marines held captive for nearly two weeks in Iran were blindfolded, bound and faced constant psychological pressure, according to a Royal Navy lieutenant who was among the group.
• Researchers Identify Gene Affecting Dog Size
  Of all mammals, dogs have the greatest size diversity within their species. A large dog can be 80 times heavier than a small dog. A new study identifies a gene that may be responsible for these enormous size differences.
• 'The Hoax' Turns into a Real Movie
  Director Lasse Hallstrom's new movie, The Hoax, chronicles Clifford Irving's attempt to publish the "autobiography" of Howard Hughes.
• Fundraising Recasts the Presidential Race
  The release of fundraising reports by presidential candidates in both parties made for a busy week in politics. Mitt Romney led the Republican pack, while Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton pipped Sen. Barack Obama for Democratic bragging rights.
• Fundraising Success Adds to Interest in Obama
  Propelled by news of his fundraising success, Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) made four campaign stops Thursday in Iowa. He has raised $25 million in the first three months of the year to fund his bid for the White House. That's only $1 million less than his main rival, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY).
• Disney Welcomes Gay Marriage Ceremonies
  The Walt Disney Company says it will allow same-sex couples to participate in its "Fairy Tale Wedding" program. For the first time gay marriages can take place inside Disney theme parks.
• Houston Housing Market Shows Strength
  The United States housing market continues to wobble this year. Sales are up one month and down the next. As economists, investors and others debate the future of housing, one region where it remains brisk is Houston, Texas.
• Dean Veteran Drives John Edward's Web Strategy
  Matthew Gross, who worked on Howard Dean's groundbreaking presidential Web campaign in 2004, now works for John Edwards. Gross is putting Edwards all over the Web, especially in popular social networking sites like MySpace and FaceBook.
• 'Green' BP Station Still Pumps Gas
  BP's Helios gas station in Los Angeles is the nation's first "green" gas station. It has low-flow toilets, solar panels and a floor made of recycled glass. Still, environmental critics argue you can't get away from its central role: selling gasoline.
• Fast-Growing Nevada Town Seeks Neighbor's Water
  A water dispute is causing tension between the Southwestern towns of Beaver Dam, Ariz., and Mesquite, Nev. Residents in Beaver Dam are upset over a plan to export the town's remaining water supply across state lines to fuel a development boom in Mesquite.
• Rhode Island Considers Foster Care Cutbacks
  A budget crisis in Rhode Island has forced the state to contemplate difficult cuts, including services meant to ease the transition of foster kids who have "aged out" of the system.
• Selling Iraq No Easy Task Amid the Calm of Finland
  One young man in Helsinki, Finland, is trying to convince the world that his native city is safe and a good place to invest. The city he represents is Najaf, in Iraq. It's not an easy sell.
• Kerkorian Chrysler Bid May Be First of Several
  Investor Kirk Kerkorian has bid $4.5 billion to buy the troubled automaker Chrysler from its German parent. At least two other investment groups have reportedly expressed interest in buying Chrysler. The Kerkorian offer would offer equity stakes to the United Auto Workers and senior Chrysler managers.

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