Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Flood waters still isolate many rural homes
  Many roads in rural parts of North Dakota are still under water because of flooding. In Cass County, it's not just the Red River that's causing flooding. The Sheyenne River and other tributaries have made parts of the county a lake.6:50 a.m.
• Weather with Mark Seeley
  University of Minnesota climatologist Mark Seeley discusses Minnesota weather history and looks ahead to the weekend forecast.6:55 a.m.
• The numbers behind Minnesota's unemployment rate
  Minnesota's unemployment rate is still better than the nation's -- but not by much. Minnesota's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate crept up from 8 percent in February, to 8.2 percent in March. The national rate is 8.5 percent.7:20 a.m.
• Economy seen behind shifts in college application numbers
  Applications are up at the U of M and state colleges and universities, while applications are down somewhat at the state's private colleges for the fall semester. One big reason: the economy.7:25 a.m.
• Terminally ill children often get inadequate pain treatment
  A conference in the Twin Cities this week tackles the problem of proper pain management in children and gives doctors training for working with their families.7:45 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Allegiant Air's Success Comes With No Frills
  Allegiant Air is a rare success story in the troubled airline industry. Its ticket fares are often some of the lowest on the market — but they are available mostly to travelers who live in smaller towns and don't mind paying extra fees for some basics.
• Survivors Recall 1927 Michigan School Massacre
  Two former students of Michigan's Bath School remember a deadly bombing and its aftermath. The school's caretaker planted a bomb in the school, killing 38 children and injuring many others.
• CIA Officials Won't Face Charges For Waterboarding
  The Obama administration told CIA officials Thursday that they will not be prosecuted for waterboarding terrorism suspects during the Bush administration. The message came as the administration released four Bush-era memos from 2002 and 2005 authorizing the harsh interrogation techniques.
• SpongeBob: Still Soaking Up Ratings After 10 Years
  Ten years after SpongeBob SquarePants made its debut on Nickelodeon, the show continues to be a phenomenal hit. President Obama, Scarlett Johansson and LeBron James are among the character's legion of fans.
• U.S., Saudi Bond Forms In 1945 On Navy Ship
  Journalist Thomas Lippman writes in his book Arabian Knight about how Franklin D. Roosevelt become the first U.S. president to meet a Saudi king. Roosevelt met King Abdul Aziz during World War II on the deck of a Navy cruiser. Lippman talks with Steve Inskeep about the long-standing relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
• Donors Bolster Pakistan's Flagging Economy
  Pakistan is getting more development money from international donors. Led by the U.S. and Japan, the group pledged more than $5 billion on Friday to help Pakistan's troubled economy, and fight the spread of terrorism in the islamic nation and neighboring Afghanistan. Maria Kuusisto, an analyst with Eurasia Group, explains why Pakistan needs aid so urgently.
• Analyst: Banks Need Fundamental Reforms
  Bank analyst Karen Petrou says the United States can expect to see a lot of volatility in the financial industry. She says the industry as a whole — including the 20 largest banks — have not yet made fundamental reforms to stabilize the industry.
• Ford Mustang Celebrates 45th Anniversary
  When the Mustang first appeared, Ford figured it would sell about 100,000 a year. But 22,000 sold on the first day, and more than 400,000 the first year. The Mustang's runaway success gave rise to a whole new breed called the pony car.
• Payless Introduces Eco-Friendly Shoes
  One of the country's biggest shoe companies is trying to bring eco-friendly fashion to the feet of the masses. Payless ShoeSource introduced its first line of "green" footwear this week.
• British Government Offers Carbuyers Incentives
  The British government is trying to give electric cars a boost. It's offering car buyers up to $7,500 if they purchase electric or hybrid cars. It's part of the British government's $400 million plan to promote low carbon transport over the next five years, as well as giving a boost to the ailing auto industry.
• Dealers, Private Equity Firm May Buy GM's Saturn
  Some Saturn dealers have teamed up with a private equity firm to try to buy the brand. GM has put Saturn on the chopping block. Their group is called Telesto Ventures, named after one of the moons that circles Saturn.
• Mystery Donor Gives Universities Millions
  Over the last few weeks, a mystery person or organization has been giving away millions of dollars. Universities have been receiving anonymous donations. Purdue University got $8 million. The University of Iowa got $7 million. Other schools got donations too. Nobody knows who gave away the more than $45 million.
• For Sale: 1 Slice Of 1871 Royal Wedding Cake
  An antiques fair in England is selling a slice of cake that was baked in 1871. It's left over from the wedding of Queen Victoria's fourth daughter. Princess Louise scandalized the royal family by insisting on marrying a commoner. A slice of wedding cake lasted even longer than the marriage.
• Obama Promises To Slow U.S. Arms Flow To Mexico
  President Obama is promising new help for Mexico in its battle with drug traffickers. The President met one-on-one Thursday with his Mexican counterpart, Felipe Calderon. Their meeting marked the beginning of a four-day Latin American tour, in which Obama is hoping to show that the U.S. is once again paying attention to the region.
• John Madden Retires From NFL Broadcasting
  NFL Hall of Fame coach John Madden has announced he is retiring as a football broadcaster. The announcement came as a surprise, because Madden is still regarded as one of the top sports analysts.

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