Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Jump Start program helps people move on in life
  The Jump Start program helps low income people of the White Earth Nation get cars and find jobs.6:20 a.m.
• Bonding bill negotiations at the capitol
  Minnesota Public Radio's Capitol Bureau Chief Laura McCallum speaks with Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer about the week ahead at the state Capitol.7:20 a.m.
• Fifth District congressional candidates hold first debate
  When Rep. Martin Sabo announced his retirement last month, about a dozen DFL candidates started lining up to replace him. They range from a Dairy Queen owner to a university professor. At a forum on Sunday, they touted their political chops.7:25 a.m.
• Buried Alive
  Musical theater has a reputation for being light and happy. One local company, Theater Latte Da in Minneapolis, seeks to explore musical theater's more challenging works. Its latest production is "Floyd Collins," the true story of a man who, in his search for fame and glory, ended up digging his own grave.7:50 a.m.
• Land in proposed stadium swap may need cleanup
  In exchange for state help in building a new football stadium, the University of Minnesota has offered to hand over to the state what the school has described as a priceless nature reserve. But a news story over the weekend reported the land is contaminated. Cathy Wurzer talked with Sen. Geoff Michel, R-Edina, author of the Gopher stadium bill.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Tyler Perry's Impressive Hollywood Rise
  Until it was flattened by the latest Ice Age movie, Madea's Family Reunion had the biggest opening weekend of the year. This was the second hit for writer, director and star Tyler Perry, who is transforming himself into an entertainment empire.
• Programs Teach Savings to Ease Poverty
  Some organizations have found a way for low-income people to save money, then build on those savings over time. One such program in Tulsa, Okla., has brought life-changing financial security to local residents.
• Brazil Nears Oil Independence
  Brazilian oil company Petrobras officially opens its latest deep-water oil platform. The new rig is expected to end decades of Brazilian dependence on foreign oil, and protect the country's economy from oil-price shocks.
• King, Opponents Still Sparring in Nepal
  Protests continue against the rule of the King Gyanendra of Nepal. The king's announcement last week that he's willing to turn over power to a prime minister has done little to quiet demands for democracy and a new constitution for the Himalayan kingdom.
• Supreme Court Hears Case on Police Entry
  A court case that began with a simple complaint from a neighbor about a loud party has now landed in the Supreme Court. The justices will hear arguments that examine when, and for what reasons, police are authorized to enter a home.
• Shiite Burial Ritual Services in High Demand
  A rise in Iraqi deaths due to violence means extra business for specially trained Shiites who perform ritual washing of the dead before burial. One woman has made a living at the task for decades.
• Car Bombs and Sectarian Violence Kill Dozens in Iraq
  Seven car bombs explode across Baghdad, killing at least six people and wounding dozens, as politicians meet to try to finalize a new Cabinet. Separately, police discovered the bodies of 20 Iraqis -- apparent victims of sectarian killings.
• Closing Arguments Begin in Moussaoui Sentencing Trial
  The sentencing trial of admitted al-Qaida conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui wraps up as both sides make final arguments to the jury. The prosecution will say that Moussaoui could have saved lives on Sept. 11 if he had told the FBI what he knew when he was arrested. The defense will try to save Moussaoui from the death penalty by arguing that he is mentally ill.
• Google Steamroller a Result of Ability to Focus
  Google surprised Wall Street last week when it announced record profits. How has this search company survived and made money in an industry where so many have failed? Can the company keep it up? Renee Montagne speaks to Rob Enderle, principal analyst for the Enderle Group.
• Budget Nominee Brings Strong Congressional Ties to Job
  President Bush's nominee for White House budget director, Rob Portman, is an administration loyalist with strong ties to Capitol Hill. Renee Montagne speaks with David Wessel, deputy Washington bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal, about how the president hopes those ties will help the administration.
• Nebraska Senator Takes Tough Stand on Immigration
  Nebraska has become an unlikely stage for the debate over immigration. But as the issue plays out there, the typical roles of Republicans and Democrats seem reversed. Incumbent Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson has been pushing for stricter enforcement of immigration laws. His would-be Republican rivals seem to be advocating a more moderate course.
• Bin Laden Tape Ripples Through Washington
  The first confirmed tape of al-Qaida leader Osama Bin Laden in three months surfaced over the weekend. Renee Montagne speaks with Cokie Roberts about the political implications of the new tape. They also discuss President Bush's trip to California.
• New Orleans' Election Leads to Run-Off
  Saturday's mayoral election in New Orleans results in a run-off between incumbent Ray Nagin and Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu. The two candidates now have four weeks to persuade voters to support their vision of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
• Immigration Activists Target U.S. Businesses in Mexico
  Pro-immigration activists are calling for a boycott of U.S. businesses in Mexico on May 1 as a show of solidarity with protesters in the United States. But critics say a boycott is the wrong strategy because many American businesses in Mexico support comprehensive immigration bills.
• Alaska Middle School Shaken by Deadly Plot
  North Pole Middle School reopens for the first time since police foiled a student plot last week to kill fellow students. Six middle school students were arrested Saturday, and 15 more were suspended for suspected of involvement in the plot. Renee Montagne talks with Assistant Superintendent Wayne Gerke.

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