Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• A story of liberation
  Tomorrow, Minnesotan Patrick Dewane presents a one-man play at the Minnesota History Center called "The Mushroom Picker: A Family Story about World War II." It's part of the History Center's ongoing exploration of Minnesota's Greatest Generation.6:50 a.m.
• Bachmann's DFL challengers face off Saturday
  There are two Democrats who want to challenge Republican Michele Bachmann for her seat in Congress: Elwyn Tinklenberg and Bob Olson. One of them will get the party's endorsement this weekend.7:20 a.m.
• Hunting for the past
  As Minneapolis prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary, a team of Hennepin County surveyors are roaming the streets checking to make sure that city property lines are where they're supposed to be.7:25 a.m.
• Hennepin County to close Lowry Avenue Bridge
  Another Minnesota bridge is being closed for safety concerns. The Lowry Avenue Bridge, which connects north and northeast Minneapolis, will close starting Friday at 10 a.m., months ahead of schedule.7:50 a.m.
• Gangster Confidential
  What does it take for a man who's committed evil to redeem himself? That question lies at the heart of our criminal justice system. It's also central to a new American RadioWorks documentary. The documentary follows the life of a man who rose to the top of one of America's most brutal gangs before having a change of heart. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with correspondent Michael Montgomery about the documentary.7:55 a.m.
• Leech Lake students build home for elders through service learning program
  Leech Lake Tribal College students are building homes for elders as part of a service learning initiative. Experts say the program helps at-risk students stay in school and perform better academically.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Western Kansas Rides Wave of Prosperity
  The economy may be souring across the country, but western Kansas is thriving. Thanks to record oil prices and soaring prices for grain, home values are up, foreclosures and unemployment are down, and gas-guzzling trucks are flying off the lot.
• Trader Charged with Spreading False Rumors
  Securities regulators charged a trader with securities fraud and market manipulation for intentionally spreading false rumors on Wall Street about a deal to take over a credit card processor. The trader made more than $25,000 before the company issued a news release denying the rumor.
• Intel Experts: Video Shows Nuclear Activity in Syria
  Intelligence officials Thursday showed members of Congress videotape and other evidence to support their case that Syria was building a nuclear reactor with help from North Korea. The site was bombed by Israeli planes last year.
• French Artists' English-Language Songs Top Charts
  Popular native rock bands topping the charts in France this year are writing and singing in English. At the country's oldest and biggest rock festival this week, the young talent section's performance featured only English lyrics. Francophiles are calling it a threat to the French language and culture.
• Sarkozy's TV Appearance Paves Way for New Image
  French President Nicolas Sarkozy went on prime-time television to try to improve his image. One year since taking office, Sarkozy is the most unpopular French leader since the end of World War II. He answered wide-ranging questions from journalists and vowed to press ahead with reforms.
• Has Grand Canyon Skywalk Helped the Hualapai?
  The Hualapai Indian tribe of Arizona opened the Grand Canyon Skywalk last year. The Skywalk featured a 60-foot-long glass bridge overlooking the Grand Canyon and was meant to bring income to the struggling tribe. One year later, has the investment paid off?
• McCain Takes Message to Poor, Democratic Areas
  Republican presumptive presidential nominee John McCain has been campaigning this week in poor communities often overlooked by the GOP. He may not win much support in the mostly Democratic neighborhoods, but the tour may attract moderate voters who are McCain's real target.
• Text-Message Shorthand Invades Schoolwork
  Teens today are just as likely to be writing on their phones as talking on them. They're texting, blogging, instant messaging — forms of communication that have their own language. A new study says that shorthand is making its way into teens' schoolwork.
• Sea Piracy on the Rise off Somalia's Coast
  Pirates off the coast of Somalia, and in other places around the world, cost the shipping industry billions of dollars each year. Andrew Lehr, an expert on sea piracy and terrorism, talks about about how these groups function.
• Geneticists Hail Senate Vote on DNA Discrimination
  The Senate has passed a bill banning employers and insurers from discrimination based on DNA tests. The bill would bar health insurance companies from using genetic information to set premiums or determine enrollment eligibility.
• Storage Room Sells for $800K in Manhattan
  In Manhattan, a storage room in a basement just sold for $800,000. It is 800 square feet — bigger than many apartments in the city, and it's in the Dakota, the most famous residential building overlooking Central Park. The buyer lives in the building and plans to turn the room into a gym.
• Tomato Growers Cut Crop amid Immigration Worries
  Tomato growers in New Jersey say tougher immigration enforcement may change this year's crop. It's getting harder to hire the migrant laborers — many of them from Mexico — who traditionally pick tomatoes during the few weeks when they're ripe.
• Microsoft Says Weak Dollar Buoyed Profits
  Microsoft's earnings fell 11 percent during the most recent quarter. But the software giant still raked in nearly $4.4 billion in profits. Despite the slowing economy, the company issued an optimistic forecast for next year and reiterated its bid for the online company Yahoo.
• Congress Extends Farm Bill as Wrangling Continues
  Congress approved another one-week extension to the current farm law Thursday to give legislators more time to negotiate a new five-year program. Debate over the new program is stalled, and the White House has suggested the alternative of extending the current farm laws for another year.
• Lasik Surgery Patients Air Grievances to FDA
  The Food and Drug Administration is seeking advice from a panel of outside experts over whether to provide more information to patients about laser eye surgery. They will also hear from Lasik customers who are not satisfied with the results of the surgery.

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