Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• New memoir tells Hmong story
  A new book tells the story of one family's life in Minnesota after a harrowing escape from Laos. Hmong author Kao Kalia Yang has written a memoir called "The Latehomecomer."6:50 a.m.
• Duluth-Superior bridge to partially close for repairs
  MnDOT has shut down two lanes on one of the major bridges between Duluth and Superior Wisconsin.7:20 a.m.
• Legislature sends governor new school 'report card' plan
  A plan for a new "report card" for schools is heading to Gov. Pawlenty, who is cool to the idea of changing performance standards.7:25 a.m.
• RNC -- good for some businesses, but not all
  As the Republican National Convention draws near, many Twin Cities business are sizing up how much of a sales kick they may get out of the convention this September. But being close to the convention is no guarantee of a boost in sales.7:50 a.m.
• Waseca couple claims Powerball jackpot
  A Waseca couple has won a $180 million Powerball jackpot. After taxes as a lump sum it amounts to nearly $60 million.7:55 a.m.
• Minnesota 8 members tell their story
  Members of the Minnesota 8, anti-war activists who were sentenced to prison for destroying draft files during the Vietnam War, join Midday. Their story is the subject of a play at the History Theater.8:25 a.m.
• Horse racing industry reacts to Eight Belles' death
  The death of Kentucky Derby runner-up Eight Belles has the racing industry talking about how to prevent such breakdowns -- and a loss of fans. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer talked with Randy Sampson, president and CEO of Canterbury Park, the home to horse racing in the Twin Cities.8:40 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Federal Agents Investigate Whistle-Blower Agency
  FBI agents raided a federal agency, the Office of the Special Counsel, amid allegations that the office has been misused for political purposes. Agents investigating possible obstruction of justice confiscated computers and also searched the home of Scott Bloch, the head of the OSC.
• Barbara Walters' Lifelong 'Audition'
  The veteran television journalist reflects on her glamorous — but unhappy — childhood, and her storied career interviewing notable celebrities, presidents and even murderers.
• Will Putin Pull Medvedev's Strings?
  As Russia swears in a new president, observers question whether the leader, Vladimir Putin's successor, will have real power to chart his own course for the country. He takes over a nation with a booming oil economy, and many serious problems.
• Gloomy Outlook for Oil, Gasoline Prices
  Oil prices have come down from the record high set Tuesday, but oil is still trading at more than $120 a barrel. Political tensions in oil-producing nations are a factor, but expectations of higher prices may also contribute to soaring prices. Some economists say prices could hit $150 a barrel — which would make gasoline $4.50 a gallon.
• Poll: Moms Say They'd Cut Pay for Time with Kids
  A survey from the online jobs site careerbuilder.com shows that more than one-third of working moms spend fewer than three hours a day with their kids. The survey of 880 full-time working mothers also shows that 43 percent would take a pay cut — some said 10 percent or more — if it meant spending more time with their kids.
• Women Trained for Post-Hurricane Construction Jobs
  A program in southern Mississippi is training women to become construction workers. The goal is to help them take advantage of the many rebuilding jobs available after hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
• Supplies Trickle into Myanmar; Aid Workers Stalled
  Myanmar is struggling to cope with the devastating cyclone that killed at least 22,000 people over the weekend. Souheil Reich, head of a Doctors Without Borders mission in Yangon, says the government is slowly bringing in supplies but is wary about letting foreign workers into the country.
• GOP Leaders Critical of Housing Relief Legislation
  The House takes up several bills Wednesday aimed at easing the mortgage foreclosure crisis. The main proposal would authorize billions of dollars in new loan guarantees to help struggling homeowners refinance their mortgages. The legislation has bipartisan support, but GOP leaders call it a bailout.
• Mexican Smugglers Take to Sea to Cross into U.S.
  U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents in San Diego are seeing an increase in smuggling by sea. Improvements in border security on land have pushed immigrant and drug smugglers offshore. During the past few months, dozens of small boats have been found on the beaches near the border. Now federal agents are responding.
• Chrysler Aims to Lure Car Buyers with Cheap Gas
  Chrysler has come up with a promotion it hopes will revive sales of trucks and SUVs. It is offering car buyers a chance to lock in a relatively cheap price for gasoline for three years.
• Analysis: What Key Players are Saying Post-Primary
  With the results of Indiana and North Carolina in, Democratic strategist Mark Mellman and Republican strategist Tucker Eskew talk to Steve Inskeep about the state of the Democratic presidential race. They also discuss how the protracted nominating battle on the Democratic side is affecting the party's general election chances.
• Road-Trippers Confident They'll Set Record
  Three guys are driving across the country in an attempt to break a record for traveling through all 48 contiguous states. The current record is five days and seven hours. Adam Gatherum talks about this journey he is on with his two friends.
• McCain Expresses Support for Conservative Judges
  Presumptive GOP nominee John McCain is busy trying to shore up his support with conservatives. The Arizona senator made a significant step Tuesday in North Carolina when he talked about the kind of judges he would nominate to the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Illinois Rep. Emanuel Weighs In on Democrats
  Steve Inskeep talks to Democratic Congressman Rahm Emanuel, head of the House Democratic Congress, about the results of Tuesday's primaries in North Carolina and Indiana. They also discuss how the future of the race will impact the Democratic Party's chances in the fall.
• Details Emerge in Myanmar About Weather Warning
  The cyclone that struck Myanmar last Saturday killed at least 22,000 people. Forecasters saw the storm coming, and Myanmar's military government spread warnings, but the warnings went out via television — which didn't help much in a country with spotty electricity.

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