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

• Amid War, Afghanistan Builds Its First National Park
  The Afghan government is working with Americans to create a park in the mountainous lakes region of Band-e-Amir. But it will be difficult to reach, and planners face other obstacles — both natural and manmade — to make it a reality.
• Need for Speed Brings Tragedy at the Derby
  No one knows exactly why Eight Belles suffered a catastrophic injury in Saturday's Kentucky Derby. But the filly's fate reflects the relentless drive for athletes — animal as well as human — to be ever-faster and stronger.
• 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.
• Obama's N.C. Win Expands His Delegate Lead
  Barack Obama won the North Carolina Democratic primary Tuesday by a wide margin. He narrowly missed capturing the Indiana contest. The results have re-energized the Illinois senator's quest for the presidential nomination.
• Clinton Plows Ahead after Slim Win in Indiana
  Hillary Clinton won the Indiana Democratic primary Tuesday night by a slim margin. She lost North Carolina's nominating contest by 14 points. Clinton has pledged to continue campaigning for the party's nomination.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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