Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Preservationists hope to save Fort Snelling's Upper Post
  The National Trust for Historic Preservation has included the buildings of Fort Snelling's "Upper Bluff" - or "Upper Post" - on its annual list of the country's most endangered historic sites. The designation has spawned hope that a new use can be found for a long-neglected campus which was once the the state's center of military activity.7:20 a.m.
• Conference committees challenged to find compromise
  Bills to fund new stadiums for the Twins, Vikings and Gophers are in flux at the Legislature, since the House and Senate have each passed their own versions. They're headed into conference committee, where lawmakers will try to find a compromise. Former DFL House Speaker Dee Long talks with MPR's Cathy Wurzer about the conference committee process.7:25 a.m.
• Possible compromise on ATV trails
  In Cook County, in northeastern Minnesota, some ATV riders and at least one environmental group are trying to find common ground on ATV trails. The unusual spirit of compromise could help both sides get what they want: trails for the riders, and peace and quiet for people on foot.7:55 a.m.
• Art as social commentary
  "Farm Boys," which is currently running at the Great American History Theater in St. Paul, is a play about gay men in rural America. It is one example of the intersection between art and contemporary issues. Another play, "Zooman and the Sign" that just finished a run at St. Paul's Penumbra Theater, looks at what people can do to combat gang violence in their neighborhood. Cathy Wurzer talked with MPR arts commentator and St. Paul Pioneer Press theater critic Dominic Papatola, who has noticed a number of places where social issues are finding their way into art.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Cancer Patient Gives up Life to Chemotherapy
  Commentator Leroy Sievers has been spending way too much time in hospitals lately. The Washington journalist is undergoing treatment for cancer and has this reflection on his condition.
• States Push to Disclose Hospital Infection Rates
  Each year an estimated 90,000 people die after picking-up a bacterial infection in a hospital. Now, some states are developing consumer report cards to rank hospitals according to their infection rates.
• Homeowners Fight Insurance Companies over Katrina
  Diamondhead, Miss., was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina. Now some homeowners are in limbo with their insurance claims. Residents say their homes were damaged by wind. But insurance companies say the homes were damaged by flooding, which most policies don't cover.
• On 'Animal Years,' Josh Ritter's Sense of Place
  A few years ago, Pete Seeger offered this advice to Josh Ritter, a young singer-songwriter: "Choose a place and dig in." With songs like "Idaho," Ritter puts the listener in a place that's very much like the singer's own.
• Revered 'New York Times' Editor Rosenthal Dies at 84
  The former executive editor of The New York Times, A.M. Rosenthal, dies of a stroke at the age of 84. The Pulitzer-winning reporter left his mark on the paper as its top editor. He also influenced the way journalism is practiced.
• N. Korea Puts Restrictions on U.N. Food Program
  The World Food Program says it plans to resume food aid to North Korea. But under the new terms of operation worked out with the North Korean government, the U.N. agency no longer will be able to maintain offices outside of North Korea's capital, raising questions about its ability to monitor shipments.
• Rocketboom Wins Viewers on the Web
  John Ydstie talks with Amanda Congdon, the host of Rocketboom. It's an online newscast of the weird and wonderful. Congdon and Rocketboom have gained a cult following for its offbeat look at the news and the Internet.
• Patients Ignore Hospital-Care Report Cards
  Your chances of surviving heart surgery in New York double if you go to a hospital at the top of a state report card. Despite this, a new study finds that patients aren't choosing the better hospitals over the poor ones.
• Senate to Vote on $70 Billion Tax Package
  The Senate is expected to vote Thursday on a bill providing tax cuts worth $70 billion over five years, following approval of the package in the House on Wednesday. The bill extends current capital-gains tax rates for two years and provides relief for millions of taxpayers from facing the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).
• Interest Rates Rise Again
  The Federal Reserve raises interest rates for the 16th consecutive time. It's an effort to cool the rate of economic growth, but it's also slowing the housing market and consumer credit rates.
• Employers Worry About World Cup Absentees
  A Dutch insurer has a new policy ready for the national soccer team's World Cup run beginning in June. It's offering employers insurance against a sudden rise in staff sick days. Companies have learned about the problem from bitter experience. Two years ago, tens of thousands of Dutch workers called in sick during the European Championships. On game days, sickness levels rose 20 percent.
• The Full College Experience
  It takes a lot to trigger Wisconsin's "slacker tax," but student Johnny Lechner is up to the job. He's decided to forgo his graduation and return to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for his 13th year! That will cost Lechner double in tuition for lounging around campus despite having enough credits to graduate with five degrees. The 29-year-old professional student tells the Wisconsin State Journal that he won't have the full college experience until he studies abroad.
• Doubtful Gaza Populace Lukewarm to News of Aid Plan
  The announcement of a new aid plan for the Palestinians prompts only faint optimism in the Gaza Strip, where economic and social conditions are continuing to deteriorate. The plan was agreed to by the United States, United Nations, Russia and the European Union.
• On Patrol with the Iraqi National Police
  We go on patrol through one of the most dangerous sections of Baghdad, where U.S. troops are on a joint patrol with the Iraqi National Police.
• Former Communist Elected Italy's President
  Giorgio Napolitano becomes the first former communist to ascend to Italy's presidency. He was elected by Italy's Parliament after a monthlong limbo that followed bitterly disputed national elections.

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