Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Renters put out by foreclosures
  As the number of Minnesota home foreclosures continues to rise, the problem is getting more attention from lawmakers, lenders and the media. But one group has gotten little notice, namely renters.6:24 a.m.
• May a month with many wildfires in Minnesota
  Historical records show that May is a month when many wildfires occur in Minnesota. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with University of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley about that, and about a weather phenomenon called a gravity wave.6:54 a.m.
• MPR Poll: High approval marks for Pawlenty, but most wish he'd raise taxes on the rich
  The survey shows that 72 percent of likely voters support increasing income taxes on wealthier Minnesotans to lower property taxes. Sixty-nine percent of those polled support an income tax increase to pay for education.7:20 a.m.
• Dry weather fueling Ham Lake fire
  Warm and dry weather is helping the Ham Lake fire along the Gunflint Trail to grow. It has burned 47 square miles, and officials have expanded the evacuation area. Firefighters are hoping for better weather. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with reporter Tim Post, who's in Grand Marais.7:24 a.m.
• Minneapolis residents seek answers about lakes contamination
  About 50 Minneapolis residents resisted the lure of a beautiful spring evening and instead spent several hours inside a church overlooking Lake Calhoun Thursday night. They were there to learn more about a perfluoronated chemical that has contaminated fish in Calhoun and other nearby lakes.7:50 a.m.
• Minnesota's Tibetan monks chant for their homeland
  Minnesota has a strong choral tradition, but starting this weekend, it will get a taste of a very different type of chorus. The Dalai Lama's tantric choir will visit from the Gyuto monastery in Dharmasala, India for a series of concerts. There's a reason they're coming here. Five of the choir members live in Minneapolis.7:55 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• NATO Commander Weighs Efforts in Afghanistan
  U.S. Army Gen. Dan McNeill, the NATO commander in Afghanistan, addresses a dilemma: How to attack insurgents without alienating the Afghan people.
• Marine General Testifies at Haditha Hearing
  A two-star Marine general testifies that he didn't know questions were being raised about the deaths of 24 civilians in the Iraqi town of Haditha until months after the killings took place.
• L.A. Gang Hangout Gives Way to Housing Project
  Los Angeles city officials demolish a former "Crips" gang hangout known as 6900 Death Lane. The property will become affordable housing.
• Removing His Tattoos, But Gang Scars Remain
  Gabriel Hinojas spent more than half his life in a Los Angeles gang, but he's decided to quit. He's even having his gang tattoos removed. But still he worries that his young son will end up following in his earlier footsteps.
• Senate Panel Focuses on 'Homegrown' Terrorism
  Officials from the FBI and a number of other government agencies discuss the fight against "homegrown" terrorism in an appearance before the Senate's Homeland Security Committee.
• Pope Makes Appeal to Brazil's Youth
  Pope Benedict XVI addresses a screaming crowd of tens of thousands of young people at a soccer stadium in Sao Paolo, urging them to be builders of a new society inspired by universal moral values. The pontiff is in the middle of a five-day visit to Brazil.
• Italy Debates Church v. State, Family Values
  Catholics will hold a rally Saturday in support of "family values" in Rome. But a competing demonstration will target what critics see as the church's interference in Italian politics.
• New Standards Set for U.S. Trade Partners
  The Bush administration and Hill Democrats agree on new guidelines for trade policy. U.S. trade partners must guarantee workers the right to organize, demand a ban on child labor and prohibit forced labor. The deal comes as the U.S. trade deficit hits a new high.
• Mother's Day Turns 100
  The 100th anniversary of Mother's Day will be observed Sunday with a $16 billion commercial blitz of cards, flowers and restaurant meals. It originated as a simple tribute to mothers marked by the wearing of a single white carnation.
• Brother, Can You Spare a Song?
  A new collection from Smithsonian Folkways brings together performances by Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Leadbelly and other artists. The simple theme: money — fortunes made, fortunes lost and fortunes desired.

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