Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• The cleanup and recovery begins in Hugo
  Cleanup and recovery begin in earnest today in the city of Hugo, two days after a tornado ripped through town killing a toddler and destroying dozens of homes. Much of yesterday was spent assessing the damage and making the area where the tornado touched down was safe enough for residents to return. Officials gave residents an update on the damage last night and said many of the access restrictions will be lifted today.7:20 a.m.
• A killer tornado leaves a family grieving and hoping
  Two-year-old Nathanial Prindle was the only person killed in the Hugo tornado. All that remains of the Prindle's home is some concrete and a pile of debris with two highchairs on top of it.7:25 a.m.
• Arts and the environment advocates launch referendum campaign
  A coalition of more than 200 groups is kicking off a campaign to convince Minnesotans to approve a constitutional amendment this fall that will generate millions in tax dollars for environmental protection and the arts.7:50 a.m.
• A case for populist golf
  There are plenty of expensive golf courses in Minnesota. But Peter Smith reminds us that it's not the pricetag that makes the experience worthwhile.7:55 a.m.
• Markets with Chris Farrell
  Minnesota Public Radio's chief economics correspondent Chris Farrell discusses the latest news on Wall Street, the high price of oil, and a steep fall in home prices.8:25 a.m.
• Travel restrictions lifted in Hugo, students return to school
  Most of the travel restrictions in Hugo have been lifted, two days after a confirmed tornado killed a toddler and destroyed 50 homes. Highway 61 has reopened in Hugo, and city officials have allowed most residents in the area where the twister hit to return to their homes. Meanwhile, students are returning to school today. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Weber reported from Hugo City Hall.8:45 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Iraqi Army Eases Militias' Grip on Women in Basra
  It used to be common for women in Basra to wear makeup, play music, and visit the salon. Until recently, Shiite militiamen had been violently enforcing a strict code of Muslim living, and women had especially suffered. But life has changed for these women since the Iraqi army invaded the city.
• Exxon Investors Propose Green Resolutions
  Rising oil prices have made investors in Exxon a lot of money, but some of those shareholders want the company to have a greener conscience. At Exxon's annual meeting Wednesday, a group of investors plan to push resolutions requiring the corporation to reduce its emissions and to do more research into renewable energy sources.
• Alaskans Saddled with Dead Moose Turn to Web
  In Anchorage, Alaska, residents sometimes find themselves with a dead moose on their property. According to the law, it's their responsibility to remove it. Rather than pay someone, or try to bury it themselves, some folks in this predicament have posted ads on Craigslist.
• 22-Year-Old Buddhist Master Visits U.S.
  The Karmapa, one of the most important leaders in Tibetan Buddhism, is visiting the United States. Some think the young lama will succeed the Dalai Lama as the next spokesman for Tibetan Buddhism and Tibet. Robert Thurman, professor of Buddhist studies at Columbia University, talks about the 22-year-old Karmapa.
• Congo Seeks Help to Reopen Famed Uranium Mine
  Congo's uranium deposits were crucial in World War II. Nowadays, as international interest in nuclear energy and uranium is surging, the Shinkolobwe mining site is closed. But there are concerns that informal mining might be taking place for cobalt in the same radioactive soil.
• Bridge Plan Threatens Dresden's Heritage Status
  Dresden, Germany, has regained some of its prewar splendor, thanks to the restoration of its Baroque architectural masterpieces. The Elbe River Valley that runs through the city was declared a U.N. World Heritage site. But now, a new steel bridge being built across the river is threatening that status.
• Airport Agent Loses Pot After Planting It in Luggage
  One traveler arriving at Japan's Narita airport got an unexpected, duty-free souvenir: A 5-ounce package of marijuana. A security official wanted to test the nose of his sniffer dog, so he tucked a brick of cannabis into the side pocket of a random bag — but the dog couldn't find it.
• New Exhibit Honors 007 Creator Ian Fleming
  A new exhibition in London celebrates the work of author Ian Fleming and the character he created — the quintessential Cold War secret agent, James Bond. Fleming based 007 on his experiences in the British Naval Intelligence.
• Actor, Filmmaker Sydney Pollack Dies at 73
  Sydney Pollack died Monday of cancer at his home in Los Angeles. He was best known for directing The Way We Were, Out of Africa, Tootsie and Three Days of the Condor, among many other movies. But he began his career as an actor.
• Newspapers Brace for Ad Battle as Craigslist Grows
  Craigslist, the free online classified ads site, is moving to small cities and towns across the country. Now, the newspapers in those places will have to compete with Craigslist for classified ads, and that has some of them worried.
• Food Gobbles Up Afghans' Income as Prices Soar
  The global jump in the price of food has also hit Afghanistan, one of the world's poorest countries. Many Afghans are now spending half their earnings on bread alone. International aid is keeping the country from food riots and starvation. But the crisis may encourage some farmers to move out of the drug trade and into wheat.
• Auditor: Supervisors Covered Up Risky Loans
  Millions of people are facing foreclosure because they got loans that should not have been approved. A big unanswered question is whether Wall Street banks knew they were selling garbage loans to investors. One former worker whose job was to catch bad loans says her supervisors covered them up.
• Analysis: Lenders, Investors, Buyers Fed Loan Crisis
  Co-host Robert Smith talks to NPR's Adam Davidson about how lenders, investors and buyers all contributed to the subprime mortgage crisis. Davidson says everyone at every step of the chain acted irresponsibly, "taking on way more risk than was appropriate."
• Israeli Farmers Push to Maintain Ties with Gaza
  Farmers in Israel export tens of thousands of tons of fruits to Gaza. But now they're worried about calls for Israel to cut ties with Gaza. They say without that outlet, there will be a surplus in Israel and prices will plummet. Plus, they say it's important to maintain contacts if there is ever to be a peace deal.
• Fuel Prices, Economy, Party Buses Hit Limos Hard
  Limousine companies are suffering from high gasoline prices like most Americans. But it isn't just the economy and the cost of fuel that has stretch limos and Hummers sitting in lots. What once was the most fashionable way to get to the prom is out. Today, kids want something bigger and better.

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