Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• In St. Paul, an ancient Irish sport preserved on the field
  A couple of times a week at the McMurray Fields in St. Paul, a group of enthusiasts is hard at work playing hurling, a game that involves sticks, a ball, and a certain amount of raw courage.6:25 a.m.
• MnDOT closes Highway 43 bridge over Mississippi at Winona
  The Minnesota Department of Transportation closed the Highway 43 bridge over the Mississippi River at Winona.6:50 a.m.
• PUC weighs decision on Big Stone power plant
  The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will decide tomorrow whether to approve transmission lines to bring electricity from a coal-fired power plant from South Dakota into Minnesota.6:55 a.m.
• Obama's challenge: unite the party
  A big question in the Democratic presidential race now is will Hillary Clinton supporters unite behind Barack Obama?7:20 a.m.
• Long line is fine for Obama faithful
  Officials estimated that 30,000 to 40,000 people stood in a line that snaked through the heart of St. Paul. Many in the line said they were drawn to the event because they felt it was a chance to be part of history.7:25 a.m.
• Obama meets with Clinton supporters
  After claiming his party's nomination in front of an enthusiastic crowd at St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center, Sen. Obama met with a small group of Minnesota's Clinton supporters. One of the people at that meeting was Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher. She says it was a bittersweet moment.7:40 a.m.
• Study: Heavy construction materials, added pavement brought down 35W bridge
  The 35W bridge was over-weighted with concrete pavement and construction materials, causing an under-sized gusset plate to fail, according to a study conducted by University of California-Berkeley structural engineering professor Hassan Astaneh.7:45 a.m.
• Some Clinton supporters became Obama supporters
  Polls taken last year at this time showed Hillary Clinton with a commanding 15 point lead over any of her Democratic rivals. But the tide turned at different points for different voters.7:50 a.m.
• Standing at the back of the line, but never losing hope
  As people piled into the Xcel Energy Center to catch a glimpse of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, the line out the door kept getting longer. At one point, it stretched for more than a mile and a half. For people at the end of line, they never gave up hope.7:55 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Amid Threats, Activist Fights Karachi Development
  As big-money developers flock to Karachi, Amber Alibhai is one of the few people to openly question the development. In a city where millions of people live in poverty and clean water is often scarce, the activist asks, who needs golf courses? Alibhai's work has provoked threats against her and her family.
• Celtics vs. Lakers: A Matchup for the Ages
  A great rivalry resumes Thursday when the Boston Celtics meet the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the NBA championship. It will be the 11th time these teams have played for the title. Commentator Frank Deford says it's nice to see history repeated.
• Promoting Perfume, Not Poppies, in Afghanistan
  In recent years, poppy production has skyrocketed in Afghanistan. A group of businessmen has been trying to offer an alternative, by urging farmers to grow flowers for perfume instead of for drugs. It has been a frustrating and costly project.
• As Primary Race Ends, Next Contest Is in Full Swing
  Barack Obama collected enough delegates Tuesday to claim the Democratic Party's presidential nomination. The Illinois senator is making history as the first black presumptive presidential nominee of a major party. But Hillary Clinton has yet to concede defeat and says she's open to filling the vice presidential slot on the party's ticket.
• McCain Previews Experience-Over-Youth Strategy
  Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain had a rally Tuesday in Kenner, La., where he acknowledged that Democratic Barack Obama would be a formidable opponent. McCain previewed his likely campaign mantra that paints him as the experienced candidate compared with Obama's youthfulness.
• Discovery's Proliferation Marks Cable TV Trend
  Discovery Channel isn't just one cable channel. It's 13 channels, including TLC, Discovery Kids and, starting Wednesday, Planet Green. It's evidence of an increasingly common business model in cable television — spinoffs of successful cable channels.
• Olmert Addresses U.S. Pro-Israel Lobbyists
  Under fire at home and facing corruption charges, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is visiting Washington, D.C. He was honored at a dinner Tuesday by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. On Wednesday, he meets with President Bush.
• Cars By Toyota, Honda Beat F-150 Sales in May
  For years, the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. hasn't been a car; it's been Ford's F-150 pickup. But automakers report that in May, fuel-efficient cars made by Toyota and Honda outsold the F-150 for the first time in more than 15 years. Overall, auto sales skidded 10 percent last month.
• Bernanke Watchful as Dollar's Slide Fuels Inflation
  As the U.S. dollar continues its slide against other currencies, inflation is making an unwelcome return. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke this week spoke about what a weakening dollar could mean for the economy.
• Anheuser-Busch Takeover Talk Shakes St. Louis
  People inside Anheuser-Busch say a takeover of the St. Louis brewer by Belgium's InBev is possible — though the company is still not commenting. Talk of the company's takeover has people in St. Louis on edge. The brewer is part of the city's identity, and not just as a major employer.

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