Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Who's on the roof: Immigrant labor shapes a summer industry
  In Minnesota, summer is the season of roof work. But a glance at the crews overhead this time of year makes it clear most people doing that work are not from Minnesota. The residential roofing industry around the country now relies on low-priced labor by Mexican immigrants. Industry insiders say the roofing business would collapse without this migrant work force -- which includes immigrants who are in the U.S. legally and illegally.6:55 a.m.
• Twins ballpark will fund libraries and youth programs
  The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners will be scheduling three public hearings soon to discuss a proposal to raise the county's sales tax to help pay for a new ballpark for the Twins. The county board will be able to raise the sales tax by point-one-five percent without a voter referendum because of an exemption passed during 2006 Legislative Session. In addition to building a ballpark, the new tax money will be used to fund youth programs and libraries in Hennepin County and Minneapolis. Perry Finelli, fill-in host of Morning Edition, spoke with Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin about the funding plan.7:20 a.m.
• GOP chances rest on faithfulness of conservative wing
  After wrapping up the GOP state convention over the weekend, party leaders say their base is energized to elect Republican candidates this fall. But some worry that conservative wing of the party my abandon them.7:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Organ Music: Pulling Out All the Stops
  The organ has been described, along with the clock, as the most complex of all mechanical instruments developed before the Industrial Revolution. Miles Hoffman unravels the complexities and the mysteries of the musical giant.
• Sydney Hopes Manilow Works Magic on Cruisers
  First it was the Bing, now it's the Barry. Australian officials cleared a shopping center of teenage loiterers by piping in the crooning of Bing Crosby. Now, they're hoping Barry Manilow can work the same magic. An area of Sydney plagued by cruisers in souped-up cars, known there as car'hoons,' will be subjected to loudspeakers blaring "Mandy" and "I Write the Songs." If it works, Aussie officials could well be singing, "Looks like we made it."
• Bowling Record Reset, Twice
  If you really can track American communities by asking how often people go bowling, then maybe this is good: Dave Wilson set a world record last year by bowling for 64 consecutive hours. Then he lost the record. A Canadian who had never bowled in his life went 100 hours. Now Wilson has struck back. The American bowled 102 hours, raising money along the way for a children's foundation and for breast cancer research.
• Afghans Have Mixed Feelings About U.S. Presence
  As the war escalates in southern Afghanistan, there are growing signs of discontent throughout the country. Last week's rioting in Kabul revealed the depth of feeling among many Afghans against the U.S.-led coalition. But many also say they do not want the international troops to leave the country.
• Rumsfeld Works to Strengthen Ties with Vietnam
  Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld is visiting Vietnam, attempting to boost security ties with a former enemy. Over the weekend, Rumsfeld met with defense experts and officials in Singapore, encouraging Southeast Asian nations to work closely with the United States.
• Eating Out Can Add to Obesity, FDA Report Says
  The Food and Drug Administration released a report Friday about the links between obesity and eating out at restaurants. The report says that no link has been proven but that people are more likely to eat more at restaurants because of the large portions and the convivial atmosphere. The restaurant industry is not happy about the report.
• China Faces Academic Corruption, Quality Problems
  A growing chorus of voices is calling on China to tackle the problem of academic corruption. In one example of fraud, a famous researcher at one of China's top universities recently tried to pass off as his own invention a powerful microchip made by a former Motorola subsidiary. Critics say corruption was bound to enter the education system because of the intimate link between government and academia.
• Bill Maher Hosts Online Interview Show for Amazon
  Amazon.com is launching its own online TV show to sell books, music and movies. With comedian Bill Maher as the host, the Internet company's weekly Amazon Fishbowl hopes to make its mark in the late-night talk show landscape with interviews of artists and authors.
• U.S. Worries as Canada Welcomes New Immigrants
  Canada is throwing its doors wide open to new immigrants, making it easier and cheaper to enter the country. But the U.S. State Department says relaxed security screening in Canada poses a threat to the United States. One of Canada's top spies agrees.
• Democratic Hawk Faces Antiwar Primary Challenger
  Congresswoman Jane Harman of the 36th District is one of the best-known Democratic hawks in the country. But that visibility has made her vulnerable to a challenge from antiwar activists in her liberal Southern California district's upcoming primary. Rachael Myrow of member station KPCC in Los Angeles reports.
• Political Families Circumvent California Term Limits
  California was one of the first states to institute term limits. Now it's on the leading edge of a new trend. In Tuesday's primary, three wives, one husband and two brothers are running for a family member's seat in the state assembly. Tamara Keith of member station KPCC reports.
• Gaps Exist in U.S. City Emergency Plans
  A review of emergency plans for every major American city could be released this week. Those involved say it cites many gaps in planning for the next big disaster. The review was ordered by President Bush in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
• Canada Arrests 17 in Alleged Bombing Plot
  Canada has arrested 17 people who were allegedly planning to carry out bomb attacks in southern Ontario. Steve Inskeep talks to Mike McDonnell of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police about the case.
• Peruvian Voters Bring Back Former President
  Former Peruvian President Alan Garcia has won his old job back, defeating nationalist candidate Ollanta Humala. Garcia previously served as president from 1985-1990, a period marked by violence and economic chaos. Renee Montagne talks to New York Times reporter Juan Forero about Sunday's presidential election.
• HIV Vaccine Remains Elusive
  Twenty-five years after the first report of AIDS, the long quest for a vaccine against HIV has largely been disappointing. Despite some advances, researchers say the vaccines now being tested are not likely to fully protect people against getting infected.

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