Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Chronic homelessness often linked to brain injuries
  Preliminary field research suggests that more than a third of chronically homeless people may have dementia or a decline in brain function that's significant enough to earn them government disability payments.6:50 a.m.
• Bush -- the other one -- boosts Kennedy coffers
  Just three days before Democrats are expected to endorse a candidate for the U.S. Senate, first lady Laura Bush held a fundraiser for Republican candidate Mark Kennedy on Tuesday night.7:25 a.m.
• Some bugs are more than summer pests
  Many Minnesotans are enjoying June's warmer weather in area parks and lakes, and so are some bugs. While some insects can be an inconvenience, others may be more dangerous. The state is already in the peak of deer tick season in Minnesota, increasing the risk of getting Lyme Disease, and mosquito species carrying the West Nile Virus will be buzzing later this summer. Dave Neitzel, an epidemiologist from the Minnesota Department of Health, spoke with Perry Finelli, fill-in host of Morning Edition, about how to avoid bug-born diseases this summer.7:52 a.m.
• Commentary: "The Case for the Mosquito and Me"
  When most people feel a mosquito land on their skin they do not think twice before swatting at it. But Tom Anderson, a naturalist at the Lee and Rose Warner Nature Center in Washington County, had a recent encounter with a mosquito that got him to rethink that impulse.7:55 a.m.
• Minneapolis Institute of Arts opens new wing
  The Minneapolis Institute of Arts will host a grand opening Sunday to celebrate the museum's renovation and new wing, which was designed by American architect Michael Graves. Morning Edition arts commentator Dominic Papatola shares his impressions of the new space.8:25 a.m.
• A little poetry on your bus ride home
  A group of local poets is hoping that some commuters will be moved by more than the Metro Transit bus they are riding on. Eighteen poets will attempt to inspire riders during the third annual Poets on Buses, by performing on buses during the evening rush hour.8:55 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Haditha's Recent History of Violence
  Steve Inskeep profiles Haditha, Iraq. The town is now known for the alleged massacre of Iraqi civilians by U.S. Marines. But it has also been the scene for other violent acts in the last three years.
• Immigration Raid Roils Kentucky Community
  The Homeland Security Department's new emphasis on bringing criminal charges against employers of illegal workers has sent shockwaves through one community in northern Kentucky. A recent raid there on a homebuilder resulted in dozens of arrests.
• Cul-de-Sacs: Suburban Dream or Dead End?
  The cul-de-sac has long been a symbol of suburban life. In recent years, however, the cul-de-sac has fallen out of favor with urban planners and architects. Some cities have even banned them. But the lollipop-shaped dead-end roads still have a lot of fans.
• Life Via E-Mail: 'Who Moved My Blackberry?'
  A new book skewers today's mindless corporate culture via the e-mails of Martin Lukes, a fictitious, ambitious, forty-something middle manager who works for a company that makes nothing in particular.
• Photographer Arnold Newman Dies at 88
  Photographer Arnold Newman died Tuesday at the age of 88. Newman's work appeared frequently in Life magazine, and included portraits of artists like Pablo Picasso.
• Report Describes a Zimbabwe in Crisis
  A new report from the International Crisis Group says that Zimbabwe is rapidly self-destructing. The problems in the country are compounded by a lack of leadership in both the ruling party and the political opposition. Meanwhile, inflation is galloping forward; it could reach 3,000 percent.
• Deford Hails the World Cup's 'Rock Stars of Sweat'
  Commentator Frank Deford reverses years of criticism about soccer with an appreciation of the game's global popularity. And he ponders the imponderable: A U.S. victory.
• Military Investigates Alleged Killing in Hamdania
  While a great deal of attention has been paid to the investigation of alleged civilian killings in Haditha, Iraq, by Marines, another investigation is looking into the alleged killing of an Iraqi civilian in Hamdania.
• Republican Bilbray Wins Vulnerable House Seat
  Republican Brian Bilbray emerges victorious in the fight for the suburban San Diego House seat once held by jailed Randy "Duke" Cunningham. Bilbray narrowly beat Democrat Francine Busby, a local school board member, in a special election.
• Bible-Based Prison Treatment Program Shelved
  The Federal Bureau of Prisons says it will suspend plans for a Bible-based treatment program at six penitentiaries. The announcement came after a federal judge ruled that the a prison-ministry program in Iowa was unconstitutional.
• President Pushes Immigration Bill with Border Visit
  President Bush voices support for tightened border security on visits to New Mexico and Texas. But Republicans are resisting the president's call for an immigration bill that would give illegal immigrants a path to citizenship.
• Iraq Government Begins Prisoner-Release Program
  Nearly 600 prisoners are being released from Iraqi jails as part of a "national reconciliation" program. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says 2,500 prisoners will be freed over the coming days. The move is seen as an effort to ease sectarian tensions.
• Democrat Angelides to Face Schwarzenegger
  A close, contentious California primary race was finally decided early Wednesday morning. State Treasurer Phil Angelides won the Democratic nomination for governor, narrowly beating out Controller Steve Westly. Angelides will run against Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in the fall.
• Presidential Candidates Debate Mexico's Future
  In a little more than three weeks, Mexicans will elect a new president. It's one of the tightest presidential races in Mexico's history. The only television debate in which all the candidates participated took place Tuesday night.
• Hollywood Phones Homes for Political Candidates
  We all get phone calls endorsing candidates during an election campaign. But in California, the recorded calls are from Hollywood names like Billy Crystal.

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