Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Lawsuits against fire chief raise workplace relationship issues
  The city of Minneapolis and its fire chief Bonnie Bleskachek are the subject of what an employment discrimination lawyer is calling "a modern-day lawsuit."6:45 a.m.
• Minneapolis may subsidize Target Center losses
  The Minneapolis City Council could vote Friday to subsidize some operating expenses for the Target Center. The Council's Ways and Means/Budget Committee already approved the plan to cover up to half of the losses incurred from hosting non-basketball events at the arena. Last year, concerts and other non-Timberwolves events lost between one and two million dollars for Midwest Entertainment Group, the company managing the Target Center. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Minneapolis Finance Director Pat Born.7:40 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Fighting in Nepal Threatens Rhino Population
  A promising conservation effort to save Nepal's endangered rhinos is now in serious trouble, due to poachers and fighting between government forces and Maoist insurgents. But a new truce is giving conservationists hope for the future.
• Abbas Loyalists Mount Attack on Hamas Offices
  In Gaza, tensions between Palestinian groups have gone up a notch. Militants loyal to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and Fatah have attacked parliament and other government offices controlled by the militant Islamists of the Hamas movement.
• Guy Davis: The Language of the Blues
  To Guy Davis, the stories behind Southern blues are as important as the familiar music that defines the genre. His new CD, Skunkmello is full of legendary tales, old and new.
• John Updike Explores Arab Immigrant Culture
  John Updike has made a career out of chronicling American culture. In his new novel, Terrorist, he tells the story of a young Muslim who is repelled by it.
• Bush Makes Surprise Visit to Iraq
  President Bush arrives in Baghdad for a surprise meeting with leaders of Iraq's new government. The president was scheduled to meet Iraqis by teleconference, but went in person instead.
• Trial of Ex-White House Aide Heads to Jury
  A jury will begin deliberations in the case of former White House aide David Safavian, the first public official to face trial in connection with the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal. Safavian is accused of covering up his ties to the embattled lobbyist.
• Studying Evolution Beneath the Waves
  A team of scientists in California is studying the evolution of sea creatures.
• Rove Won't Be Charged in CIA Leak Case
  Prosecutors have apparently decided not to charge senior White House adviser Karl Rove with any crimes in the CIA-leak investigation. Rove's lawyer says his client was advised of the decision Monday.
• Vendors Drive Mexico's 'Informal' Economy
  By some estimates, there are millions of people working in an informal economy in Mexico. Many are street vendors who ply their trades in the neighborhoods of the capital. They have no access to loans or financial support.
• Justices Open Door for Death Row Challenges
  In a unanimous ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court paves the way for challenges to the use of lethal injection in death penalty cases. The court also expanded the rights of inmates to challenge convictions in federal court based on DNA evidence.
• Motorcycle Crash Injures NFL Star Roethlisberger
  Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is in serious but stable condition after a motorcycle accident. Mark Nootbaar of member station WDUQ says Roethlisberger wore no helmet, which is permitted under Pennsylvania law.
• Iraq Remains Focus of Camp David Strategy Session
  President Bush holds a second day of meetings on Iraq. He met Monday with advisers to seek ways to bolster the fledgling Iraqi government. Tuesday, a video conference is scheduled with the Iraqi cabinet.
• Israeli Town Absorbing Rocket Attacks
  Palestinian militants have fired rockets at the southern Israeli town of Sderot for several days, leaving townspeople weary and rattled. The attacks are blamed on the militant Palestinian group Hamas.
• More Coffee? I Hear You
  Researchers claim coffee makes for better listeners. In an experiment in Australia, some people drank plain orange juice while others drank the equivalent of two cups of coffee. Those who got the caffeine were better able to read and understand an argument they disagreed with. Some even changed their minds. If you're not persuaded by this test, then maybe it's time for two more cups of coffee.
• Volunteer Spirit Strikes Nearly 3 in 10
  Nearly 30 percent of Americans volunteer in social programs. The number went up again last year, and has been on the rise since the Sept. 11 attacks. Utah, Nebraska and Minnesota lead the way in terms of volunteerism. Women who have children volunteer more than anyone.

Resources

• Future Tense®
• Marketplace Morning Report®
• Mark Seeley's WeatherTalk

Services

• Hourly Newscast
• HD Radio
• iPhone App / Mobile
• E-mail newsletters
• RSS feeds
• Podcasts
• Submit your photos
• Videos
• Weather
• Most e-mailed stories

Become a Sponsor