Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Driven to ride; high gas prices change some habits
  Gas prices in the Twin Cities metro area hit a high of $3.09 per gallon Thursday, according to the Web site Twincitiesgasprices.com. It seems higher gas prices are driving some commuters to find other ways to get around.6:50 a.m.
• Minnesota Weather with Mark Seeley
  Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Univerity of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley about the state's continued dry spell.6:55 a.m.
• Parents remember a thoughtful son
  Minnesota National Guard soldier Kyle Miller died June 29, 2006 in Iraq. Miller's parents say their son was the most caring person they knew.7:20 a.m.
• New sex offender laws should improve treatment
  In the most recent legislative session, Minnesota lawmakers approved funding to enhance a predatory offender online database and starting this August, new sentencing guidelines for sex offenders in the state will go into effect. Cathy Wurzer spoke with Eric Lipman, the sex offender policy coordinator for Governor Tim Pawlenty.7:24 a.m.
• Twins ballpark authority begins project today
  The Minnesota Ballpark Authority will meet today for the first time. The five-member authority is responsible for overseeing the ballpark's construction and will eventually act as its owners on behalf of the state. Cathy Wurzer spoke with Steve Cramer, Chair of the Minnesota Ballpark Authority.7:54 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• New Orleans Kids Have Few Summer Options
  Kids in New Orleans are having a tough time this summer as many camps, movie theaters, pools and parks remain closed. Youth workers say they are scrambling to create fun diversions -- with limited resources -- to keep bored kids out of trouble.
• London Marks Anniversary of Deadly Attacks
  One year ago today, four suicide bombs killed 52 people on the London transport system. Services will commemorate the anniversaries of the tragedies in the British capital, but to most British civilians, the attacks haven't led to an "at-war" mentality.
• Musician Strays from Jazz for Iraqi Musical Tradition
  Amir ElSaffar put his New York City jazz club career on hold four years ago. ElSaffar, an Iraqi-American, put down the trumpet to learn the centuries-old singing style known as maqam. Having trained in the form, he has now released his own CD of the traditional music.
• U.S. Missile Defense Capability Questioned
  The U.S. has a limited missile defense capability intended to protect America from threats like the one posed by North Korea. But whether the defense system could actually stop incoming warheads is still unclear.
• N. Korean Short-Range Missile Threat Overlooked
  While much of the world's attention is focused on North Korea's failed test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, some analysts say a bigger threat is posed by the country's short- and medium-range missiles. The smaller missiles can reach Japan.
• Former Envoy: Israel Lobby Not All-Powerful
  Dennis Ross, a former envoy to the Middle East, disputes the view that the Israel lobby has too much influence on U.S. foreign policy. He says lobbying groups such as the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, are effective and have not had a negative effect on U.S. policy.
• New Jersey Government Going Back to Work
  Some New Jersey government employees could be going back to work. Gov. John Corzine (D) reached an agreement with legislators Thursday on a new state budget, ending a six-day government shutdown. Terry Sheridan of member station WBGO reports.
• Lieberman Debates Anti-War Primary Challenger
  Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman is running against an anti-war candidate in the Democratic primary. On Thursday night, he faced businessman Ned Lamont in a televised debate. Lieberman attempted to steer the debate away from the war at every turn. Av Harris of member station WNPR reports.
• Shuttle Discovery Drops Supplies at Space Station
  The space shuttle Discovery is dropping off supplies and a new crew member at the International Space Station, one day after docking at the facility. Discovery is also being inspected for damage from launch.
• Rising Rates are Good News for Bank Deposits
  With rising interest rates, putting money in the bank isn't the bad deal it was just a few years ago. Rates for certificates of deposit (CD) have risen to around 5 percent, while real estate is cooling and the stock market is in the doldrums.

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