Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Classified ad sparks new mystery novel
  Best-selling author and former Twin Cities TV producer Julie Kramer got the inspiration for her latest novel from a classified ad. It said: "Wedding Dress, never worn."6:55 a.m.
• FBI confirms link between terror indictments, missing Somalis
  A federal grand jury has indicted two men on terrorism charges in connection with the ongoing investigation of about 20 missing Somali-American men from the Twin Cities.7:20 a.m.
• Minnesota delegation wary of proposed health care reform
  Barack Obama wants health care reform ready to sign by the end of the summer, but much of Congress, including Minnesota's delegation, are deeply divided on the issue.7:25 a.m.
• A Minnesota motto: Stuff it and seethe
  Today's headlines are about unsealed indictments... health care reform.... and here's this one... and an alleged Minnesota Ponzi scheme. But it's sometimes the little stories in the back of the newspaper that tell us how Minnesota is changing.7:45 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Critics Say Saudi Textbooks Still Encourage Violence
  Since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, textbooks used in Saudi Arabian schools have been criticized for teaching religious intolerance that can lead to violence. Now, the country is revising textbooks and reforming education. Critics wonder if those efforts go far enough.
• Swat Valley Refugees Begin Journey Home
  Pakistan has begun a program to return residents of the Swat Valley to their homes. People left the area after intense fighting began in late April between the country's army and Taliban militants. Some residents refuse to go back, citing lingering security concerns and demanding aid promised by the government.
• 'Oldest Profession' Suffers During Recession
  Prostitution is legal in Germany, but brothels are having a tough time because of the recession. One establishment in Berlin has come up with a marketing plan that seems to fit the spirit of the times. You can help the environment by doing business there — it offers a 5 percent discount to customers who arrive by bike or public transportation.
• Lawyer Gets 20 Years In $400 Million Fraud
  A once-prominent Manhattan attorney was sentenced Monday to 20 years in prison. Marc Dreier, 59, had pleaded guilty to a $400 million scheme that involved fake promissory notes.
• Scholars, Analysts Held After Iran's Disputed Election
  Human rights groups are trying to track how many Iranians are in custody after last month's disputed presidential election in Iran. Karim Sadjadpour, who analyzes Iranian affairs at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, talks with Steve Inskeep about some of the people he knows are in custody — including well-known scholars and political analysts.
• Gosh Darn It: Swearing May Lessen Pain
  Researchers at Keele University in England are studying ways to withstand pain. Volunteers were told to stick their hands in ice cold water, and keep the hands underwater until they hurt. Apparently volunteers could withstand the pain longer if they repeated a bunch of four-letter words.
• Nudists May Appeal California Beach Decision
  State parks officials have given nude sunbathers at a secluded southern California beach until Labor Day to work on their all-over tan. After that, they will have to cover up or face arrest. The new policy follows an appeals court ruling that sided in favor of stricter enforcement. Nudists say they're considering an appeal to the California Supreme Court.
• DVD Rental Stores Losing Out To Vending Machines
  Vending machines have long been popular with Americans who need a quick sugar fix. Now, those craving a good movie also are finding the machines to be quite handy. However, the success in DVD vending machines comes at the expense of rental stories like Blockbuster.
• Remembering Bastille Day With French Idioms
  On this day 220 years ago, protesters stormed the Bastille in Paris and released the seven prisoners inside. In honor of the day, Morning Edition uses this opportunity to introduce listeners to some French idioms.
• Revolutionary Sounds: A Bastille Day Music Mix
  The streets of Paris might have been in chaos in 1789, but music still rang out. Commentator Miles Hoffman leads a guided Bastille Day tour through the music of the French Revolution.
• Obama Picks Regina Benjamin As Surgeon General
  President Obama has tapped a rural family physician to be the nation's top doctor. At a Rose Garden ceremony Monday, Obama nominated Alabama doctor Regina Benjamin to be the U.S. surgeon general. Benjamin runs a nonprofit health clinic on the Gulf Coast.
• Are Female Board Members A Boost To Companies?
  A recent survey shows that 25 percent of U.S. corporate board members are women. Some people, even a recent book, argue that more women on boards means better-run companies and more profits. Lucy Kellaway, a columnist for the Financial Times in London, talks with Renee Montagne about whether that idea is true.
• Baseball Standouts In St. Louis For All-Star Game
  Major League Baseball players are taking a break for the All-Star game Tuesday Night in St. Louis, where President Obama will throw out the first pitch. So who's hot and who's not heading into the second half of the season?
• Sotomayor To Answer Judiciary Panel's Questions
  Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor is back before the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday. She listened to hours of comments at her confirmation hearing Monday before getting a chance to give her own opening statement. Senators of both parties praised her personal accomplishments.
• Web Sites: Weight Loss Tactical Support
  Online weight-loss programs are gaining in popularity. Some people are finding they would rather try to lose weight through a database than meet in a group.

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