Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Arts economy in the Twin Cities on uneven ground
  Confusing news is coming out of the Minnesota arts scene about its financial stability. While some organizations have laid off staff or cut programs, others are announcing record ticket sales and successful drives.7:45 a.m.
• Emmer keeps tips talk alive, says they could be tax-free
  After taking heavy criticism for suggesting that restaurant wait staff should be paid less than the minimum wage, Republican Tom Emmer is saying servers should be able to earn a portion of their tips tax-free.8:25 a.m.
• Future unclear for ADC employees after acquisition
  Eden Prairie-based ADC Communications is being acquired by a Swiss electronics company.8:40 a.m.
• Somali residents concerned, not surprised by vandalism
  St. Cloud Somali residents have endured a number of racist and anti-Muslim acts in recent months. Above, a broken window in the city's only mosque, which police believe was caused by a thrown rock.8:45 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Nuclear Scientist Heads Back To Iran
  Details keep emerging in the story of an Iranian nuclear researcher who spent a year in the United States after apparently defecting during a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. U.S. officials say the Iranian scientist turned up at the Pakistani embassy in Washington D.C., which takes care of Iranian interests.
• Petraeus Considers Expanding Afghan Village Forces
  Gen. David Petraeus is settling in as President Obama's top man in Afghanistan. Petraeus and his commanders are pushing a plan to help Afghan villagers fight the Taliban on their own but President Karzai is said not to like the idea much. David Kilcullen talks to Mary Louise Kelly about adapting counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan. Kilcullen was a senior adviser to Petraeus during the Iraq surge in 2007.
• Can The European Welfare State Survive?
  Europe's social support system is under pressure. The recent debt crisis and the continent's demographic changes are shaking the foundations of the EU's shared social vision. In NPR's series on Europe, a look at how governments are struggling to preserve benefits while cutting costs.
• NAACP, Tea Party Volley Over Racism Claims
  The NAACP has approved a resolution condemning what it calls "racist elements" within the Tea Party. The vote has sparked a war of words between the two groups. NAACP leaders hope the move will help fire up its membership with midterm elections approaching.
• Naomi Campbell To Testify On Blood Diamonds
  The war crimes trial of Charles Taylor, Liberia's former president, has taken a new turn. Prosecutors have ordered supermodel Naomi Campbell to testify as a witness about a "blood diamond" she allegedly received from Taylor.
• Are Zimbabwe's Gems 'Blood Diamonds?'
  Human rights activist Annie Dunnebacke of Global Witness talks to Mary Louise Kelly about the controversy over Zimbabwe's recently discovered diamond field. It's large enough to make the country one of the world's top diamond exporters. But allegations of human rights abuses have lead to questions over if the country's gems should be considered "blood diamonds."
• China Makes A Deal With African Ore Producer
  A Chinese state-owned steel mill has made a deal with an iron ore producer in Sierra Leone in West Africa. It's the latest in a string of Chinese investments in Africa aimed at securing raw materials.
• Mine Official Urges Passage Of Safety Bill
  For the second time in four years, Congress is considering tougher mine safety laws after 29 men were killed this spring in a massive explosion in West Virginia. Mine Safety and Health Administration director Joe Main told lawmakers the bill would bring "a culture of safety" to the industry.
• Sluggish Hiring In Small Businesses Causes Worry
  In past economic recoveries, small businesses generated much of the job growth. But this time around, hiring at small firms is lagging. What does that mean for the recovery?
• For Sale: Roy Rogers' Trusty Horse, Trigger
  Memorabilia from the career of singing cowboy Roy Rogers is going on the auction block. Rogers starred in more than 100 movies and a long-running TV show. Trigger, his horse and fellow performer -- who Rogers famously had stuffed after the animal died -- could bring $200,000, according to Christie's.

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