Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• "Economic lookouts" gauge the state's economy
  The economy continues to weaken. With soaring gas prices, the real estate slump and mortgage troubles, the economic slowdown is affecting everyone. MPR selected a group of people from around Minnesota to give us a first-hand perspective on the effects of the slowdown.7:20 a.m.
• Republican challenges Bachmann
  Republican Congresswoman Michele Bachmann is facing a primary election contest in the 6th District.7:50 a.m.
• Neutral 'peace teams' to defuse tension during RNC
  Advocates for non-violence are recruiting volunteers to protect people from getting hurt outside of the the GOP convention.7:54 a.m.
• Satire is no laughing matter
  Controversy erupted this week over a satirical New Yorker magazine cover depicting Barack Obama and his wife dressed as terrorists. But questions about satire and politics have played Minnesota for months.8:24 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• What Does 'Jihad' Really Mean?
  Is it a compliment or a criticism? Until recently, the word "jihad" was a regular part of the Bush administration's lexicon in condemning terrorist attacks. But in the Muslim world, jihad has very positive connotations.
• Nebraska Farm Sector On Top, For Now
  The rising cost of food and fuel is pinching most Americans' wallets. But this is not the case for farmers in southeast Nebraska, where demand for food and corn-based ethanol have doubled some incomes.
• Why A Housing Fix Would Help Boost The Economy
  Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke this week said getting the housing problem sorted out is the key to turning around the economy. But many buyers are waiting until the housing market bottoms out before stepping in. Millions of homes are unsold, and that glut is pushing prices lower.
• Saudi Host Renounces Extremism At Spain Summit
  Religious leaders are meeting in Spain for an interfaith summit sponsored by Saudi Arabia. Critics say the meeting is only meant to make the Arab country look good in the West. Only one Israeli was invited, and no Palestinians were on the list. Still, the Saudi king opened the summit with a surprising message.
• Letters: New Orleans, Pet Care, Green Dating
  Deborah Amos and Steve Inskeep read from listeners' comments.
• New Spot For Knockoffs In N.Y.: Brooklyn Museum
  The Brooklyn Museum is planning an exhibit of sculptures that were supposedly made by Christians in Egypt more than a thousand years ago — even though 10 of the 30 sculptures are confirmed fakes.
• Fla. Cancer Survivor Wins $100,000 Dream Wedding
  Courtney Dempsey beat the odds when doctors said she had a year to live — four years ago. The Florida cancer survivor now has something else to celebrate.
• Domestic Violence A Silent Crisis In Russia
  Domestic violence is one of Russia's darkest secrets. The government estimates that 14,000 women die each year at the hands of their husbands or male partners. But Russian police don't even classify domestic abuse as a crime. It's a social problem few Russians ever mention.
• Doldrums Lift For Financial Stocks
  Financial stocks have taken a beating in recent weeks, but they had one of their best days ever Wednesday. Shares of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rose 30 percent or more. Stocks also benefited from a drop in oil prices, which have been especially volatile lately.
• 'Wide Open' British Open: Injuries Narrow The Field
  The first round of the 137th British Open begins Thursday in Southport, England. Tiger Woods is not playing at Royal Birkdale Golf Club because of an injury, and other top golfers are injured or taking a bye. Commentator John Feinstein talks about the players to watch in the tournament.
• McCain Talks To NAACP, Courts GOP Blacks In Ohio
  Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain addressed the annual meeting of the NAACP on Wednesday in Cincinnati. He faces an uphill battle in his effort to bring African-American voters to his side. His Democratic challenger, Barack Obama, is the first African-American to be nominated by a major party.
• Khartoum, Sudan's Cosmopolitan Epicenter
  Sudan's burgeoning capital city, Khartoum, is a microcosm of the nation. Locals migrate to this desert oasis from every region of the country. It's cosmopolitan — people in Khartoum liken it to what they believe London to be like — and it's Sudan's center for jobs and infrastructure. But it is soaking up precious resources that are needed elsewhere in places such as Darfur.
• Campgrounds See Surge As Vacationers Cut Costs
  Campgrounds are a vacation destination that appears to be benefiting, rather than feeling the pinch, from high gas prices. Campground owners nationwide say business is up over last summer.
• Markets Eye Merrill Lynch Announcement
  Steve Inskeep has this morning's business news.
• Rome Bans Snacking Near Historic Sites
  Deborah Amos has today's Last Word in business.

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