Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Minnesotans work to help friends and family in Israel, Lebanon
  The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has many Minnesota residents with ties to that part of the world struggling to make sense of the situation. Jews and Lebanese-Americans in the Twin Cities are worried about friends and family who could get caught in the path of the fighting and they are also trying to figure out what they, as Minnesotans, can do to help.6:50 a.m.
• New book brings life to the spirit of Gitchi Gumee
  A new children's picture book takes readers on a journey across Gitchi Gumee -- Lake Superior. In the process, they learn about respect and patience, taught by the spirit of the big lake itself, Gitchi Gumee.6:54 a.m.
• Rain needed in BWCA to help stop fire
  Strong winds fanned flames and threatened the homes and businesses along northeast Minnesota's Gunflint Trail Wednesday, as a large forest fire continued to grow near Sea Gull Lake. The Cavity Lake fire has burned more than 20,000 acres. While much of the state saw much needed rain Wednesday, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness got little.7:20 a.m.
• Photographers get close up of BWCA fire
  While the fire presents danger to people and property, it also presents an opportunity for local photographers. A few of them were so attracted to the flames, that they got in their boats for a closer look. Cathy Wurzer spoke with Barb Tuttle, who took pictures of the Cavity Lake fire from Sea Gull Lake before it was closed to the public.7:24 a.m.
• Wilf exploring development options in downtown Minneapolis
  Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf met with Minneapolis city officials Wednesday to discuss development possibilities in the city's downtown. The city has property to sell, and Wilf is reportedly taking a close look at different options.7:35 a.m.
• Stem cell veto could become a campaign issue
  President Bush vetoed a bill Wednesday that would expand federal research on stem cells obtained from embryos. The issue could also play a role in the November election, since two of the U.S. Senate candidates in Minnesota differ on the issue.7:49 a.m.
• Hatch weighs in on Entenza flap
  A day after DFL State Rep. Matt Entenza quit the race for attorney general, the man he wanted to replace -- Mike Hatch -- weighed in on the controversy.7:54 a.m.
• Primere of The Great Gatsby opens stage at new Guthrie
  Cathy Wurzer spoke with Minnesota Public Radio Arts Commentator Dominic Papatola about F. Scott Fitzgerald's work and competition between stage adaptations of The Great Gatsby.8:24 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Serious Injury a Daily Risk for Iraqi Soldiers
  More than 17,000 American soldiers have been wounded in Iraq. But when it comes to injured Iraqi troops, there are no reliable numbers. U.S. and Iraqi military officials do agree that the number is much higher. We tell the story of one Iraqi soldier who recently suffered serious injuries while on patrol.
• Getting the Goods on 'Good Bacteria'
  They're called probiotics and they come in foods like yogurt and in pills. The promise: They're good for your health. The reality: So far, studies show mixed results.
• Want a Unique House Color? An Expert Is Waiting
  Painting your house can be a huge investment. That's why picking the right color is key. And getting help is easier than ever now that boutique paint lines and hand-crafted colors are in vogue. On a tour of a neighborhood in Portland, Ore., a color consultant offers a critique.
• Gene Test Promises to Find Right Drug, Right Dose
  The wrong prescription and dose can mean ineffective drugs and harmful side effects. A new test, part of the growing science of pharmacogenetics, is designed to help doctors figure out which drugs and doses are right for their patients.
• Global Warming a Hot Topic in Congressional Hearing
  A congressional committee took up the topic of global climate change Wednesday, focusing on an eight-year-old study suggesting that the world is warmer now than it has been in a thousand years. Congressman Joe Barton (R-TX) used the hearing to question the study and the debate over global warming.
• Hezbollah Seeks Influence Beyond Lebanon
  Hezbollah is trying to both destabilize Lebanon's anti-Syrian government and promote itself as a powerful, regional, revolutionary group, according to Daniel Byman. He's the director of Georgetown University's Center for Peace and Security Studies and he talks with John Ydstie about Hezbollah's motives.
• Tiger Woods Aims to Repeat at British Open
  The British Open, one of golf's most important tournaments, is underway in northern England. Tiger Woods is the defending champion. John Ydstie talks to commentator John Feinstein about what to expect from this year's event.
• 'Clerks II' Takes Smith Back to the Beginning
  Writer-director Kevin Smith returns with a sequel to the indie flick Clerks, the movie that put him on the map. Clerks II once again brings Dante, Randall, and even Jay and Silent Bob, to the big screen. Steve Inskeep talks with Smith about his characters and his career.
• Bush Addresses NAACP for First Time as President
  President Bush speaks at the NAACP's 97th annual convention in Washington, D.C. It's his first visit to the gathering since becoming president. Democratic Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton, Ted Kennedy and Barack Obama have already addressed the gathering of about 4,000 people.
• Sago Mine Disaster Report Cites Systemic Failures
  An independent investigation into last January's Sago mine tragedy -- in which 12 coal miners died -- does not pinpoint the cause of the explosion. But it cites a number of systemic breakdowns that led to the tragedy. West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) received the report Wednesday. West Virginia Public Broadcasting's Anna Sale reports.
• Judge Strikes Down State Law Aimed at Wal-Mart
  A federal judge has overturned a Maryland law that would have required Wal-Mart to spend more on employee health care. The state law would have required non-governmental employers with 10,000 or more workers to spend at least 8 percent of payroll on health care or pay the difference in taxes.
• Growing Shiite Power Worries Arab Leaders
  The crisis in Lebanon is a sign to many Arab leaders that the region's Shiite population is growing in strength. Several Arab governments, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt, have openly condemned Hezbollah's actions in southern Lebanon. This position puts these leaders out of step with their populations, who admire Hezbollah's actions.
• Marines Arrive in Lebanon to Help with Evacuation
  In Beirut, the exodus of foreigners is in high gear as fighting between Hezbollah and Israel continues across Lebanon. U.S. Marines landed in Beirut to help evacuate Americans. At the same time, Israeli bombing of targets in Lebanon continued and skirmishes between Hezbollah and Israeli soldiers again took place along the border.
• Israel Pounds Tyre in Southern Lebanon
  With the Israeli bombardment of Lebanon now in its ninth day, Israel is again warning the occupants of towns and cities in the southern part of the country to leave. Tyre has been the scene of some of the fiercest Israeli air strikes.
• Los Angeles Community Pushes Plan to House Homeless Vets
  Veterans make up as much as a quarter of all homeless people in Los Angeles County. But a project on the huge West Los Angeles Veteran's Administration campus hopes to help homeless vets get off the street.

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