Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• A sesquicentennial choral tour of Minnesota
  Audiences at the State Fair on Saturday can tour Minnesota through choral music. Six choirs from around Minnesota will perform specially commissioned music reflecting the diverse histories, landscapes and people of the state.6:49 a.m.
• Weather with Mark Seeley
  University of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley discusses Minnesota weather history and looks ahead to the weekend forecast.6:54 a.m.
• MPR poll: Coleman, Franken tied; many undecided
  A new Minnesota Public Radio News/Humphrey Institute poll shows Democrat Al Franken in a statistical tie with Republican Norm Coleman in Minnesota's U.S. Senate race.7:20 a.m.
• A first-timer's trip to the Fair
  The Minnesota State Fair can be overwhelming, even for long-time fans. But what about the first-time fair-goer?7:24 a.m.
• Beijing from the ground up
  There are just a few more days of competition left to go at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Melody Ng, who works in the Minnesota Public Radio newsroom, is on vacation in Beijing right now.7:54 a.m.
• Future Tense with Jon Gordon
  Frustrated with digital pirates stealing his games, a game developer asks the thieves why they do it.8:20 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• South Ossetians Rally For Joining Russia
  People in the Georgian breakaway region South Ossetia have been rallying in support of their independence — and possible union with Russia. Moscow says it will respect any decision the South Ossetians reach about their status.
• In Conflict, Russians See World's Spotlight Return
  The Russian withdrawal from Georgia seems to be taking longer than Moscow promised. Officials in the West continue to complain that the withdrawal is too slow. But Russian leaders say they're also demanding proper respect from the West.
• The Exurbs: Houses, Cornfields — And Empty Lots
  A Pennsylvania cornfield gave way to an ambitious housing development, attracting buyers with its traditional style and open spaces. With the housing boom gone bust, this distant suburb community now struggles to fill vacant lots.
• 5 Things Delegates Should Do In Denver
  When the Democratic delegates descend on Denver for the party's national convention, they should try to see the "real" Colorado — like getting out of town to see bison or to climb a mountain. Or hit the Buckhorn Exchange for some Rocky Mountain oysters.
• HHS Backs Protections For Anti-Abortion Doctors
  The Bush administration has proposed a rule that would strengthen protection for health care professionals who refuse to take part in abortions for moral or religious reasons.
• Measles, Once Declared At An End, Makes A Return
  About a decade ago, health officials declared an "end" to measles in the United States. That has changed: 131 cases of measles have been reported so far this year, the most in more than a decade. The virus is finding its way to unvaccinated children — including the home-schooled.
• 'Hamlet 2': Something Deliriously Rotten
  Steve Coogan stars as an Arizona drama teacher inspired to save his failing theater program — with a musicalized sequel to the best-known drama in the English language. The results? Tragically funny.
• Pessimism Up In Business World
  The NewYork-based Conference Board says its monthly measurement of future economic activity showed its largest decline in a year. The private organization pointed to lower building permits, a faltering stock market, high unemployment claims, a tight money supply, and falling orders for consumer goods. Mark Vitner of Wachovia Corporation called the situation "economic purgatory" ... "stuck somewhere between sluggish growth and recession."
• Georgian Strife Sends Oil Prices Up
  Oil prices shot up more than five dollars in New York trading Thursday. Analysts said the increase was due to worries about Russia and its growing confrontation with the West.
• No Economic Slowdown For Reusable Bags
  Despite the slow U.S. economy, consumers are putting their cash into all things green. New York-based Eco-Bags makes reusable shopping bags. Sales doubled last year; they're set to do so again this year. One small company is profiting from America's growing distaste for the plastic bag.

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