Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Farmers plan first U.S. biomass ethanol plant
  Spurred on by President Bush, several companies are racing to build the nation's first biomass ethanol plant. A group of Minnesota and South Dakota farmers hope to win the contest.6:50 a.m.
• Weather with Mark Seeley
  University of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley discusses Minnesota weather history and looks ahead to the forecast.6:55 a.m.
• Elder statesmen put out call to Gov. Pawlenty
  Two of Minnesota's most prominent elder statesmen are calling on Gov. Pawlenty and legislative leaders to avoid divisiveness as they debate and create public policy. Former Vice President Walter Mondale and former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson have sent Pawlenty and legislative leaders a letter outlining their concerns.7:20 a.m.
• Senate passes bonding bill
  The Minnesota Senate took unusually quick action Thursday to pass the primary legislation of this year's session, a bill authorizing the state to borrow money for construction projects.7:25 a.m.
• Whose side is God on in same-sex marriage debate?
  Both camps in Minnesota's same-sex marriage debate are making the case that God is on their side. Opponents of a proposed constitutional amendment to outlaw same-sex marriage rallied at the Capitol Thursday, just as supporters did earlier this week. Both rallies put the focus on religious faith.7:50 a.m.
• Pending sale of Pioneer Press comes in tight job market
  The plan by the McClatchy Co. to sell the St. Paul Pioneer Press comes at time when jobs in print journalism are in decline.7:55 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• In Rural California, an Imperial Dynasty Ends
  For 123 years, the Imperial Dynasty catered to foreign leaders and other famous guests who craved its escargot and other tasty dishes. Now its award-winning chef has decided to hang up his apron and close down the family-run restaurant.
• Remembering Sunday School with Ms. Divine
  In childhood, there's often a central figure who leaves a strong impression that lasts a lifetime. For cousins Cherie Johnson and James Ransom, that person was Lizzy Divine. They look back with laughter at the Sunday school teacher and neighbor whom they both feared and loved.
• Ohio City Investigated for Voting Discrimination
  The Justice Department is planning to file a voting rights suit against a city in Ohio. The last time the department brought a lawsuit alleging a pattern of discrimination against black voters was in 2001.
• Prosecution Rests at Moussaoui Sentencing Trial
  The prosecution rests in the first phase of the Zacarias Moussaoui sentencing trial. Prosecutors, seeking the death penalty, needed to convince the jury that at least one person who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks could have been saved if Moussaoui had told authorities about his involvement with al-Qaida's plans.
• Government Auctions Off Cunningham's Bribes
  Federal authorities auction off tens-of-thousands of dollars worth of antiques and other furnishings disgraced ex-Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham took as bribes from a contractor. Proceeds from the sale will go to the IRS and the FBI.
• 'Inside Man' Jump Starts the Weekend
  Los Angeles Times and Morning Edition film critic Kenneth Turan says Spike Lee's Inside Man is a terrific heist movie with a plot that unfolds on a need-to-know basis. Denzel Washington plays a New York City policeman, Clive Owen a brilliant criminal and Jodie Foster a Manhattan power broker.
• Drought Forces Herders to Seek Cattle Through Marriage
  A widespread drought in the Horn of Africa is killing the livelihoods of herders. Hundreds of thousands of cattle, camel and other livestock have perished, with their carcasses now littering the region. Some herders have resorted to marrying off their daughters, some as young as ten, to get dowries that restock their herds. Activists are trying to stop the practice.
• New Drug-Resistant TB Strain Menaces U.S.
  A tough new strain of tuberculosis is circulating around the world, including the United States. This form resists nearly all drugs used to fight TB. The U.S. has about a 100 cases, mostly from people arriving from other countries.
• Greenland Glaciers Moving More Quickly to the Ocean
  When glaciers on Greenland slide, they sometimes create earthquakes. Over the past five years, the number of these quakes has doubled. Scientists say it's another sign that global warming is speeding up the transfer of freshwater locked up in Arctic regions to the oceans, and it's moving faster than expected.
• Letters
  Renee Montagne reads from listeners' letters, including corrections and praise for a story on the Iraq war.

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