Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• A story of liberation
  Tomorrow, Minnesotan Patrick Dewane presents a one-man play at the Minnesota History Center called "The Mushroom Picker: A Family Story about World War II." It's part of the History Center's ongoing exploration of Minnesota's Greatest Generation.6:50 a.m.
• Bachmann's DFL challengers face off Saturday
  There are two Democrats who want to challenge Republican Michele Bachmann for her seat in Congress: Elwyn Tinklenberg and Bob Olson. One of them will get the party's endorsement this weekend.7:20 a.m.
• Hunting for the past
  As Minneapolis prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary, a team of Hennepin County surveyors are roaming the streets checking to make sure that city property lines are where they're supposed to be.7:25 a.m.
• Hennepin County to close Lowry Avenue Bridge
  Another Minnesota bridge is being closed for safety concerns. The Lowry Avenue Bridge, which connects north and northeast Minneapolis, will close starting Friday at 10 a.m., months ahead of schedule.7:50 a.m.
• Gangster Confidential
  What does it take for a man who's committed evil to redeem himself? That question lies at the heart of our criminal justice system. It's also central to a new American RadioWorks documentary. The documentary follows the life of a man who rose to the top of one of America's most brutal gangs before having a change of heart. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with correspondent Michael Montgomery about the documentary.7:55 a.m.
• Leech Lake students build home for elders through service learning program
  Leech Lake Tribal College students are building homes for elders as part of a service learning initiative. Experts say the program helps at-risk students stay in school and perform better academically.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Filmmaker: Pacific War Hero Deserved Higher Honor
  In 1944, a U.S. Marine single-handedly captured more than 1,000 Japanese soldiers on a Pacific island. Guy Gabaldon's secret weapon? The diminutive Mexican American spoke Japanese. Two years after his death, a film questions why he didn't get a Medal of Honor.
• Western Kansas Rides Wave of Prosperity
  The economy may be souring across the country, but western Kansas is thriving. Thanks to record oil prices and soaring prices for grain, home values are up, foreclosures and unemployment are down, and gas-guzzling trucks are flying off the lot.
• Darwin's Notes and Thoughts Go Online
  Studying Charles Darwin's documents has evolved from visiting the library at Cambridge University to visiting a Web site. The British university has just made a trove of about 20,000 papers from Darwin's life and studies accessible online.
• McCain Takes Message to Poor, Democratic Areas
  Republican presumptive presidential nominee John McCain has been campaigning this week in poor communities often overlooked by the GOP. He may not win much support in the mostly Democratic neighborhoods, but the tour may attract moderate voters who are McCain's real target.
• Obama's Ex-Pastor to Address Detroit NAACP
  Sen. Barack Obama's former pastor is scheduled to speak to Detroit's NAACP chapter Sunday, one of several appearances by the Rev. Jeremiah Wright since his connection to Obama caused controversy last month. Columbia University political science professor Fredrick Harris talks about the significance of Wright's address.
• Sarkozy's TV Appearance Paves Way for New Image
  French President Nicolas Sarkozy went on prime-time television to try to improve his image. One year since taking office, Sarkozy is the most unpopular French leader since the end of World War II. He answered wide-ranging questions from journalists and vowed to press ahead with reforms.
• French Artists' English-Language Songs Top Charts
  Popular native rock bands topping the charts in France this year are writing and singing in English. At the country's oldest and biggest rock festival this week, the young talent section's performance featured only English lyrics. Francophiles are calling it a threat to the French language and culture.
• S.C. Debates Supremacist Governor's Legacy
  In South Carolina, state lawmakers are debating the legacy of former Gov. Ben Tillman. Historians agree Tillman was an outspoken white supremacist, and lawmakers in Columbia are grappling with how to recognize his past.
• Congress Extends Farm Bill as Wrangling Continues
  Congress approved another one-week extension to the current farm law Thursday to give legislators more time to negotiate a new five-year program. Debate over the new program is stalled, and the White House has suggested the alternative of extending the current farm laws for another year.
• Lasik Surgery Patients Air Grievances to FDA
  The Food and Drug Administration is seeking advice from a panel of outside experts over whether to provide more information to patients about laser eye surgery. They will also hear from Lasik customers who are not satisfied with the results of the surgery.

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