Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Sudanese ambassador addresses Darfur criticisms
  The head of the United Nations says he's frustrated that the Sudanese government has done so little to try to bring peace to the Darfur region, where some 200,000 people have been killed since 2003. The Sudanese ambassador to the U.S. responds to that criticism.4:50 p.m.
• Congress takes aim at predatory lending as foreclosures hit Minneapolis, other cities
  U.S. mortgage lending practices are "out of balance" and need to protect minority borrowers and those with less than pristine credit, Sen. Christopher Dodd, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, said Wednesday.5:20 p.m.
• Frigid temps, lack of snow cause wave of septic freeze-ups
  The frigid temperatures and lack of snow make septic systems vulnerable to freeze-ups. It's happened to thousands of homeowners across Minnesota and it's big business for plumbers.5:50 p.m.
• Mercury spill shuts down another school
  A New Brighton school is closed for the rest of the week after a mercury spill.5:54 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Jury in Libby Case Hears Russert, and More Tapes
  The jury in the Lewis Libby trial heard the grand jury audio tapes today in which Libby allegedly lies repeatedly when asked by the prosecutor about his role in the leak of a CIA agent's identity. The witnesses Wednesday included Tim Russert.
• SEC Inquiry Looks Into 'Front Running' Trades
  The Securities and Exchange Commission asked nearly a dozen brokerage firms for trading records and other documents. The SEC investigation is reportedly focusing on allegations that some firms are "front running," or using inside information to trade before clients make a big move in the market.
• Being the Mother to a Family of Soldiers
  As his older brother heads back for his third tour in Iraq, one man wonders how his mother has coped with watching several of her sons go off to war. In this essay, he decides to ask her.
• Joint U.S.-Iraqi Security Outposts Set Up in Baghdad
  Joint security stations are a key feature of the new Baghdad security plan. Eventually, there are to be more than 20 neighborhood outposts where U.S. and Iraqi security forces work together. One of the first to be set up is in one of Baghdad's most dangerous neighborhoods: Gazalia.
• Congress Hears from Killed Contractors' Families
  Relatives of four American contract workers who were brutally killed in Iraq testify in Congress that the men, hired to provide security, were given inadequate armor and weapons to do their jobs. The mothers and widows of the workers have filed lawsuits against Blackwater, the company that hired them.
• In a Widening Market, NBA Athletes Have Options
  Michele Norris talks with Keith Kreiter, president and CEO of Edge Sports Intl., a firm that manages and markets athletes. He talks about income disparity between the NBA's development league and professional basketball, and how players decide whether to play overseas.
• Pentagon Disputes Insurgents' Claims on Crash
  The Pentagon says early indications suggest that a U.S. military helicopter that crashed in Iraq today had mechanical problems. But an Iraqi insurgent group claims on a Web site that its militants shot down the aircraft. All seven people aboard the chopper were killed.
• Huckabee Bets on Conservative Base for 2008
  Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is seeking the Republican nomination to run for president in 2008. He doesn't have the name recognition of some top-tier candidates, but Huckabee's evangelical and conservative credentials could make him a potent force in next year's primary.
• School Faces Dilemma on Valuable Art
  A painting of an Afghan tribesman has hung for decades in an elementary school in North Attleboro, Mass. It turns out that picture is worth millions of dollars. Now the school system must decide whether it will display the painting in accordance with the wishes of its donor, or sell it.
• Main Internet Servers Come Under Attack
  Hackers briefly overwhelmed at least three of the 13 computers that help manage global Internet traffic this week, in what it is considered one of the most powerful attacks since 2002. They lasted as long as 12 hours, experts say — but most computer users didn't notice them. The FBI is investigating.
• Valentine's Confidential: Behind the Flowers
  Valentine's Day is coming up — do you know where your flowers are coming from? How about the way they're treated? For an inside peek, spend a day at a florist's shop on the big day itself. Commentator Amy Stewart is the author of the book Flower Confidential.
• Nashville Band Leaves Its Label, and Thrives
  The country band Little Big Town has two Grammy nominations for its independent label CD, The Road to Here. It's their second album, and has already brought them multiple top ten hits. The group's self-titled first album was on a major label — but it flopped.
• Debate on Iraq Doesn't Hurt Morale, Leaders Say
  Congressional debate over President Bush's new plan for Iraq will not undercut troop morale, according to Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The two testified before the Armed Services Committee in the House, which will debate the issue next week.
• Howard Hunt's New Book to Be Published
  E. Howard Hunt, the "field commander" of the Watergate burglars, died last month. But a new memoir by Hunt, American Spy, is scheduled for release next month.
• Giuliani Rides High as He Weighs 2008 Bid
  Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani moved toward a run for president this week, filing a "statement of candidacy" with the FEC (without actually announcing that he's running). He's leading in the polls — but some analysts see challenges ahead.

Services

• Hourly Newscast
• HD Radio
• iPhone App / Mobile
• E-mail newsletters
• RSS feeds
• Podcasts
• Submit your photos
• Videos
• Weather
• Most e-mailed stories

Become a Sponsor