Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Life as a "Poster Child"
  Emily Rapp was born with a congenital defect that led to the amputation of her left leg when she was 4 years old. Her new book, "Poster Child," reflects on her experiences with her disability, and her role as the poster child for the March of Dimes.4:50 p.m.
• Federal government rejects loan for DM&E railroad
  The head of the Federal Railroad Administration says the $2.3 billion federal loan sought by DM&E would pose an unacceptably high risk to federal taxpayers.5:20 p.m.
• Bill may increase commercial trout fishing on Lake Superior
  Commercial fishermen along the North Shore of Lake Superior could be allowed to bring more lake trout to market.5:50 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• The GOP: Today's 'War Party'?
  The debate in Congress over Iraq may generate headlines casting Republicans as the "war party."
• Cheney Pushes Pakistan to Fight Al-Qaida
  Vice President Dick Cheney visits Pakistan, seeking help in countering al-Qaida's efforts to regroup in the region. However, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf insists his forces have already done as much as possible against extremists in their territory.
• Sharpton-Strom Tie Shows the Power of Research
  The revelation that an ancestor of Rev. Al Sharpton was a slave owned by an ancestor of the late Sen. Strom Thurmond has highlighted the growing field of genealogy. Tracing family history is a challenge for many African-Americans who are the descendants of slaves.
• Finding Binge Absolution in a Do-Si-Do
  Marc Acito has always loved this time of the yea, when he can compulsively eat as many Girl Scout Cookies as he wants. After all, overeating can't be all that bad if the proceeds go to a good cause.
• State of the Deal on Afghan-Pakistani Border
  There are reports of a resurgence of militant fighters on the remote border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Last September, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf struck a peace deal with radical Islamic tribal leaders in the area, essentially promising to leave them alone if they stopped cross-border attacks and expelled foreign fighters.
• House Democrats Split on Murtha's Iraq Plan
  After passing a nonbinding Iraq resolution before the recess, the House considers its next step. But the plans of a key subcommittee chairman, Rep. John Murtha (D-PA), to impose restrictions on war funding have yet to win approval of the Democratic leadership. Republicans say Murtha's plan is part of the Democrats' cut-and-run philosophy
• Bassmaster Disqualified for Overstepping Boat Rules
  Competitive fisherman Gerald Swindle was ousted from the second day of competition in the Bassmaster Classic over the weekend, after he was ruled to have run his boat too close to other boats and spectators on Lay Lake in Alabama. The disqualification of Swindle, one of the sport's most popular personalities, brought the angler to tears.
• Powerful Gunships Prowl Iraq, and Limits Show
  The AC-130 — known as "Spectre" or the newer "Spooky" — is the modern version of the old "Puff the Magic Dragon" gunship that was flown in Vietnam. In essence, the turboprop-driven craft is a flying battleship, a converted C-130 cargo plane with numerous Gatling and mini-guns; some even have a howitzer on board.
• Daley Set to Measure Up to His Father's Legacy
  On Tuesday in Chicago, Richard M. Daley is widely expected to win his fifth full mayoral term in office. If he does, he could break his father Richard J. Daley's record and become the city's longest serving mayor on Christmas Day 2010. For some, the question is what legacy the son will leave for Chicago.
• Chicago's City Vote Includes Four Former Felons
  Ex-felons, and their hopes for redemption, will be on the ballot in Chicago Tuesday, when voters will elect a mayor and other city officials. Four former aldermen who were convicted on public corruption charges while in office have campaigned for their old jobs in an attempt to resurrect their political lives.
• Rasputia: A Comic Type, or a Racial Stereotype?
  Two recent film portrayals of African-American women have drawn huge audiences: Tyler Perry's Madea character, which has spawned a franchise; and Eddie Murphy's Rasputia in Norbit. The large, boisterous characters have sparked outrage along with ticket sales.
• Death by Excited Delirium: Diagnosis or Coverup?
  A growing number of people in police custody are dying of a controversial diagnosis termed "excited delirium." Doctors believe the condition exists, and medical examiners nationwide recognize excited delirium as a cause of death. But civil-rights groups are furious, calling it a made-up phrase meant to absolve police of abuse.
• Garlic Takes a Hit but Backers Are Unfazed
  A new study concludes that garlic does not help lower cholesterol after all. The heart-healthy claim has bolstered sales of garlic supplements since the 1990s. For six months, researchers fed garlic to 200 people with elevated cholesterol, but saw no change in their levels at the end of the study.
• Mantra for New Minds: Pillow Fight!
  In New York City this past weekend, a group called New Mind Space, which says it "disseminates urban bliss," sponsored a come-one, come-all pillow fight in Union Square.
• 'West Bank Story' Tells Tale of Star-Crossed Lovers
  West Bank Story, this year's Oscar winner for best live action short film, is a takeoff on West Side Story and features a star-crossed love affair between an Israeli soldier and a Palestinian woman.

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