Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• The surgeon general's role explained
  The office of U.S. Surgeon General has been in the spotlight this past week, with former officeholders accusing the Bush administration of exerting political pressure on their activities. We asked our regular medical analyst to explain the role of the nation's surgeon general.4:50 p.m.
• Pawlenty welcomes Guard members back home
  The return home from Iraq for members of the Minnesota Army National Guard's 1st Brigade Combat Team is winding down. A planeload of Guardsmen and women got a homecoming welcome back Tuesday morning from the Secretary of the Army and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.5:20 p.m.
• Former U of M scientist awarded Congressional Gold Medal
  Norman Borlaug's work on high-yield, disease-resistant varieties of wheat is credited with starting the "Green Revolution," and alleviating starvation in India and Pakistan in the 1960s.5:25 p.m.
• Long-stalled mental health parity bill will see Congressional action Wednesday
  A mental health bill named for the late Minnesota U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone will get its first vote in 11 years Wednesday, in the U.S. House of Representatives.5:50 p.m.
• Governor proposes new state park
  Minnesota may soon create its 73rd state park and recreation area. Gov. Pawlenty announced Tuesday that the state is negotiating to buy land on Lake Vermilion in northeastern Minnesota.5:56 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Al-Qaida a Persistent Risk to U.S., Report Says
  A new National Intelligence Estimate concludes that al-Qaida and the home-grown cells that claim allegiance to it pose a greater threat to the United States than they have in several years.
• Pakistan Attacks Renew Debate on Musharraf's Rule
  A bombing Tuesday in Pakistan's borderlands is the latest in a string of attacks by militants after the siege of Islamabad's Red Mosque. The scale of the violence has renewed debate about the threat of Islamist extremists to President Pervez Musharraf.
• An Emotional Journey Down 'Revolutionary Road'
  Writer Anthony Giardina says Richard Yates' novel — about an ordinary suburban couple and their vague yearning for something more — is "an essential testament about mid-20th century America."
• Senators Stage All-Nighter on Iraq Pullout
  On Capitol Hill on Tuesday, the Senate began a round-the-clock marathon session debating whether the United States should begin a substantial pullout of Iraq by next spring. What would a pullout mean logistically and strategically?
• Soldier Killed in Iraq Was Budding Sports Reporter
  Chris Rutherford was a high school sports star who went to college to write about sports and also had a sports show on an Ohio radio station. Now, the station and the local newspaper are reporting on Rutherford, an Army lieutenant killed in Iraq.
• Brutal Gangs Terrorize Slum Residents in Kenya
  Over the past few months, human heads and other body parts have been turning up all over Nairobi. Authorities believe it's the work of the Mungiki, a mysterious, vaguely militaristic organization of mostly young Kenyan men.
• Edwards Launches 'Road to One America' Campaign
  Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards is on a three-day, eight-state tour designed to highlight poverty issues in the United States.
• Solar Compactors Make Mincemeat of Trash
  The Chicago Park District is trying out new solar-powered trash compactors on some beaches this summer. The effort might solve three growing problems at once: unsightly garbage, seagull droppings and high gasoline prices.
• The Fall's Constant 'Reformation'
  For the last 30 years, Mark E. Smith has led one hard-driving band and many, many band members. The latest incarnation of the post-punk collective has a new record out, one which features another impromptu Reformation of personnel.
• Iraq Pullout Date to Test Republicans
  The Senate returns to debating Iraq with an all-nighter stretching ahead of them. Majority Democrats are trying to force Republicans' hands, but the GOP has threatened to filibuster a plan to require troop withdrawals within four months.

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