Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Northwest's stake in Midwest Airlines raises competitive concerns
  Northwest Airlines' plan to buy Milwaukee-based Midwest Airlines could be put on hold. Another bidder for Midwest, AirTran Airways, submitted a new, higher offer on Tuesday. If Northwest and an investment firm win the airline, federal regulators are likely to take a close look at how the transaction affects competition.5:20 p.m.
• Coleman threatens big tax hike for St. Paul
  St. Paul residents will see a tax increase anywhere from 7 percent to nearly 15 percent next year. St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman says the tax impact on city residents lies in the hands of Gov. Tim Pawlenty and state lawmakers.5:24 p.m.
• Minnesota picks preliminary design for bridge to replace fallen span
  The drawing reveals few details about the new bridge, aside from its general size and the number of lanes it will contain. The Minnesota Department of Transportation says the sketch will guide contractors who will use the information to work up detailed proposals for the new bridge5:35 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• New York Loses Old Friend Phil Rizzuto
  Robert Siegel remembers Phil Rizzuto, the Hall of Fame shortstop during the Yankees' dynasty years. Rizzuto was also beloved by a generation of fans who delighted in hearing him exclaim "Holy cow!" as a broadcaster. Rizzuto died Tuesday at the age of 89.
• Some Schools Move Up First Day of School
  Some schools around the country are beginning classes much earlier in the summer than the traditional post-Labor Day start. What prompts their decisions?
• Squirrels' Tails Heat Up to Foil Snake Attacks
  Aaron Rundus has discovered a strange behavior in California ground squirrels. The University of Nebraska researcher found that squirrels heat their tails by 3 degrees to ward off rattlesnakes, which abandon their ambush when they sense that it's been spoiled.
• The Leadership Only a Man Can Provide
  Commentator Caroline Langston remembers the men who helped raise her — and she wants folks to remember that there are things only a strong male figure can provide.
• Veteran Miner Boosts Families' Hopes for Survival
  Residents of Huntington, Utah, remain hopeful that six coal miners trapped for more than a week are still alive. Many in the town pin their hopes on the wit and wisdom of one of the victims: Kerry Alred, an old-time, experienced miner who loves to joke, tease and help younger workers find their way through the mines. Jenny Brundin of member station KUER reports.
• Three Suicide Bombings Devastate Kahtaniya
  In one of the worst incidents since the start of the conflict in Iraq, at least 175 people were killed Tuesday when three suicide bombers driving fuel tankers attacked a town in northern Iraq. Kahtaniya, near Mosul, is home to an ancient minority sect. At least 200 others were injured.
• Missing in Portugal: British Girl's Parents Stir Tension
  The southern Portugal resort of Praia da Luz has been in the eye of a media storm since a 4-year-old British girl disappeared in May while her parents dined at a hotel restaurant. The parents have drawn international attention to the case, causing unease and resentment among the Portuguese.
• Recalls Widen Concerns About Chinese Products
  Two new recalls of products made in China are widening concerns. Mattel on Tuesday announced its second recall this month of toys that contain lead. And Gilchrist & Soames is recalling toothpaste after discovering dangerous chemicals in it.
• What Can Parents Do to Avoid Dangerous Toys?
  Dr. Jerome Paulson, a pediatrician with the National Children's Medical Center in Washington, D.C., talks with Michele Norris.
• Coach Assists Chinese Actress' Hollywood Debut
  For the past four months, American and All Things Considered commentator Alison Klayman has been living in Hengdian, China. She works as the personal assistant and English coach to a top Chinese actress shooting her first Hollywood movie.
• Kate McGarry, Singing Outside the Lines of Jazz
  Kate McGarry is an equal opportunity vocalist. On her new CD, she revamps jazz standards with hints of popular music, and infuses her natural jazz instincts into pop, folk and original compositions.
• Fans Rally to Save the 'Spindle'
  Spindle, a sculpture that features eight cars impaled on a 50-foot spike, gained worldwide exposure in Wayne's World. It is slated for removal in order to make way for a Walgreens in Berwyn, Ill. Dustin Shuler, the sculptor, talks about his work and the controversy.
• 'Body Snatchers' Argues Resistance Isn't Futile
  Thriller writer James Rollins says Jack Finney's McCarthy-era pulp classic — unlike the movies based on it — makes clear that one determined fighter can matter, even when the odds are overwhelming.
• Schools Worry About Fate of Desegregation Efforts
  As schools around the country gear up for another year, officials must decide whether they can continue using race-based systems to assign students to schools. In June, the Supreme Court struck down the use of race in Seattle and Louisville, Ky.
• Hezbollah Commemorates Costly 'Divine Victory'
  One year after its bloody six-week war with Israel, Hezbollah guerrillas celebrate the clash that brought Israel to a bloody standstill and polarized Lebanon.

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