Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Students, staff at U balance sympathy for strikers with realities of college life
  Some tenured professors are holding classes off-campus to avoid crossing picket lines. Many sympathetic teaching assistants and other less established instructors, however, worry about repercussions from administrators or department leaders.5:20 p.m.
• Flooded cities find it hard to focus on new state relief money
  While residents in southeastern Minnesota are grateful the close to 160 million dollar relief package state lawmakers passed in a special session yesterday, some say the task of clean-up recovery is so large they can only focus on that task. Host Steven John talks with Minnesota Public Radio reporter Sea Stachura about how residents in the region are reacting to the relief package. And she shares the story of one man forced to burn his damaged house because there's no room in area landfills.5:24 p.m.
• Fall harvest looks stronger than expected
  The latest crop report contains a couple of surprises: The size of the corn crop will be even bigger than expected, and grain prices are moving higher despite that news.5:50 p.m.
• Exploring the politics of the special session
  After the 35W bridge collapse, both DFLers and Republicans agreed that the Minnesota's aging roads and bridges need immediate attention. At the time, Governor Tim Pawlenty said he would be willing to call a special session to fund transportation projects and possibly even raise the state gas tax. Host Steven John talked with Carleton College Political Science Professor Stephen Schier about why the legislature focused only on natural disaster recovery during last night's special session.5:54 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Democrats Vow New Effort on Iraq
  After two days of hearings on Iraq, Democratic congressional leaders say they are not satisfied with the planned drawdown of 30,000 troops envisioned by Gen. David Petraeus. They pledge a push for legislation to change course in Iraq.
• Judge Backs Vermont's Auto-Emissions Rules
  A federal judge in Vermont rules that the state can adopt auto-emissions standards as strict as California's. The auto industry challenged the plan. More than a dozen other states are seeking stricter standards, too.
• Songs of the Old Days at Chinese Park
  At Beijing's Coal Hill Park, older residents gather to sing Mao-era songs and gripe about current day discontents. The Sunday get-togethers are a sort of living oldies radio channel.
• Senate Holds Hearing on Chinese-Made Toys
  A Senate panel holds a hearing on the safety of children's toys imported from China. Questions focused on whether federal regulators and toy companies have done enough to ensure safety amid numerous product recalls.
• U.S. Envoy Crocker Keeps Faith in Iraq's Leaders
  U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker says he still has confidence that the country's leaders can overcome sectarian strife. He also says he sees signs of hope, as provincial authorities and the central government begin to work together.
• Obama Outlines Plan for Iraq Pullout
  Sen. Barack Obama's plan for Iraq includes pulling out one or two brigades every month and completing a full withdrawal by the end of 2008. He is also calling for a new constitutional convention in Iraq to be convened with U.N. help.
• Outlook for Everett Optimistic, Doctor Says
  A day after Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett underwent spinal surgery and faced what was deemed a "bleak" prognosis, medical consultant Barth Green says Everett may regain full motion.
• Jodie Foster Finds Dark Side in 'Brave One'
  In Jodie Foster's latest movie, she plays a character who is transformed by her fiance's murder. Foster talks about exploring a character who is faced with murky ethical choices.
• Houston Symphony Tries Orchestra Trading Cards
  The Houston Symphony Orchestra wants its audience to know its players — so concert goers are being given trading cards. Bruce Robinson, marketing director for the HSO and violinist Kurt Johnson talk about the PR effort.
• Congress Targets Rising Cost of College
  Congress passes the College Cost Reduction and Access Act — a key Democratic promise in the 2006 campaign. Lenders say the bill will hurt families and many analysts warn it takes a tiny bite out of an intractable problem.
• Drug Tests Part of the Curriculum at Recovery High
  Recovery High, a public school in Massachusetts, takes only youths with drug and alcohol dependence problems and offers a daily routine of reading, writing and group therapy. Students go through regular drug testing and must vow not to associate with friends who are using drugs or alcohol.
• On the Road to Nowhere in Iraq?
  President Bush has succeeded in prolonging the U.S. presence in Iraq despite rising public dismay over the war. Since the war's critics in Congress seem to have no stomach for a fight on the issue, we remain in a quagmire.
• Bin Laden's Beard: Color Us Curious
  In a recent video, Osama bin Laden's beard is no longer streaked with gray. It's also shorter than in earlier tapes. Experts who analyze the al-Qaida leader are divided on whether he has dyed his beard or donned a fake one.
• Tony Snow Bidding Adieu to White House Post
  White House spokesman Tony Snow is leaving the his job on Friday, but he has handed over the daily press briefing to successor Dana Perino. Snow, 52, has been on the job since April 2006.
• Wounded Soldier's Family Feels Forgotten by Army
  Army Spc. Ron Hinkle barely survived an IED blast in Iraq that left him with brain damage. Bad advice from the Army has left him with mounting medical bills. Now he and his family may lose their Colorado ranch.

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