Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Now that the 35W bridge is reopened, Metro Transit funds are drying up
  Now that the 35W Bridge has reopened, emergency transportation funds are drying up for Metro Transit. Bob Gibbons of Metro Transit spoke with Tom Crann about these and other issues.4:49 p.m.
• Border Patrol says its mission is misunderstood
  The Border Patrol's leader in Grand Marais says the agency's reputation has suffered because of public misunderstanding of its mission.4:53 p.m.
• A new normal for Twin Cities commuters
  The new I-35W bridge opened this morning, less than 14 months after the old span collapsed into the Mississippi River. For drivers, what used to be a routine trip before the collapse, was -- at least for today -- anything but routine.5:20 p.m.
• State's jobless rate rises again
  Minnesota's unemployment rate rose to 6.2 percent in August, its highest level since 1985. Minnesota's employers cut 3,100 jobs last month, but some industries were adding employees.5:49 p.m.
• Minnesota counties say they're stiffed on jail costs
  Minnesota counties say local governments can no longer afford to house short term offenders in county jails. They want the state to stop passing the buck to counties.5:54 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• In Washington, A Spectacle Of Shouting Finns
  A choir of Finnish men perform at Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. Known as Mieskuoro Huutajat(Shouting Men), they shout — not sing — beloved Finnish songs. The group dates back to 1987 and was formed by young men who "had nothing better to do."
• Letters: Moose Hunting, Billboards Vs. Trees
  Many listeners responded to Wednesday's interview about moose hunting. Most could have done without it. There is also more on last week's story about trees and billboards in Florida.
• Calif. Passes Ban On Train Operators' Cell Phone Use
  Federal investigators say a Metrolink commuter train engineer was sending text messages when he ran a stop signal and slammed into an oncoming freight train. It has prompted California to pass a temporary ban on train operators from using their cell phones while on the job.
• On Ariz. Golf Course, Retirees Play Down Markets
  Players on the Torres Blancas course in the Arizona retirement community of Green Valley are watching their savings dwindle. Yet they are mostly sanguine: They either sold stocks a while ago or have gone back to work.
• Obama Draws Even With McCain In Polls
  The latest polling in the presidential contest shows John McCain's post-convention bounce has fizzled. Most polls show the contest in a dead heat. Andrew Kohut of the Pew Research Center says the numbers are similar to the picture before the conventions.
• With Economy As Focus, Candidates Hit Trail
  The presidential candidates and their running mates are on the campaign trail where they set their sights on America's economic concerns. But the rhetoric was nearly as ugly as the scene on Wall Street.
• Amid Takeovers, Government's Load Examined
  The Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department are involved in the takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Fed is also the potential owner of American Insurance Group. Its capacity to handle the takeovers is examined.
• Year After Tragedy, New Minneapolis Bridge Opens
  Thirteen months after a bridge collapse in Minneapolis killed 13 people, a replacement has opened for traffic. Some Twin Cities commuters marveled at the speed of the reopening, but others say they can't bring themselves to drive over it.
• Democrats, GOP Battle Over Nevada Swing County
  Washoe County, Nev., is a swing county in a swing state, one that both parties see as pivotal to winning Nevada. Traditionally a Republican county, over the past year Democrats have made significant inroads there. But the McCain campaign has built strong ground operations as well.
• In Ads, McCain, Obama Claim Best Economic Plan
  A Barack Obama ad this week pointed to John McCain's comments that the fundamental of the economy were still strong. Politico's Jonathan Martin says the McCain campaign knows that was a gaffe. He says McCain's own ad presents the Republican as an economic populist.
• Do Federal Moves Take Us Back To The New Deal?
  The takeover of American International Group is the latest attempt to rescue private sector companies from the brink of ruin. Some economists smell socialism. Others, looking to history, defend the bailouts.
• Interior Chief Vows Reform After Sex, Drug Scandal
  Dirk Kempthorne outlined his plan for better ethics oversight at a House committee hearing Thursday. An internal investigation found that government regulators were rigging bids, taking lavish gifts and engaging in sex and drug use with oil company employees.
• Past Financial Crises Spurred Laws, Agencies
  The current calls for new financial regulation has some historical precedent. Business scandals and financial turmoil in the past have not only sparked legislation, but entire new agencies.
• Little Cheer For Morgan, Goldman Amid Stock Yo-Yo
  There has been no relief for Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs. Morgan's stock was down 43 percent at one point despite reports of ongoing talks with China Investment Corp., which already owns a nearly 10 percent stake in the investment bank.
• Dozens Detained After Embassy Bombing In Yemen
  Yemeni officials say 17 people were killed in the attack on the U.S. embassy in the capital, San'a, on Wednesday. One of the victims was an 18-year-old American woman.

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