Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Historic Camp Coldwater spring and government buildings on the sales block
  The historic property known as Camp Coldwater near Fort Snelling could be turned over to new owners. The U.S. Department of the Interior is finalizing the parameters for selling the land.4:45 p.m.
• China boom continues on the Range - but for how long?
  How long can the China's need for steel push Minnesota's taconite industry? It depends who you ask, but few believe the Chinese influence will be felt forever.5:15 p.m.
• Sisters go public with abuse allegations at St. John's University
  Two women claim their brother was sexually abused by a priest at St. John's University in the 1970s, and caused their brother to commit suicide shortly after.5:48 p.m.
• Ramsey County Sheriff's race features two veteran campaigners
  The careers of former St. Paul police chief Bill Finney and Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher share many similarities. Now the two are rivals in the non-partisan race to be Ramsey County sheriff.5:52 p.m.
• It's polling time again
  The midterm election is just weeks away, which means it's polling season. Our regular media analyst David Brauer has been keeping his eye on the polls, and talks more about how they fit into the news organizations who commission them.6:19 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Soldiers Push British Leaders on Afghan Approach
  The British government is defending its operations in Afghanistan, which have been sharply criticized by front-line officers who are fighting the Taliban in southern Afghanistan. The officers say they lack troops, equipment and effective air support.
• Judges Show Skepticism in Federal Secrecy Cases
  Since late July, judges in three separate federal cases have ruled against the government's state secrets motions, refusing to kill a lawsuit based on government statements that documents in the case would threaten national security if publicized. The three recent rulings preserved dozens of lawsuits on the NSA's warrantless wiretapping.
• Pentagon Asks for $25 Billion for War Equipment
  The Army is asking for an extra $25 billion to replace war-worn tanks and other equipment that has seen heavy use in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past several years. Army officials say that if they don't get the money, they'll be gambling the safety of U.S. troops in war zones.
• An Autoclave that Cleaves the Nerves
  Tacoma, Wash., general practitioner Dr. Kirk Harris shares the sound of his "autoclave" -- a device used to sterilize his instruments. It creates a vacuum, and when it pops open, it makes a sound that has always startled Dr. Harris.
• Yes, the Superdome Is Ready for Some Football
  The New Orleans Saints play their first home game since Hurricane Katrina, when levee breaks flooded the city last year and desperate people used the Superdome as a shelter. Now the city is returning to Monday Night Football.
• Judge OKs Class-Action Suit by 'Light' Smokers
  A federal judge in New York grants class-action status to smokers of cigarettes labeled "light." Tens of millions of smokers are suing tobacco companies, seeking as much as $200 billion, alleging they were duped into thinking the low-tar cigarettes posed less of a risk to their health. Tobacco companies say they will appeal.
• The Bonnie Prince, Onscreen And In Your Head
  Will Oldham is an enigmatic folk-rock musician — and actor — who performs under various monikers, including Palace, Palace Brothers, Palace Music, and Bonnie Prince Billy. In addition to playing a part in a new film, Oldham has a new CD out: The Letting Go.
• A Top Chinese Official Is Fired in Corruption Probe
  The top Communist party boss in Shanghai has been fired for corruption, the highest-level official to be caught in an anti-graft drive in more than 10 years. Chen Liangyu, the Shanghai party secretary, was implicated in a probe of misused social security funds.
• Commercial Space Drive Takes a Stumble
  The drive to commercialize space travel took a slight stumble Monday in the New Mexico desert, where the first launch from Spaceport America failed to reach space. The unmanned 20-foot rocket, built by Connecticut-based UP Aerospace Inc., took off safely before flying erratically.
• Mom, Meet Rocky Horror. Rocky Horror, Mom.
  Commentator Laura Lorson tells the story of how her ultra-conservative mother ended up going to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show. It could have been a disaster, but the whole incident became one of Lorson's favorite memories of her mom.
• Back to School, in Spurts and Starts
  As a new school year starts nationwide, quiet settles on homes once filled with the bustle and bicker of children. Commentator Julie Zickefoose relishes time to herself, until the phone rings.
• The 'Disappeared' in Sri Lanka
  In Sri Lanka, the Tamil Tigers have a reputation of killing rivals, and kidnapping children to serve in their ranks. Now, there are growing allegations that government security forces, or their proxies, are operating deaths squads with impunity.
• A Question of Fortitude in Iraq?
  President Bush says he wants to stay the course in Iraq. NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr asks, "What course?"
• The Judge in the Light Tobacco Case
  Melissa Block talks with Tom Perrotta, staff reporter for the New York Law Journal, about U.S. District Judge Jack Weinstein, who is the presiding judge on the class action lawsuit involving "light" cigarettes.
• New Angles Emerge in Anthrax Attacks of 2001
  The fifth anniversary of the anthrax attack is approaching, and little is known about who was responsible. But the FBI is convinced that the anthrax wasn't weapons-grade level, and authorities have widened their investigation, according to a report in The Washington Post.

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