Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Cities paying more to borrow money
  There are signs the tight municipal bond markets are loosening up, which would be good news for local governments. Public agencies from Minnesota cities to sewer districts to schools, rely on bonds to finance things like new buildings and equipment.4:49 p.m.
• Wisconsin brothers drum to a Brazilian beat
  Two Wisconsin brothers who love samba, started a Brazilian drum group in the Twin Cities a couple years ago. But unless you know them personally, you might never suspect their fascination with the music of a country that's so far from home.4:54 p.m.
• Bachmann, Tinklenberg spar in final debate
  Sixth District Rep. Michele Bachmann says voters are not interested in her "anti-American" comments about Barack Obama and liberal members of Congress. Bachmann tried to set aside the lingering controversy today during a final debate with her Democratic challenger Elwyn Tinklenberg.5:20 p.m.
• Northwest, Delta begin integration
  The end of Northwest Airlines has begun. Late yesterday afternoon, Delta Air Lines closed on its purchase of Eagan-based Northwest.5:24 p.m.
• Northwest Airlines -- a look back at its long history
  For 82 years, Northwest Airlines has been a Minnesota company, Minnesota's airline. With Delta's acquisition of Northwest, though, the airline will fade into history.5:50 p.m.
• Author takes democracy to the doorstep
  James Read, author of 'Doorstep Democracy', ran for a Minnesota House seat back in 1992. However, instead of hiring door-to-door canvassers, Read did the work himself. Read ended up knocking on 7500 households and lost the election by only 98 votes.6:20 p.m.
• Commentary: Small acts of political patriotism
  The Sunday after this election, many churches will face a problem, some of their members will be happy, and some will be disappointed. Guest Commentator Peg Guilfoyle says her congregation, White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church in Mahtomedi, is planning to celebrate not the winners, but the participants, in this year's democratic process. And participation can take many forms.6:25 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Life Without Smell May Not Be Worth It
  Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have shown they can extend the life spans of roundworms even when the worms are well fed. It just takes a chemical that blocks their sense of smell. Humans, however, need the sense of smell — and a longer life may not be worth losing it.
• Halloween Returns To Oil City, Pa.
  This year, Oil City, Pa., will allow nighttime trick-or-treating for the first time in 16 years. The town banned the practice in 1992 after an 11-year-old was abducted and killed just days before Halloween. Trick-or-treating is now allowed again after 10-year-old Elizabeth Roess (race) collected petitions and presented her case to the City Council. She and her mother, Lisa Roess, talks about their efforts.
• Alabama County On Brink Of Bankruptcy
  Time is running out for elected officials in Jefferson County, Ala., to avoid bankruptcy. The county is home to Birmingham, the state's largest city, and if it declares bankruptcy, it would be the largest municipal filing in history.
• Taliban Kill Five In Brazen Kabul Attack
  Taliban militants have stormed the Information Ministry in the heart of Kabul, killing at least five people. It was the most brazen attack in the Afghan capital since last summer's suicide bombing at the Indian Embassy.
• Congo Crisis Deepens As Rebels Make Gains
  Congo's army has retreated from a rebel advance. The U.N., which has been blamed for not doing enough, has evacuated most of its civilian staff from its regional headquarters in Goma. Jeffrey Gettleman, East Africa Bureau chief for The New York Times, offers his insight.
• In South Florida, Democrats See An Opening
  In Florida's 21st and 25th congressional districts, Democrats believe they see signs that South Florida's strong Republican Cuban-American voting bloc may be crumbling. The seats have been long held by brothers Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart.
• Obama Adviser Explains Tax Plan, Rips Palin
  Anita Dunn, senior adviser and chief communications officer for Barack Obama's presidential campaign, talks about Sen. Obama's tax plans for people who make between $200,000 and $250,000. She also talks about why the campaign has just released an ad taking on John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin for vice president.
• Second Graders Take On 'Macbeth,' Halloween
  On the eve of All Hallows Eve, second graders at Washington D.C.'s Maret School read Double, double, toil and trouble from Shakespeare's Macbeth. Adults also render a version of the passage from the play.
• Big Easy Art Event Aims to Heal City
  The Prospect 1 New Orleans project is slated to open in November. Dan Cameron, the director of the Contemporary Arts Center, aims to create a citywide, international art event akin to the Venice Bienanle. He sees it as a promotional and healing tool for the city.
• On Fears Of Obama's Stand, Gun Sales Spike
  Concerns by gun owners and supporters that an Obama presidency will mean a new crackdown on gun ownership has created a mini-spike in gun purchases. Despite a shrinking economy, sales of firearms are up by 10 percent nationwide this year.
• Amid Large Fla. Turnout, Fears Of Irregularities
  Early voting in Florida appears on track to break records, but some have raised concerns about systems in place to verify voters' identities. Florida Secretary of State Kurt Browning offers his insight on voting in the state.
• In Fla., Obama Urges Supporters To Vote Early
  Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has campaigned in Sarasota, Fla., before heading to the swing states of Virginia and Missouri. Obama's campaign is hoping to match the massive crowds at his campaign events with over-the-top excitement from his supporters.
• In Ohio, McCain Attacks Obama on Taxes
  Republican presidential candidate John McCain has told supporters in Ohio that his Democratic rival, Barack Obama, will raise taxes on the middle class. With five days left for the presidential election, McCain is touring swing states.
• Philadelphia Revels In World Series Win
  The Phillies are World Series champions and the city celebrates its first pro sports title in 25 years. On Wednesday, the Phillies beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 in a rain-suspended game.
• Ex-Manager Of Iowa Meatpacking Plant Arrested
  U.S. immigration agents have arrested a former manager of a kosher slaughterhouse on immigration charges. Sholom Rubashkin faces charges related to Agriprocessors' hiring of illegal immigrants, including aiding and abetting aggravated identity theft.

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