Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Days of future past
  If you grew up anytime after the World's Fair of 1939, you've probably had many a glimpse into the marvelous future and the technological marvels it was to hold. Minneapolis authors Eric and Jonathan Dregni have collected some of those long ago futuristic images in a book called "Follies of Science: 20th Century Visions of our Fantastic Future."4:40 p.m.
• No special session for South Dakota Senate
  There won't be a special session of lawmakers in South Dakota later this month. That's because the lawmaker under investigation resigned; but only for a few weeks.5:19 p.m.
• New mag tries to connect minority business owners
  The publication, called Business Nation, launched in September. The magazine's founders say they're catering to the Twin Cities large number of entrepreneurs of color.5:23 p.m.
• Rich Cohen tells it "Sweet and Low"
  Writer Rich Cohen's grandfather Ben invented two things that changed US eating habits. First he invented the machine that makes those little sugar packets you find in restaurants. Then he invented "Sweet and Low" the sugar substitute. The family made millions. But the story went sour, and Cohen's branch of the family got cut out of the will. He chronicles what happens in his new book "Sweet and Low."5:49 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Five Years in Afghanistan: Taliban's Return
  Five years ago, a U.S. bombing campaign, combined with a ground assault by U.S.-backed rebels, overthrew the Taliban in Afghanistan. Since 2001, Afghans have gone to the polls to elect a president and parliament, and more than 4 million refugees have returned home. But the country also faces a resurgent Taliban.
• Widespread Instability in Iraq Hinders Students
  Melissa Block talks with Omar al-Farouk al-Damluji, professor emeritus of civil engineering at Baghdad University, and former Minister of Construction and Housing, about the poor security situation at universities and elsewhere in Iraq, as well as the brain drain. Al-Damluji says many students cannot attend classes due to lack of security.
• Panel Weighs Equity of Crack, Cocaine Sentences
  U.S. sentencing guidelines treat 1 gram of crack the same as 100 grams of powder cocaine. So crack users can get much longer prison sentences than powder users. The U.S. Sentencing Commission holds a public hearing to consider the 20-year-old law.
• For Progress in Iraq, Partition the Country's Rivals
  Peter Galbraith, former U.S. ambassador to Croatia who has advised the Iraqi Kurds on constitutional issues, advocates what is known as "partition," allowing the Kurds, Shiites and Sunnis in Iraq to have their own regions. Citing the autonomous Kurdistan in the northern region, Galbraith says it's already written into the Iraqi constitution.
• Study: Testosterone Supplements Can Be Safe
  An increasing number of aging men think they've found the way to feel young again -- by taking supplements of the male hormone testosterone. But doctors worry that testosterone supplements could increase the risks of prostate cancer. A new study offers some reassurance without completely absolving the hormone.
• U.S. Bishops Adjust Approach to Gay Parishioners
  The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops approves new guidelines for dealing with gay parishioners. The document, titled "Ministry to Persons with a Homosexual Inclination," continues the church's ban on same-sex marriage, and discourages gay parishioners from making public expressions of their sexuality.
• As Toyota Grows, So Do Its Challenges
  Japanese automaker Toyota represents a big problem for the Big Three U.S. automakers, as its sales grow in both U.S. and world markets. But as the company expands, it must also maintain the quality and consistency of its previous cars. Melissa Block talks with David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich.
• 'Borat' Faces Legal Challenges on Public Releases
  The movie Borat depends on a lot of real people for its humor. And now that it's a box-office hit, some of those real people are challenging the legality of the releases they signed to allow their appearance in the film. Did every non-actor who appeared in the movie sign a release? How airtight are those agreements?
• Auto Execs, President Bush Huddle on Trade
  President Bush meets with chief executives from GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler in the Oval Office, urging them to become competitive in a difficult global environment. In addition to competition from Japan, trade restrictions and foreign-currency manipulation are on the agenda.
• Top Shelf: Lupe Fiasco's 'Food and Liquor'
  Lupe Fiasco is a Chicago-based rapper who made his mainstream debut on the most recent CD by Kanye West, who is also from Chicago. Now Fiasco is further cementing the Windy City's reputation as a breeding ground for innovative hip-hop, with a new CD, Food and Liquor.
• Top Iraqi Police Officers Arrested in Mass Abduction
  In Baghdad, a senior police commander and four officers are arrested in connection with Tuesday morning's kidnappings at the Higher Education Ministry building. Most of the hostages seized have reportedly been released. Officials say both Shiites and Sunnis were among those seized, but some witnesses say only Shiites were targeted.
• Microsoft's Zune Bids for Piece of iPod's Turf
  After watching Apple dominate the portable mp3 player market, Microsoft offers its challenge to the iPod: the Zune, which is being released today. In addition to its built-in radio, the Zune offers the ability to share songs with other Zune owners wirelessly.
• Pentagon Eyes Longer Tours for Guardsmen
  Four years ago, President Bush called up National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers. They were not supposed to serve longer than 24 months. But as Iraq and Afghanistan require the presence of more troops, the Pentagon is considering resetting the clock.
• Eating the Unknown: Best Meal Ever
  When commentator Daniel Pinkwater goes for a meal at a neighborhood Chinese restaurant, the owner treats him like family. And when she brings an amazing dish, he devours it. But she cannot tell him anything about it: not its name, what it is called in Chinese or English; nothing.
• Arizona's Giffords Prepares to Serve in House
  Melissa Block talks with Gabrielle Giffords, representative-elect from Arizona's 8th district. She's a Democrat elected in a conservative-leaning district; Giffords ran as a moderate. At 36, she will be one of the youngest House members on Capitol Hill.

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