Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Appetites: 'Third wave' of coffee evolution brings new level of artisanship
  The revolution in local food has a potable component. Craft brewing and locally roasted coffee are rising in popularity, not just in the Twin Cities, but also in other parts of the state, such as Duluth.3:53 p.m.
• Little Falls shooter protected U.S. embassies from terrorists and spies
  Byron Smith, the Little Falls man who authorities say admitted killing two teenagers because they broke into his home, was a highly trained State Department security engineer responsible for protecting U.S. embassies from terrorism and espionage.4:49 p.m.
• Q&A: U.S. Rep Tim Walz discusses the upcoming session in Congress
  U.S. Rep. Tim Walz says he is frustrated by the lack of action on the farm bill and other major pieces of legislation in the lame-duck session of Congress.5:16 p.m.
• Foreclosures down, yet struggles for loan modifications continue
  Minnesota saw a 15-percent drop in foreclosures during the first half of this year compared to last year. Yet foreclosures remain at historic levels across the state, and some homeowners are still fighting to save their homes. One Twin Cities couple, like many struggling homeowners, tried repeatedly to get a loan modification, only to fall into foreclosure anyway.5:21 p.m.
• Minneapolis police chief nominee praised at hearing
  Acting-Police Chief Janee Harteau appears to be on a smooth path toward confirmation for the job. A City Council committee Wednesday afternoon unanimously approved her nomination to become Minneapolis' next top cop.5:51 p.m.
• Officials consider replacing high-stakes GRAD test
  Some state educators and lawmakers want to eliminate a high-stakes test from the list of requirements for a high school diploma.5:53 p.m.
• Appetites: 'Third wave' of coffee evolution brings new level of artisanship
  The revolution in local food has a potable component. Craft brewing and locally roasted coffee are rising in popularity, not just in the Twin Cities, but also in other parts of the state, such as Duluth.6:24 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Obama Uses Twitter To Ramp Up Fiscal Cliff Pressure
  President Obama met with middle class taxpayers on Wednesday who had written to the White House about the impact of tax hikes on their pocket books.
• Republican Corker On Deficit Plan, Benghazi Attack
  Melissa Block speaks to Republican Senator Bob Corker about his plan for dodging the "fiscal cliff."
• USGA Might Ban Practice Of 'Anchoring' Putters
  The U.S. Golf Association proposed a rule on Wednesday that would outlaw a style of putting known as "anchor putting." The style makes use of an extra long putter where the end of the club is "anchored" in a player's chest or stomach. Robert Siegel speaks with David Duseck, deputy editor at Golf.com about the change.
• A Short Fuse For Fusion As Ignition Misses Deadline
  The $5 billion National Ignition Facility has been called a modern-day moonshot, a project of "revolutionary science." But the massive experiment that aims to generate nuclear fusion has failed to do so by a key deadline.
• Letters: Kennedy Center Gets A New Organ
  Robert Siegel and Melissa Block read emails from listeners about a new organ at the Kennedy Center.
• Syrian Rebels Claim They Shot Down Fighter Jet With A Missile
  Syrian rebels claim to have shot down a government MiG fighter jet and captured one of its pilots. It appears to be one of the first times Syrian rebels have successfully used a type of portable missile and could mark a turning point as the rebels challenge the regime's advantage in the air.
• What Will It Take To Make The Gaza Cease-Fire Hold?
  A week has elapsed since a ceasefire ended an explosion of violence between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The truce has so far held, despite some disputed incidents which have left one Palestinian dead and a group of Gaza fishermen in Israeli custody. Egypt, as mediator, is now holding separate talks with both sides to hammer out detailed agreements on key issues, including easing Israel's blockade of Gaza, and preventing weapons being smuggled into the region.
• Mormonism: A Scrutinized, Yet Evolving Faith
  The 2012 election shined a spotlight on the previously little-known religion of Mormonism. Many Americans have heard about the missionaries or baptism for the dead. But on the whole, the theology is shrouded in mystery. Mormons say their religion is often misunderstood because, unlike other faiths, it changes with time.
• Doping Era Could Change MLB Hall Of Fame Entrants
  Baseball Hall of Fame voters will come face-to-face with the doping era this year. Major figures in steroid scandals including Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Sammy Sosa will be on the ballot for the first time. Melissa Block talks with Mike Pesca about the slate of candidates announced on Wednesday.
• Ghetto Brothers: Guitars Over Guns
  The group's one and only album, Power Fuerza, provides a snapshot of a pivotal moment in musical and political history in 1970s New York City.

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