Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Explaining the Steroid Era
  The Mitchell Report on steroid use in baseball has implicated 85 past and present players. It also coined the phrase the "Steroid Era" for the past decade of of baseball. Dr. Jon Hallberg spoke with MPR's Tom Crann about the report and put some of the findings into context.4:50 p.m.
• U.S. Senate passes $286 billion farm bill
  The bill, passed on a 79-14 vote, expands subsidies for wheat, barley, oat, soybeans and several other crops and creates new grants for vegetable and fruit growers.5:24 p.m.
• Who is Mark Ritchie?
  Recent allegations against Secretary of State Mark Ritchie have highlighted an elected official that many Minnesotans barely know.5:50 p.m.
• Small size, big voice
  St. Paul songwriter and musician Mayda emerges with a big voice, big ideas and the guidance of drummer-to-the-stars and impresario Michael Bland.5:55 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• River Has Long Reflected China's Glories, Sorrows
  Throughout history, China's leaders have staked their legitimacy on their ability to conquer and harness the Yellow River. The Chinese Communist Party is no different. But now, it seems as though the river needs protection.
• Francis Ford Coppola Seeks Answers in 'Youth'
  Francis Ford Coppola's first film in a decade is an idea-driven film based on a Romanian philosopher's delicate novella. It's about an aged academic who becomes young again when he's struck by lightning.
• 'I Am Legend' a One-Man American Metaphor
  On the surface, the sci-fi blockbuster is about Will Smith battling an army of light-phobic zombies. But NPR movie critic Bob Mondello says that the film has some serious terrorism subtext that could only be a product of post-Sept. 11 America.
• Huckabee Talks Tough on Mortgage Bailout
  Earlier in the year, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee was near the back of the pack among Republican presidential contenders. Now, he's running second nationally. Huckabee outlines his positions on Iran, the mortgage crisis and his religious beliefs.
• Countdown to Iowa's Caucuses, Part One
  With less than three weeks remaining before the Iowa caucuses, Republican Mike Huckabee seems to be rising, Democrat Barack Obama is accelerating, and the Hillary Clinton camp is in a panic. Political commentators E.J. Dionne and David Brooks talk about the week in presidential politics.
• Countdown to Iowa's Caucuses, Part Two
  Robert Siegel continues a political discussion with E.J. Dionne and David Brooks.
• Traveling Back in Time for a Song
  Commentator Dean Olsher says that whenever he plays "Solace" by Scott Joplin, he's transported back to college and a girlfriend he had at the time. He's amazed at how easily music can transport him back in time.
• Army's Officer Incentives Raise Quality Concerns
  Captains are leaving the Army in large numbers, especially West Point graduates. But the Army is having some success with large bonuses to persuade them to stay. It's also increasing its take of officers from Officer Candidate School, which takes four months compared with West Point's four years. But that practice is raising quality concerns.
• Conflict Steals Childhood from Many Iraqi Youths
  Young Iraqis have grown up in the shadow of war. Many have lost their parents and are now losing their childhoods, with some girls even turning to prostitution. Rhagad, 13, is still in school, but she's on the verge of giving in to the men who call out to her on the street.
• GOP Candidates Take a Hard Line on Immigration
  IIlegal immigration has become a hot topic among GOP primary voters, and the party's presidential candidates are jockeying to have the toughest approach. But some Republican analysts worry about alienating the fast-growing pool of Hispanic voters.

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