Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Officials split over proposed change in college loans
  President Obama wants to take private banks out of the business of handling federally guaranteed student loans, and some of Minnesota's college financial aid officials are split over the issue.4:50 p.m.
• Charlyne Yi goes looking for love in 'Paper Heart'
  The joys and devastation of love are familiar to many of us. Yet few people get to spend time exploring the topic of love in depth. Charlyne Yi did; she is the star of a new film called "Paper Heart."4:54 p.m.
• 'Clunkers' program salvaging a bad year for car dealers
  Many Minnesota car dealers have called the "cash for clunkers" program a big success. But it's unclear whether the boost from the program will be enough to offset their huge sales declines earlier this year.5:20 p.m.
• More questions raised at Stem Cell Institute
  Tom Crann talked with Arthur Kaplan, director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania, about allegations of data manipulation in research papers published out of its prestigious Stem Cell Institute.5:24 p.m.
• Senate confirms Jones as U.S. attorney for Minn.
  The U.S. Senate has confirmed Minneapolis attorney B. Todd Jones as the U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, a position he held during the Clinton administration from 1998-2001.5:40 p.m.
• Airspeed systems failed on Northwest planes
  Investigators have discovered that on at least 12 recent flights by Northwest Airlines jetliners, equipment malfunctioned and pilots had no idea how fast they were flying.5:43 p.m.
• The ostriches are back at Canterbury Park
  This Sunday at Canterbury Park in Shakopee the horses get to take a breather while giant birds take to the track. Also on the bill, camels.5:53 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Jobless Rate Down, But Hiring Remains On Hold
  The nation's jobless rate took a surprise dip in July to 9.4 percent, the first drop since April 2008. But the economy is still losing jobs, and employers remain reluctant to bet the payroll that a full recovery is around the corner.
• Tri-State Water Fight Spurs Questions On Growth
  A federal judge recently ruled that Georgia doesn't have the right to take drinking water from the Lake Lanier reservoir, but that is where 3.5 million Atlanta residents get their water. Now, some wonder whether the area can continue to grow without it.
• An FBI Man's Inside View of '60s America In Turmoil
  From the JFK assassination to the murder of three civil rights workers in Mississippi, agent James Ingram investigated many of the FBI's most high-profile cases of the 1960s. Ingram died this week but left behind a recording that offers behind-the-scenes views of key cases.
• Lessons In Reality, Just From 'Playing Shakespeare'
  A new DVD of the BBC's legendary Playing Shakespeare series — with Judi Dench, Ian McKellen and more — has critic Bob Mondello mulling over what the bard knew about "holding the mirror up to nature."
• John Hughes: A Remembrance In Letters
  When she was 15, Alison Byrne Fields became pen pals with director John Hughes. Being friends with a Hollywood bigwig was exciting, but in the wake of Hughes' death at 59, Fields says it was the man behind the movies who moved her.
• Hordes Gather And Sing Along To 'Purple Rain'
  Twenty-five years ago, teenagers were singing along with Purple Rain, Prince's newly released movie. Apparently, the lyrics stuck, because thousands showed up at Prospect Park in Brooklyn for Thursday night's "Purple Rain Sing-Along."
• Government: Schools Need Not Shut For Swine Flu
  The federal government issued guidelines Friday to the nation's schools on what to do about the likely return this fall of the new H1N1 swine flu virus. A CDC official said measures can be taken to protect students and staff.
• Cautious Obama Welcomes Jobs Reports
  President Obama on Friday welcomed the July jobs report, saying it showed the worst "may be behind us." He cautioned, however, that there would be no true recovery as long as the economy continued to shed jobs. The nation's jobless rate fell in July to 9.4 percent, the first dip since April 2008.
• Week In Politics Reviewed
  This week, a new poll showed President Obama's approval ratings are falling, the Senate confirmed Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, and there were heated protests over the health care overhaul. Former San Diego Mayor Roger Hedgecock, now a popular conservative radio talk show host, and Pilar Marrero, political editor and columnist for La Opinion, offer their insight.
• Democrats, GOP Spar On Health Care Protests
  The August heat is making the health care debate sizzle. All over the country, opposition groups are shouting down members of Congress at town hall meetings and other public events. Democrats say it's a mob scene, whipped up by Republican activists. Republicans say it's the voice of the people.

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