Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• For 5 Range mines, 3,000 workers, 2 days left for contract talks
  Contracts between three giant mining companies on the Iron Range and the United Steelworkers of America will expire at midnight Friday, and an apparent stalemate threatens to set in motion a strike that could disrupt the nation's steel supply.4:50 p.m.
• Taconite plants face environmental challenge
  Minnesota's taconite companies face a major environmental challenge in November when the federal government decides whether to require significant reduction in air pollution.5:21 p.m.
• Fargo-Moorhead English tutoring program expands
  A Fargo-Moorhead tutoring program that uses computer software to teach refugees how to speak and write English is expanding. Organizers say the program could become a national model.5:51 p.m.
• The crowds, noise, traffic - outside the fair
  The people who live near the State Fair's main entrance have mixed feelings about life in their Falcon Heights neighborhood during the Great Minnesota Get-Together. For 12 days each year, more than a million people flock to the fair. There are the crowds, the noise, the garbage - and that's outside the fair.5:54 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Moderate Republicans Lost In GOP's Official Platform
  Two moderate Republicans — former congressmen Mike Castle of Delaware and Tom Davis of Virginia — wonder whether that wing of their party can survive. In years past the party had a component referred to as "Rockefeller Republicans" — named after former Vice President Nelson Rockefeller. The group tended to work well with middle of the road Democrats.
• Often Isolated, Iran Hosts Huge International Summit
  Iran is in the spotlight this week as it hosts a summit of nonaligned nations. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is attending, ignoring the advice of Israel and the U.S., which have been trying to isolate Iran. U.N. officials say Ban will bring a tough message to Iran. But others are skeptical.
• Letters: New Meanings In Hyphenated Last Names
  Melissa Block and Audie Cornish read emails from listeners about last names that become much more interesting when hyphenated.
• Thousands Of Syrians Camped Out At Turkish Border
  Some 10,000 Syrian refugees are camped out along the northern border with Turkey, hoping to cross the frontier. Close to 100,000 Syrians are already in camps on the Turkish side of the border, and now the local government wants the UN Security Council to establish a safe zone on the Syrian side. Deborah Amos talks to Audie Cornish.
• Despite Critics, Gambia Plans Dozens Of Executions
  International criticism is building over plans by Gambia's president to execute all prisoners on death row by mid-September. Nine were recently put to death by firing squad, and 38 more remain on death row.
• South Dakota Hit As West Nile Virus Spreads
  The West Nile virus is continuing to spread around the country, including into the Dakotas, which are among the hardest hit states.
• With West Nile On The Rise, We Answer Your Questions
  Every state except Alaska and Hawaii has reported West Nile virus in people, birds or mosquitoes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects human cases will rise through October. In Texas, the worst-hit state, deaths reached 31.
• U.S. Paralympian Makes Fifth Showing At The Games
  Melissa Block speaks with U.S. Paralympian and flag bearer at the Paralympics opening ceremony, Scott Danberg. The competition, which opens tonight in London, will be Danberg's fifth Paralympic Games. Over the years he has participated in multiple events, from power-lifting to javelin.
• Slaughter In The Subway: A Tale Of New York Terror
  As a kid, author Victor LaValle loved horror stories. But it wasn't until he read Books of Blood by Clive Barker that he found one set in his own hometown. Have you ever read a book that took place where you live? Tell us in the comments.
• Unraveling The Mystery Of A Grandmother's Lost Ravioli Recipe
  An Italian food expert delves into her collection of cookbooks to find a historical recipe for spinach and rice ravioli that was nearly identical to the one an NPR listener wants to re-create. And it turns out the secret to success is in the cheese.

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