Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Soldier from Moorhead killed in Iraq
  Army Staff Sergeant Andrew Nelson, 22, died Wednesday, according to his family. Nelson, who was with the 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg, N.C., was on patrol outside of Tikrit when he was killed.4:48 p.m.
• 4-Hers after hours
  Thousands of 4-Hers flood the fairgrounds to showcase their sheep and cattle and swine. But just what do all these farm kids do when they're not in the judging ring?4:54 p.m.
• Ford closes youth ballfields because of contamination
  Three baseball fields on Ford Motor Co. property in St. Paul have been shut down after testing positive for elevated levels of heavy metals. The company says the readings do not pose a health risk.5:20 p.m.
• 4-H Kids let loose at State Fair dance
  Each August, thousands of 4-Hers flood the state fairgrounds to showcase their sheep and cattle and swine. But just what do all these farm kids do when they're not in the judging ring?5:24 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Bush Offers Help to Overwhelmed Mortgage Holders
  Responding to the growing wave of mortgage foreclosures, President Bush has announced measures that could help some troubled borrowers keep their homes. But only a small fraction of subprime borrowers will be eligible.
• Refinancing Help Won't Erase Borrowers' Problems
  Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson says the steps the Bush administration is taking will help identify mortgage holders who might have problems down the line. He says the government cannot make the problems go away, but it can try to help those who are capable of owning a home refinance their loans.
• Unable to Agree, NBC and iTunes Part Ways
  NBC Universal announced that it will let its contract with Apple's iTunes store lapse at the end of the year. The two companies have been unable to come to an agreement on prices. NBC Universal is the biggest supplier of digital video at iTunes, selling hit shows like The Office and Heroes.
• Golden Gate Bridge May Get Corporate Sponsors
  San Francisco's architectural icon is increasingly expensive to operate. Now, officials propose finding corporate sponsors to help offset costs. But traditionalists oppose even the most understated corporate signage associated with the bridge.
• Even Spiders Know Everything's Bigger in Texas
  Lake Tawakoni State Park in Texas has some new tenants: spiders – lots of spiders. And they have spun a giant communal web. Several hundred yards along a nature trail have been taken over by the elaborate arachnid construction.
• Basra Turf Concerns Grow as Brits Pack Up
  British troops are due to leave their base in central Basra and move to an airbase 10 miles outside the city; their full withdrawal from Iraq is expected by the end of the year. Military analysts say the United States — already stretched thin in Iraq — most likely will have to send its troops to Basra.
• New British U.N. Ambassador Discusses Priorities
  Sir John Sawers is Britain's new ambassador to the United Nations. Sawers talks with Robert Siegel about what's going on at the U.N. and what his priorities are for the Middle East.
• Deputy to Take Over Tony Snow's Position
  President Bush is saying goodbye to another member of his inner circle. Press Secretary Tony Snow will leave the White House in two weeks so he can increase his income while battling cancer. His deputy, Dana Perino, will succeed him.
• Life Far from Easy for New Orleans Musicians
  Of the 3,000 or so musicians who have returned to New Orleans, only half say they are doing well. With many venues still closed or gone for good, there are far fewer opportunities. Yet the city remains a unique place for budding performers.
• Bush, Joint Chiefs Talk Surge Strategy
  President Bush visited the Pentagon on Friday to meet with Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The visit marks the beginning of a two-week marathon of reports on the future of the U.S. military effort in Iraq.

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