Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Calm returns to Xcel after police fire tear gas at protesters
  Calm returns to Xcel Energy Center after police fired tear gas at protesters. About 2,000 protesters had marched on the Republican National Convention from events at Mears Park and the capitol grounds.4:45 p.m.
• Despite RNC, it's back to school for most
  Today was the first day of school for many students across Minnesota. And even with the Republican National Convention in town, it was also back to school for the St. Paul School District4:55 p.m.
• Authorities say splinter groups caused most of protest violence
  Though nearly 300 protesters were arrested on the first day of the Republican National Convention, St. Paul mayor Chris Coleman said he feels the officers' actions were nothing short of heroic.5:20 p.m.
• St. Paul business owners feel they aren't getting a fair RNC shake
  Hosting the Republican National Convention was supposed to be a joint affair for the Twin Cities. Civic boosters reminded the public that they were promoting "Minneapolis-St. Paul," not one city over another. But some St. Paul business owners are wondering if they've gotten the short end of the stick.5:47 p.m.
• Fred Senn, co-founder of Fallon Worldwide, talks about the costs and benefits of the RNC
  Despite the belated start, St. Paul and Minneapolis may get the national and international attention they were expecting for hosting the 2008 Republican National Convention. Fred Senn, founder of a local advertising firm, talked about what it means for Minneapolis-St.Paul to host the convention.5:51 p.m.
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• Despite not getting VP nod, Pawlenty still hot ticket at RNC
  Sen. John McCain did not select Gov. Tim Pawlenty for his running mate, although the Minnesota Republican was reportedly on the shortest of the short lists, but that does not made him any less popular at this year's Republican National Convention.6:21 p.m.
• Ron Paul launches day-long rally in Minneapolis
  Hundreds of people unhappy with the two major political parties are offering a noisy endorsement of Texas Congressman Ron Paul at a day-long rally in Minneapolis.6:24 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Case Closed: Arizona Mystery Immigrant Identified
  After more than four months, officials at University Medical Center in Tucson, Ariz., have identified a man previously known only as "Adobe." He is Santos Vazquez Escalante of Chiquimula, Guatemala, and he has been reunited with his wife and five children.
• Meridian Arts Ensemble: Brass With A Twist
  With an innovative repertoire and creative musical arrangements, the five brass players of the Meridian Arts Ensemble — and the group's new percussionist — have redefined the boundaries of the traditionally stodgy brass quintet in music that ranges from J.S. Bach to Frank Zappa.
• The 'Bechdel Rule,' Defining Pop-Culture Character
  Two decades ago, cartoonist Alison Bechdel spelled out a test for whether a movie was worth her time. "Yes" if: it (a) featured at least two women who (b) talk to each other about (c) something other than a man. Two decades later, what measures up?
• Gustav-Hit Houma, La., Sees Little Flooding
  Houma is one of the coastal Louisiana town that sustained damage during Hurricane Gustav. There, power lines and utility poles are down everywhere and trees are blocking most roads — but the good news is, there is little flooding.
• Evacuee Offers Insight On Gustav
  Wayne Ross, a New Orleans resident, has been living at a shelter at an old Sam's Club warehouse in Shreveport, La., since he was evacuated from New Orleans on Saturday. Ross says conditions are poor and wonders if he would have been better off staying home.
• Brownback: Social Conservatives 'Pumped' By Palin
  Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) says the selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate is a hit with the GOP's religious wing. He describes the mood of social conservatives as "pumped," saying Republicans have had no excitement in four years.
• As Mayor, Palin Used Funding Ploy She Now Decries
  Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential pick, has had ties to the Alaskan Independence Party. But that didn't stop her from launching into the hunt for federal earmarks when she was mayor of Wasilla.
• In Kansas City, Mo., A Woman Helps Her Neighbors
  In Kansas City, Mo., two women who have survived trying circumstances have found help from a woman they call a second mom. The woman has her own compelling story. At one stage, she found herself homeless in Atlanta and battling drug addiction.
• Social Conservatives' Support For Palin Unwavering
  News that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's teenage daughter is pregnant is not worrying the social activists among the GOP. Instead, there is enthusiasm for John McCain's pick of a running mate. Millions of dollars have poured in from campaign donors since he made the announcement on Friday.
• Indiana's Gov. Backs Midwest To Support McCain
  Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels says he was pleasantly surprised by John McCain's choice of a running mate. He says the race at the top of the ticket is close, but McCain will win. Daniels says the Midwest can prove to be both unpredictable and competitive.

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