China boom continues on the Range - but for how long? How long can the China's need for steel push Minnesota's taconite industry? It depends who you ask, but few believe the Chinese influence will be felt forever.5:15 p.m.
Ramsey County Sheriff's race features two veteran campaigners The careers of former St. Paul police chief Bill Finney and Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher share many similarities. Now the two are rivals in the non-partisan race to be Ramsey County sheriff.5:52 p.m.
It's polling time again The midterm election is just weeks away, which means it's polling season. Our regular media analyst David Brauer has been keeping his eye on the polls, and talks more about how they fit into the news organizations who commission them.6:19 p.m.
National Public Radio Stories
Yes, the Superdome Is Ready for Some Football
The New Orleans Saints play their first home game since Hurricane Katrina, when levee breaks flooded the city last year and desperate people used the Superdome as a shelter. Now the city is returning to Monday Night Football.
Commercial Space Drive Takes a Stumble
The drive to commercialize space travel took a slight stumble Monday in the New Mexico desert, where the first launch from Spaceport America failed to reach space. The unmanned 20-foot rocket, built by Connecticut-based UP Aerospace Inc., took off safely before flying erratically.
Adult Marching Band Refuses to Yield
The Get a Life Marching Band resembles a typical high school band. They play instruments, wear uniforms, and march in parades. But there is one noticeable difference: Most members graduated from high school more than 30 years ago.
Senate Judiciary Panel Looks at Detainee Deal
The Senate Judiciary Committee begins considering the details of the agreement between the White House and GOP senators over how to interrogate detainees.
Long-Awaited Detainee Deal Short on Details
Republican leaders in the Senate and White House have reached a deal on handling terrorism suspects, but many elements of the bill remain unclear. The language surrounding acceptable interrogation methods is vague, leading to potential misunderstandings of what would be permitted.
A Question of Fortitude in Iraq?
President Bush says he wants to stay the course in Iraq. NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr asks, "What course?"
Critics Blast Texas Plans for New 'Dirty' Coal Plants
Texas utility companies have proposed building 17 new power plants over the next four years. The Lone Star State is already the nation’s leading polluter of the air.
A Top Chinese Official Is Fired in Corruption Probe
The top Communist party boss in Shanghai has been fired for corruption, the highest-level official to be caught in an anti-graft drive in more than 10 years. Chen Liangyu, the Shanghai party secretary, was implicated in a probe of misused social security funds.
The 'Disappeared' in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, the Tamil Tigers have a reputation of killing rivals, and kidnapping children to serve in their ranks. Now, there are growing allegations that government security forces, or their proxies, are operating deaths squads with impunity.
Back to School, in Spurts and Starts
As a new school year starts nationwide, quiet settles on homes once filled with the bustle and bicker of children. Commentator Julie Zickefoose relishes time to herself, until the phone rings.