Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Do reporters need a federal shield law?
  First amendment advocates say the Congress is working on the best chance in years for a shield law, that would do more to protect journalists from divulging confidential sources. But the proposal also defines who is a reporter, which some regard as a deal with the devil.9:06 a.m.
  Guests
  Floyd Abrams: First Amendment lawyer and partner at Cahill, Gordon & Reindel. He represented Judith Miller in the Valerie Plame leak case. He's the author of "Speaking Freely: Trials of the First Amendment." (2005)
  Randall Eliason: Former federal prosecutor and professor of law at American University and George Washington University. For seven years he was a prosecutor in the Public Corruption/Government Fraud section in the U.S. Attorney's office for the District of Columbia.
  Resources
  Frontline: "Should There be a Shield Law?"
  About Randall Eliason
  Floyd Abrams' 2005 testimony on shield law
• Fallout from Medtronic's problems
  Fridley-based Medtronic has announced it will stop selling a wire lead commonly used in defibrillators after it learned about a malfunction that may have played a role in five recent deaths.9:45 a.m.
  Guests
  Douglas Zipes: Distinguished professor at the University of Indiana School of Medicine.
  More from MPR
  Medtronic stops selling heart device (10/15/2007)
• Iran from a woman's point of view
  Iranian-born author Gina Nahai chronicles the clash of cultures in Los Angeles, where huge numbers of Iranians have settled and continue to try to influence their home society. Her latest book explores how loss is experienced in the West and East.10:06 a.m.
  Guests
  Gina Nahai: Author of the new novel, "Caspian Rain." She is a journalist and writer, who also teaches at the University of Southern California. Her other books include "Cry of the Peacock."

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