Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Loud pipes save lives or risk rights?
  There's a battle going on between motorcycles and the public over loud exhaust pipes. On one side is the crowd that believes that loud pipes alert motorists to motorcycles and lead to safety. On the other side, there are those who say loud pipes do nothing for safety; they only irritate the public and could lead to riding restrictions.6:50 a.m.
• For the love of fly fishing, family and words
  St. Paul's Mayor Chris Coleman said he's a trout angler, but his connection to Norman Maclean's "A River Runs Through It" runs much deeper than his interest in fishing.7:50 a.m.
• Can 'a nice place to live' be fun?
  The state's third largest city has a reputation for quality health care, family activities and ... dullness. The "Rah Rah Rochester" campaign is trying to challenge that reputation.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• And the Biggest Producer of Greenhouse Gases Is Â…
  Finding out what single entity produces the most greenhouse gases in the United States is difficult, it turns out. But the government knows which power plant emits the most carbon dioxide.
• Sudan's At-Risk Villages Get Help from Satellites
  Using a Web site and high-powered satellite cameras, Amnesty International USA plans to track developments in 12 at-risk villages in Sudan by sending up-to-date images to a Web site.
• Ambassador to Iraq Sees No 'End Game' in Sight
  Ryan Crocker took the most dangerous diplomatic post in the world at the beginning of this year. The ambassador to Iraq says he sees no so-called "end game" in sight and suggests that violence in Iraq would get worse if the U.S. suddenly disengaged from the war-torn country.
• Voting Rights Group Low Key as Scandal Unfolds
  Questions about voter fraud are at the heart of the scandal of the fired U.S. attorneys. Several of them had refused to prosecute cases of alleged illegal voting by Democrats. With the story still unfolding, one of the Bush administration's staunchest advocates in the voter-fraud debate, the American Center for Voting Rights, has simply disappeared.
• Republican Party Divided on Major Issues
  The Republican Party isn't looking too solid. While it is typically known for carrying the message and minimizing differences, the 10 men vying for president weren't in sync about much during their debate Tuesday evening. They were split on immigration, the handling of Hurricane Katrina, foreign policy, and the Iraq war. There is no sense that they are inheriting any particular ideology.
• Six Day War: Jerusalem, United in Theory
  After Israeli paratroopers captured Jerusalem, Jews celebrated reunification of the divided city and renewed access to the Western Wall. But many longtime residents of Jewish West Jerusalem say the city is united in theory only, and question the wisdom of holding land captured by military might 40 years ago.
• Former White House Aide Lewis Libby Gets Jail, Fine
  A federal judge sentenced former vice presidential aide Lewis Libby to 2 1/2 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Still unresolved is whether Libby will be allowed to remain free on bail pending appeal. Libby was convicted in March of lying to the FBI and a grand jury investigating the leak of a CIA agent's identity.
• Education Law Up for Renewal; Teachers Are Leery
  The No Child Left Behind Act is up for renewal in Congress, and whether it is working remains in question. A new study shows test scores are rising. But it's unclear whether the education law should get the credit. For many educators, the verdict on the law is undetermined.
• TB Case Highlights WHO Guideline Weaknesses
  Officials are questioning how a patient with a dangerous form of tuberculosis was able travel to Europe. World Health Organization officials cite a lack of clarity about coordination and communication of international guidelines for health emergencies.
• Castro Gives First TV Interview Since Illness
  Fidel Castro appeared on Cuban TV, giving his first lengthy interview since falling ill nearly a year ago. He talked about past memories and the benefits of a balanced diet. The 80-year-old leader's condition and exact ailment have remained state secrets since July 31, when he announced he had undergone emergency intestinal surgery and was stepping aside in favor of a provisional government headed by his 76-year-old brother Raul, the defense minister.
• Auto Execs Oppose Raising Fuel Economy Standards
  Auto executives are pressing congressional leaders to revisit a plan to increase fuel efficiency standards, saying it could hurt their industry. The Senate is expected to vote next week on a proposal to raise the standard by about 10 mpg by 2020.
• Mentors Good for Young Workers
  The "Millennial" Generation — 18- to 25-year-olds — often has needs and expectations that are radically different from older workers, posing challenges to the young workers and their employers.
• North Dakota Tackles Hepatitis C in Prisons
  Hepatitis C is a growing problem in U.S. prisons, and a number of facilities are being sued for failure to treat inmates. As part of a public health initiative in North Dakota, all new prisoners are screened for the disease, among other measures.
• FTC Moves to Halt Whole Foods Deal with Wild Oats
  The Federal Trade Commission says it will file a lawsuit to block the proposed merger of Whole Foods and Wild Oats markets. The two organic food chains say the federal regulator informed them that it views their proposed combination as anti-competitive.
• Cleveland Cavaliers on Track for First Championship
  The Cleveland Cavaliers have not won a NBA championship in the club's 37-year history. Now, 22-year-old basketball sensation LeBron James has given hope to the victory-starved city.

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