Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Do-it-yourself litigators get a hand from state
  One of the results of the bad economy is that fewer people can afford lawyers, making Minnesota's virtual self-help program an attractive option for the rising number of people representing themselves in court.7:25 a.m.
• NEA funding to change with new leadership
  The new chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts is making waves. The U.S. Senate confirmed Rocco Landesman as chairman last Friday.8:25 a.m.
• USDA forecasts crop yields
  Minnesota farmers are expected to harvest an above average corn crop this fall, but the soybean crop is struggling. The U.S. Agriculture Department released its first detailed look at the fall harvest.8:35 a.m.
• New study approach could improve water quality
  A pilot project in the Red River Valley could improve how Minnesota monitors water quality statewide.8:45 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Rocking The Vote, Afghan-Style
  Afghanistan's biggest musical star and heartthrob, Farhad Darya, is performing a series of concerts to encourage voters to turn out for the Aug. 20 presidential election. The campaign has been looking increasingly American — with posters, rallies, Web sites and music.
• U.S. Targets Taliban-Drug Trade Link In Afghanistan
  Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the U.S. commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan, tells NPR the international community will need to work with the Afghan government to help develop the rule of law — and the country's justice system to punish drug traffickers who are financing the Taliban insurgency.
• Kill Grandma? Debunking A Health Bill Scare Tactic
  Some analysts say false claims that the health bill encourages seniors to end their lives early were purposely spread to undermine the bill. In fact, the bill would pay health care providers to discuss a patient's health care wishes.
• Will Insurance Exchange Help Cut Health Costs?
  Democrats say a health insurance exchange would help provide affordable insurance options by fostering competition to lower costs. In an exchange, people could choose from a variety of insurance providers and a public plan option.
• A Classic List Of Must-Read Children's Books
  As summer vacations draw to a close and school-age children begin the mad scramble to fulfill their summer reading obligations, author Lesley M. M. Blume recommends a few timeless books that may not be on the required book lists.
• Earth Science From The Sky: The Next Generation
  NASA's new program prepares young Earth scientists to tackle tough environmental issues. In an airplane laboratory, students study everything from the growth of unusual algae blooms to the methane from a dairy cow's burp.
• Dungy On Vick: 'I Would Take A Chance On Him'
  It might be time to give fallen NFL star Michael Vick a second chance, says Tony Dungy, former coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Dungy has been giving Vick advice about his future since he paid a visit to the former quarterback in prison.
• Analyst Urges More Troops For Afghanistan
  Anthony Cordesman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies argues that winning the war in Afghanistan would require the equivalent of armed nation building. He calls for more troops with fewer restrictions, fighting corruption in the Afghan government and a coordinated, efficient aid effort.
• Google Deal With Publishers Raises Privacy Concerns
  Some authors and privacy groups are upset about the pending settlement between Google and publishers. Privacy advocates say the pact has no provisions protecting the anonymity of readers and want something like the protections afforded library patrons. Google says the privacy of the system will be taken up after the system is built.
• Kaiser Permanente Announces Layoffs
  Nonprofit health care provider Kaiser Permanente said Tuesday it is cutting more than 1,800 jobs in California, or just under 2 percent of its employees; no doctors will be cut. The move underscores pressures facing the health care industry.

Resources

• Marketplace Tech Report®
• Marketplace Morning Report®
• Mark Seeley's WeatherTalk

Services

• Hourly Newscast
• HD Radio
• iPhone App / Mobile
• E-mail newsletters
• RSS feeds
• Podcasts
• Submit your photos
• Videos
• Weather
• Most e-mailed stories