Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• After steamy July, cool weather returns to Minn.
  MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with University of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley about the cold low temperatures that hit some parts of northern Minnesota this month. He also talks about the state of crops around the state at this point in the growing season.6:55 a.m.
• Pawlenty, Bachmann spar at Iowa GOP debate
  The congresswoman and ex-governor repeatedly insulted each other at last night's GOP presidential debate, which was overshadowed by the expected entrance of Texas Gov. Rick Perry.7:20 a.m.
• The story behind 'The Guard'
  Consider this for a movie idea: An iconoclastic writer toils for decades, with no recognition. Then his brother puts pen to paper and overnight becomes an international success. This is actually the story behind "The Guard," a new comedy film opening this weekend in Minneapolis.7:25 a.m.
• Iowa straw poll voters discuss Pawlenty and Bachmann
  Two Republican voters from Iowa discuss last night's debate with Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer.7:40 a.m.
• Minn. nonprofit: States in upper Midwest must cooperate to land nanotech jobs
  A Minnesota organization is behind a move to create a regional initiative that could bring nanotechnology research dollars and jobs to the upper Midwest.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• GOP Presidential Candidates Spar In Iowa Debate
  Republican presidential candidates debated in Ames, Iowa, Thursday night — just two days before Saturday's straw poll. The debate featured two frontrunners: Mitt Romney, who leads in national polls, and Michele Bachmann, who has polled well in Iowa. It also marks the debate debut of former Utah Gov. Jon Hunstman.
• Romney Stops By Iowa State Fair, Gets Heckled
  The Iowa State Fair opened this week, and it provides the backdrop for two major political events in the state: Thursday's GOP presidential candidate debate and Saturday's straw poll. At the fair, the candidates get the chance to engage with voters and eat deep-fried novelties on sticks.
• 'Bad News Bears' Kid Runs For Congress
  David Pollock played one of the kids in the movie made famous in the 1970s. He played Rudi Stein, the nervous kid with glasses who got on base by intentionally getting hit with a pitch. Pollock is running as a Democrat in the new 26th Congressional district in California.
• Wall Street's Ups And Downs Leave Investors Worried
  The wild movements in the markets can be scary. But financial advisers remind investors not to panic, to keep a diversified portfolio and to plan to be prepared for more bad days ahead.
• Book Closes On U.S. House's Storied Page Program
  The cost of the program is too high, leaders say, and these days, an email or tweet can quickly share information that pages used to physically carry around the chambers. But pages have been a House fixture since its inception, and many are sad to see the chance to witness history go away.
• Utah Criticized For Limiting Liquor Licenses
  Utah's hospitality and tourism industry is suing the state for outlawing Happy Hour and refusing to increase the number of liquor licenses. Currently, there are no liquor licenses left in the state for bars, clubs, hotels or music venues. Based on Utah's quota system, it could be two years before one is available.
• U.S. Gropes For Coherent Policy In Egypt
  Although the U.S. military used its influence to help ease former President Hosni Mubarak out of power, Washington gets very little credit for that. Egyptians of all political stripes distrust the U.S., and want the Americans to stay out of the way of a revolution that they have embraced.
• Twitter Helped To Distort Egyptian Protests
  An assistant professor at UCLA recently returned from Egypt, where he researched the effect of social media on the movement to bring down former President Hosni Mubarak. Ramesh Srinivasan tells Steve Inskeep the notion that the revolution was driven by social media is vastly overstated.
• Postal Service Wants To Slash 120,000 Jobs
  In a letter to employees, the U.S. Postal Service says it will be insolvent next month. That's due to a significant decrease in the volume of mail and a significant increase in retiree health care costs. The Postal Service proposes cutting 20 percent of its workforce. The unprecedented move would require congressional approval.
• Spain Criticized For Giving Tax Break For Pope's Visit
  Many Spaniards are grumbling at the cost of their government's red carpet welcome for Pope Benedict, who heads to Madrid next week for World Youth Day. Local priests have issued a rare complaint about tax breaks offered to the event's corporate sponsors. The Spanish government is paying millions for the pope's security, at a time when it's also slashing public salaries and the education budget.

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