MPR poll: Pawlenty approval strong; doubts about Molnau A new statewide poll gives high job performance marks to Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty, but voters have little confidence in the woman who could replace him, Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau.6:50 a.m.
Minnesota sends diverse group to Denver convention Among the cheering masses when Barack Obama accepts his party's nomination this week will be the 109 members of Minnesota's Democratic National Convention delegation.7:25 a.m.
Markets with Chris Farrell Minnesota Public Radio's chief economics correspondent Chris Farrell discusses the strength of the dollar, the credit crunch, and other economic news.7:55 a.m.
Future Tense with Jon Gordon The race is on to fix a DNS flaw that endangers the Internet. Jon Gordon explains in today's edition of Future Tense.8:20 a.m.
National Public Radio Stories
Sharif Withdraws From Pakistan Ruling Coalition
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday pulled his party out of the ruling coalition. The main party in the coalition, the Pakistan People's Party, will have to scramble to hold the government together.
Democrats Make Gains In A GOP Stronghold
America's suburbs and exurbs used to be bastions of Republicanism, but that is changing. One of those areas is the Chester County, Pa., where Republicans once outnumbered Democrats four to one. But that margin has narrowed and in 2006, the county elected a few Democrats to office for the first time in years.
A Beijing Neighborhood Changes
NPR's Frank Langfitt used to be a newspaper correspondent in Beijing. After five years away, he returned to his old neighborhood during the Olympics. What he found was a lot of new wealth. And some repression.
Slicing The Price Of A Bagel
The New York bagel doesn't change much, except for the price. And it may serve as a barometer of the changing cost of food. Flour prices have dropped after spiking earlier this year. So at least one bagel shop had dropped its price a dime, to 90 cents. But other shops aren't budging yet.
Oil, Gasoline Prices Dip On Lower Demand
The price of oil is down more than 20 percent from record highs in July, when investors were worried about a shortage of oil, due of rising demand. Now the focus is on falling demand, because of high energy costs. Still, gas prices are slowly coming down, with the average at $3.70, according to the latest national survey.
Picking Favorites In The U.S. Open
The U.S. Open tennis tournament begins today in New York City with the womens' singles champions of the past two years out with injuries, presenting an opportunity for the Williams sisters. Meanwhile, on the men's side, Rafael Nadal has the chance to prove that he's the best player of the year — if he goes further than Roger Federer.
China Celebrates Success Of Olympic Games
As the Summer Olympics in Beijing end, Chinese citizens considers the event a resounding success, and national pride goes beyond the gold medals won by Chinese athletes.
Bargain Hunters Snap Up California Homes
The housing market may be in a downward spiral, but it's a buyer's market for many deal seekers in California. Yet for first-time buyers, the path to home ownership can still be rocky.
Billie Jean King Remembers 'Battle Of The Sexes'
As the 35th anniversary of Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs "Battle of the Sexes" match approaches, co-host Renee Montagne talks to tennis legend Billie Jean King about that famous match. King highlights the lessons that helped her win that match in a new book, Pressure is a Privilege.
The Business Outside The Denver Convention
Organizers of the Democratic National Convention in Denver say it will pump as much as $160 million into the local economy. Experts say the total will be more like $16 million. Businesses in the Mile High City are optimistic, though some are slashing prices to make sure the convention isn't a bust for them.
Achieving Democratic Unity In Denver
The Democratic National Convention gets underway Monday in Denver. Sen. Hillary Clinton is expected to formally release her delegates to Barack Obama. But will that move unite the party? Co-host Renee Montagne talks with NPR News Analyst Cokie Roberts about whether the party can come together.
FCC Spreads The Word On Digital TV Switchover
In February, people who use an antenna to get television signals will have to begin using conversion boxes to watch their favorite programs. The Federal Communications Commission will start an 80-city tour this week to talk about the changes.
Debate On China's Openness Continues
The Beijing Olympic Games have ended in a blaze of fireworks, with the largest share of gold medals going to the host country. Chinese citizens and state media said that their success in holding the games for the first time would make China a more confident and open country.
Treating Iraqi Children For PTSD
The war in Iraq has had a severe impact on the country's children. More than 650 children were reported killed there last year. Iraq's children also have been the victims of kidnapping, torture and rape. A clinic for children suffering post-traumatic stress disorder is opening this month in Baghdad.
A Debatable Point
The president of Fort Hays State University in Kansas fired debating coach William Shanahan after the coach got in a shouting match with another coach at a debate tournament. A YouTube video shows them screaming obscenities. Shanahan jumped up and down, then turned around to moon the room — underwear still up, but shorts down. He says he argued with the other coach because he respected her.
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