Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Some Democrats worry about race in campaign
  Concern about ongoing racial prejudice is causing unease among those backing Barack Obama for president.6:50 a.m.
• Wall Street bailout may bring little relief to homeowners
  The $700 billion federal bailout of the financial industry may not help Faith Burns, or other homeowners, renegotiate their loans. Consumer advocates say a bailout for Wall Street should include provisions to help homeowners keep making payments and stabilize communities.7:20 a.m.
• High corn prices create huge losses in ethanol industry
  For ethanol companies, big moves in the price of corn can mean large profits or major losses. With corn prices all over the map this year, companies have committed to paying high prices. The profit losses are adding up to tens of millions of dollars.7:35 a.m.
• Ellison and Bachmann unsatisfied with bailout
  Two members of Minnesota's congressional delegation are unsatisfied with the $700 billion bailout of Wall Street.7:50 a.m.
• Future Tense with Jon Gordon
  How the presidential election might be decided by the microtargeting of American voters.8:20 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Sea-Based Missile Defense System Shows Promise
  The sea-based component of the U.S. missile-defense system has proved effective at targeting and destroying ballistic missiles. The Navy is deploying this system on more of its cruisers and destroyers worldwide.
• A Man For These Diminished Times
  Sport can take fans' minds off their troubles, but not in 2008. This year, Patriots coach Bill Belichick, our saint of the perpetual frown, reflects the glum national mood — especially with quarterback Tom Brady out for the season.
• Last-Minute Reprieve For Georgia Inmate
  The U.S. Supreme Court granted a stay of execution Tuesday for Troy Davis. The Georgia inmate was scheduled to be executed for the 1989 slaying of an off-duty police officer. Seven of nine witnesses who helped put Davis on death row have recanted their testimony.
• Senators Skeptical Of Bailout Package
  Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testified before the Senate Banking Committee Tuesday about the $700 billion rescue plan for the financial sector. They stressed that it was urgent that lawmakers pass the bill this week. Many committee members were not swayed.
• McCain Aide Paid Retainer By Freddie Mac
  On Tuesday, The New York Times reported a connection between John McCain's campaign manager and the financial crisis. New details indicate that Davis' firm was paid a monthly retainer by Freddie Mac. The firm was paid as recently as last month. Davis remains a part owner of that firm, though he does not take a salary from it.
• Japan Loses Confidence In Chinese Dairy Products
  Chinese dairy imports have been banned in at least a dozen countries in response to the contaminated milk scandal. A top Japanese food company has recalled five food products sourced from a Chinese dairy company, including snacks served in hospital and school lunches. However, most of the products had already been consumed.
• Chinese Astronauts Prepare To Walk In Space
  China is getting ready to launch its third human spaceflight mission Thursday. It will feature China's first spacewalk. China seems determined to expand its capabilities in space, and a NASA official says that when American astronauts return to the moon, they may find that the Chinese have been there.
• Armstrong Seeks 8th Tour De France Victory
  Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong announces formally in New York Wednesday that he plans to come out of retirement and participate cycling's prestigious race one more time. While in the sport, Armstrong was dogged by rumors that he was doping. Armstrong wants to use his comeback, in part, to prove doubters wrong.
• McCain's Straight Talk Express Less Talkative
  John McCain made news Tuesday by taking questions from the media. It's a big change from the days when the Republican presidential nominee was known for his straight talk express.
• Washington Mutual Teetering On Financial Edge
  Washington Mutual, the nation's largest savings and loan, is up for sale. But would-be buyers seem to be taking a wait-and-see attitude toward the heavily indebted institution. The Bush administration's rescue plan for Wall Street could help it land a buyer.
• Warren Buffett Backs Goldman Sachs
  Amid all the uncertainty on Wall Street, investor Warren Buffett is giving a $5 billion vote of confidence to Goldman Sachs. The investment bank is considered to have a relatively strong balance sheet, but its stock has dropped sharply in the fallout of the subprime mortgage disaster.
• Warning: Energy Drinks Contain Caffeine
  Researchers are calling for warning labels on energy drinks. The drinks contain substantial amounts of caffeine, which could lead to symptoms associated with a caffeine overdose, including heart palpitations and insomnia. The energy drinks are marketed to adolescents, who haven't developed a tolerance to caffeine.
• U.S. Meltdown Scared World's Financial Centers
  Investors around the world are waiting to see how the U.S. financial turmoil will affect them. Lionel Barber, editor of the Financial Times, says watching the banks on Wall Street start to crumble was frightening to anybody in Tokyo, London and Frankfurt. He says the question now is how will the markets react if Congress doesn't pass a rescue package by the end of the week.
• Wake Up Calls At Red Roof Go Country
  Guests at Red Roof Inn can now hear wakeup call recordings from popular country music acts Little Big Town and Phil Vassar. Their voices can be heard when guests ask for wake-up calls, or when callers to the chain are put on hold. The New York Times reports the budget motel chain wants to capitalize on the popularity of country music among its customers.
• Sen. Shelby Against Current Rescue Package
  Members of the Senate Banking Committee heard Tuesday from Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke. Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama, the ranking Republican on the committee, says he won't vote for the plan the way it stands now. He believes it will have to be reconfigured to pass because there are too many unanswered questions.

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