Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Count all the numbers, and the job picture looks even bleaker
  The official U.S. employment rate for July is 5.7 percent. It's also 10.3 percent, and that higher number may be a more accurate reflection of the nation's job market.6:51 a.m.
• MPR poll: Obama leads, but contest is fluid
  A new Minnesota Public Radio and University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute poll shows Democrat Barack Obama leading John McCain in the state, but the race is still very fluid.7:20 a.m.
• U of M study shows cancer hits American Indians at higher rates
  The first large-scale national study of cancer rates among American Indians and Alaska Natives shows they face highers rates of several forms of cancer than the rest of the population.7:24 a.m.
• Fried food on a stick? It's fair time.
  Over the next 12 days, 1.6 million people are expected to meander and munch their way through the Minnesota State Fair. Whether they're looking for mini-donuts, cheese curds, or the latest fried food on a stick, they'll find it at the Great Minnesota Get-Together.7:50 a.m.
• Future Tense with Jon Gordon
  The FTC announced new rules this week that will prohibit recorded sales calls, beginning in September 2009. But an exception to the new rule has drawn the ire of one advocacy group.8:20 a.m.
• State Fair features plenty of entertainment
  The Minnesota State Fair opens Thursday and runs through Labor Day in Falcon Heights. Morning Edition arts commentator and St. Paul Pioneer Press theater critic Dominic Papatola runs down some of the entertainment offerings.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Soviets Attacked Czechs' 'Virus Of Freedom' In '68
  An attempt to mesh democracy and communism in Czechoslovakia by introducing free speech and freedom of assembly was squashed when Soviet officials invaded the country on Aug. 21, 1968.
• Poll Zeroes In On Weak Spots For McCain, Obama
  An NPR poll of likely voters in 19 battleground states finds about half consider Sen. Barack Obama too risky. Fewer see Sen. John McCain as independent, giving Obama a slight edge. Many of the states polled are traditionally red ones where the race is surprisingly tight.
• To Lower Blood Pressure, Open Up And Say 'Om'
  Meditating daily can lower blood pressure and reduce dependence on medication, according to a new study. Relaxation techniques increase the formation of a compound that opens up blood vessels, which in turn lowers blood pressure.
• Russia-NATO Divide Widens Amid Georgia Conflict
  Officials on both sides of the conflict are still thinking in Cold War terms, experts say, even though it ended more than 20 years ago. NATO is a much different organization now, but relations with Russia are strained.
• Pakistani Envoy Sees New Phase For Terror War
  The departure of Pakistan's president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, will aid the fight against terrorism, according to Husain Haqqani, Pakistan's ambassador to the United States. "Unfortunately, there was no chemistry between Gen. Musharraf and President Karzai," Haqqani said. But NATO troops will still be kept out of Pakistan, he said.
• Developers Improvise As Economy Falters
  Does it still make sense to build homes in the farthest suburbs, as gas prices rise and housing prices fall? Some developers say it does, if they create a different kind of suburb: a township community with stores in walking distance of the houses.
• Fay Swamps Florida; Governor Seeks Federal Aid
  Tropical Storm Fay has flooded hundreds of homes and caused tornadoes in parts of Florida. Gov. Charlie Crist has described the flooding as catastrophic and requested that President Bush issue a federal disaster declaration.
• In The ER, Unhealthy Premium On Insurance Data
  After rushing a stranger to the emergency room, health economist Philip Musgrove discovered that getting insurance information can trump getting emergency care.
• Web Site Comparing U.S. Hospitals Expanded
  The Department of Health and Human Services has beefed up its Web site that compares hospitals, making more information available to consumers.
• Fannie, Freddie Shares Slumping; Indy Gets A Break
  After trading at $60 or $70 a share a year ago, mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are in the single-digit range — and slipping further. But there's some hopeful news for struggling homeowners whose mortgages are held by IndyMac Bank, which was taken over by the government.

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