Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Duncan: Minn. must address achievement gap
  The nation's highest education official said Friday that Minnesota needs to do more to close its achievement gap between white and minority students.4:49 p.m.
• Ethanol gets a victory with approval of E15 blend
  Nearly two-thirds of drivers could have more corn-based ethanol in their fuel tanks under an Environmental Protection Agency decision Friday.4:55 p.m.
• Chronic wasting disease in deer an 'isolated incident,' DNR says
  Minnesota DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr said a single wild whitetail deer shot this fall near Pine Island has tested positive for chronic wasting disease -- a first for the state.5:20 p.m.
• Backpacks filled with food feed kids on weekends
  Backpack programs are springing up in some parts of Minnesota to help feed hungry kids. These programs send those students home with backpacks filled with food for the weekend. Some kids, especially those who rely on school lunch during the week, have a hard time getting enough to eat when they're away from school.5:23 p.m.
• Morning Edition producer Curtis Gilbert in Washington
  Morning Edition producer Curtis Gilbert is in D.C. preparing for next week's shows.5:49 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Tunisians Eager To Hold On To Newfound Freedom
  In Tunisia, remnants of forces loyal to ousted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali continue to stage attacks — often targeting civilians — around the country. In the port city of Bizerte, residents say they are trying to get past their anger and overcome their fear of what's next.
• General Electric CEO To Head New Economic Panel
  President Obama on Friday tapped Jeffrey Immelt, the CEO of General Electric, to head up a new business advisory council. The panel's focus is to boost hiring in the private sector.
• Week In Politics: Health Law Repeal; Senators Retire
  This week, the health care repeal passed as expected in the House, and two longtime senators announced their retirements. Host Melissa Block reviews the week in politics with our regular commentators E.J. Dionne of the Washington Post and David Brooks of the New York Times. Plus, a look ahead to the president's State of the Union address next Tuesday.
• Remembering The Legacy Of Chemist Albert Ghiorso
  Hosts Robert Siegel and Melissa Block remember Albert Ghiorso, an ingenious and inventive scientist who helped discover 12 chemical elements — an accomplishment perhaps unrivaled in the history of atomic research. Ghiorso, 95, died of undisclosed causes last month at a care facility near his home in Berkeley, Calif.
• Tunisians Embrace Life Without Censorship
  During Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's 23-year rule, the press in Tunisia was censored. That changed literally overnight last Friday when he and his wife fled the country. Now, books that were once banned are appearing in bookstores, Tunisians don't have to turn to foreign channels for news, and a scathing ballad about the former president fills the airwaves.
• House Democrats Strategize At Maryland Retreat
  House Democrats have retreated to Cambridge, Md., to figure out their strategy for the year. Vice President Joe Biden and President Obama were scheduled to speak at the retreat on Friday. For more, host Melissa Block speaks to NPR's Andrea Seabrook, who is in Cambridge.
• Giffords Arrives At Houston Rehabilitation Center
  Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords left the Tucson hospital Friday where she's been recovering from a gunshot wound to the head. Now she's at a rehabilitation center in Houston.
• A Look At NFL Playoffs, Upcoming Labor Dispute
  This Sunday, four football teams play for the right to go to the Super Bowl. Host Robert Siegel talks with sportswriter Stefan Fatsis about this weekend's playoff games and the labor dispute that threatens to disrupt the next NFL season.
• Booksellers Look To Bicycle Stores For Inspiration
  The American Booksellers Association, which represents independent bookstores, is meeting this week in Washington, D.C. The booksellers toured a D.C. bicycle store to see what they could learn about the retail business from a different angle.
• 'The Way Back': An Epic Escape, Short On Drama
  Peter Weir's latest follows a group of Siberian prisoners whose escape plans encompass thousands of miles of stunning landscape — but not nearly enough in the way of personality.

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