Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Obama's health care olive branch to GOP addresses malpractice reform
  The grants would allow states to set up health courts -- courts where medically-trained judges, not juries -- would decide malpractice cases.4:49 p.m.
• From the Frank Theatre, a fresh 'Cabaret'
  When an iconoclastic theater company like Frank Theatre tackles a musical like "Cabaret," you can almost bet it won't be anything like the original.4:54 p.m.
• Minn. delegation mirrors Congressional budget divide
  The House wants much deeper cuts than the Senate in the federal spending bill, and they have less than two weeks to reach a deal. The state's voices in Washington are largely split along party lines.5:20 p.m.
• Budget-cutting fever puts ethanol subsidies at risk
  As lawmakers look for places to cut spending, federal support for ethanol could become a tempting target. The U.S. Government Accountability Office says ethanol subsidies cost taxpayers billions of dollars and are not necessary.5:24 p.m.
• PoliGraph: Dayton voting claim false
  During recent rounds on radio and television, Gov. Mark Dayton has been touting the fact that neither he nor the Republicans who gained majorities in the Legislature have a mandate to govern because neither party got the majority of the vote. But the numbers he uses don't add up.5:35 p.m.
• The signs of spring and the birds it brings
  Bird expert Carrol Henderson joined All Things Considered host Tom Crann from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to give a status check on the activity of our feathered friends.5:50 p.m.
• Paper Darts defies literary magazine logic
  With the magazine and publishing world in a tailspin, you'd think this would be the worst time to start a literary magazine. But three recent University of Minnesota graduates disagree. The trio behind a new publication called "Paper Darts" has big plans -- and the support of the Twin Cities literary community.5:55 p.m.
• The Dinner Party Download featuring Gabrielle Hamilton
  A joke from Stuart McLamb, small talk with Jezebel writer Jessica Cohen and celebrated chef Gabrielle Hamilton.6:20 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Ride 'Em, Chameleon! 'Rango' A Wild, Wacky Western
  Johnny Depp gives voice to an animated, terrarium-raised lizard who changes his stripes and becomes sheriff of a ramshackle desert town. Directed by Gore Verbinski, Rango is a kid flick that's chock-full of delights for movie nuts.
• Ore. Congressman Back, 'In Good Shape,' After Gaffes
  Democrat David Wu has returned to Washington after reports of odd behavior and allegations of drug abuse led him to return home for a week. His troubles started last Halloween, when he sent a photo of himself wearing a tiger costume to staffers. Wu plans to run for re-election in 2012, but both parties have an eye on his seat.
• Gadhafi's Frozen Assets: $32 Billion And Counting
  Investments by Moammar Gadhafi and the Libyan government include holdings in Italy and London. And major U.S. banks reportedly hold Libyan assets. Analysts say Gadhafi or those close to him were shopping for influence more than a handsome return.
• February Jobs Report Shows Optimism
  There are new signs of a rebound in the job market. The nation's unemployment rate has fallen below 9 percent for the first time in nearly two years. The economy generated 192,000 jobs.
• Week In Politics
  Host Melissa Block speaks with our regular political commentators, EJ Dionne of the Washington Post and Brookings Institution, and David Brooks of the New York Times.
• Explosion Of Violence Hits Ivory Coast Capital
  In the West African nation of Ivory Coast, forces loyal to Laurent Gbagbo shot dead several women protesting his rule. Gbagbo is Ivory Coast's incumbent president who refuses to concede defeat to his challenger in November elections. The battle for power there has become increasingly violent.
• In Cuba, Jailed American Faces Trial
  Today, American contractor Alan Gross goes on trial in Cuba. He's charged with "acts against the integrity and independence" of the state. Gross says he was just trying to help enhance Internet connectivity for the island's small Jewish community. Nick Miroff is watching, and he speaks with host Melissa Block.
• Inside A Refugee Camp At The Libyan-Tunisian Border
  Thousands of foreign workers and many Libyans are continuing to flee Libya for neighboring Tunisia. U.N. officials at the border describe the situation as an emergency heading for a crisis.
• Director Of Prestigious UK University Resigns
  The London School of Economics in Britain is considered one of the world's finest universities. Right now, though, it's reputation's taking a battering. The school's at the center of a storm over its decision to accept large sums of money from Libya — and, in particular, from an organization run by one of Moammar Gadhafi's sons.
• Who To Watch During March Madness
  As men's college basketball ends its regular season and enters "March Madness," host Michele Norris talks with sportswriter Stefan Fatsis about the season — and which teams to watch as the tournament begins.

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