Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Late-winter blizzard shuts down Duluth
  "Today is not the day to make a trip up to Duluth," a State Patrol captain said after a major winter storm hit parts of northern Minnesota. The storm slowed the commute in the Twin Cities as well.4:50 p.m.
• Dr. Jon Hallberg: Study confirms colon tests effectively reduce cancer deaths
  A new study confirms that standard tests like colonoscopies and removal of precancerous polyps are effective in reducing colon cancer deaths.4:54 p.m.
• Minn. budget forecast shows $323 million surplus
  Minnesota finance officials are projecting a second consecutive budget surplus. The new economic forecast released Wednesday shows a $323 million cushion for the current two-year budget cycle. But it also still shows a return to red ink looming two years down the road.5:20 p.m.
• Job challenge: Grow more entrepreneurs
  LITTLE FALLS, Minn. The enormous ceiling lights flash on as Tom Elbert walks through the 260,000-square-foot former Crestliner plant in Little Falls, and they turn off as he leaves each area. He installed the energy-saving lights soon after he bought the shuttered factory about a year ago and wanted to cut an electric bill that can reach $10,000 a month.5:24 p.m.
• Legal opinions: Sviggum has conflict as regent, GOP spokesman
  Two legal opinions released by the University of Minnesota Wednesday conclude that regent Steve Sviggum faces a conflict of interest if he continues to hold both his regent's position and his staff job with the state Senate GOP caucus.5:50 p.m.
• Discount flyer Spirit to offer MSP to Chicago, Las Vegas flights
  Low-cost Spirit Airlines announce Wednesday that it will start non-stop service from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to Chicago's O'Hare airport and Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport.5:54 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Romney Turns Attention To Ohio, Super Tuesday
  Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, who narrowly won Michigan's Republican primary on Tuesday, traveled south to campaign in Toledo, Ohio on Wednesday. Ohio holds its primary next week on Super Tuesday.
• Former GOP Chairs Weigh In On Upcoming Primaries
  Robert Siegel talks to three former GOP party chairmen and governors about the results of Tuesday's primaries in Michigan and Arizona. Haley Barbour of Mississippi says President Obama is the "great unifier" for Republicans, and that Republicans should focus on opposing Obama's policies. Marc Racicot of Montana says the GOP should make economic issues a priority, rather than focusing too intently on social issues. And Jim Gilmore of Virginia says he feels a connection must be made between the GOP and blue-collar voters.
• Superman, Ja Rule Among 'Leaplings'
  Robert Siegel and Audie Cornish highlight some people born on Leap Day.
• N. Korea To Halt Nuclear Tests; U.S. To Provide Aid
  The U.S. says North Korea has agreed to suspend nuclear tests, long-range missile launches and the enrichment of uranium. In turn, the U.S. will send food aid. But analysts say the deal is just the first step in reopening talks on North Korea's nuclear program.
• Reports: Egypt To Let Pro-Democracy Americans Leave Country
  The Americans include Sam LaHood, son of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. The younger man runs the U.S. government-sponsored International Republican Institute in Egypt.
• Delegate Process Could Make Race A Long(er) Haul
  Nearly two months into the GOP primary season, presumed front-runner Mitt Romney hasn't driven away his opponents. Will the GOP presidential nominee be decided before this summer's convention?
• Snowe Retirement Launches Political Feeding Frenzy
  There was a political scramble in Maine after Tuesday's surprise retirement announcement from Olympia Snowe, one of the state's two Republican senators.
• Expert Panel To Give Controversial Bird Flu Research A Second Look
  The studies in question looked at how the bird flu virus could spread through the air. An expert panel that advises the government on biosafety in research had earlier said the findings should not be published, fearing that the data could fall into the wrong hands.
• Letters: On Women's Boxing
  Robert Siegel and Audie Cornish read emails from listeners about a segment on a female boxer in Flint, Michigan.
• Two Books For Kids About How Hard It Is To Fit In
  In February, the young readers in NPR's Backseat Book Club read a pair of books: The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes and Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai. They were published 60 years apart but share similar themes about standing out, getting teased and being strong.

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