Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Barrier of bubbles, light and sound recommended to deter Asian carp
  Officials at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources say they have decided on a way to keep invasive Asian carp from traveling up the Mississippi River, and it isn't an electric barrier.5:43 a.m.
• What's next for downtown St. Paul?
  Downtown St. Paul will look quite different next year, and that's not just because its sole department store will be gone. By 2014, Macy's will have disappeared, but downtown will see a new grocery store, light-rail trains, and the beginnings of a new ballpark. Yet some wonder if all these changes will truly revitalize the downtown's core.6:20 a.m.
• 2012 was one of the warmest years in history for Minnesota
  Minnesota Public Radio's Cathy Wurzer speaks with University of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley.6:55 a.m.
• Minneapolis mops up water main break
  Crews are still on the scene Friday morning of a water main break in downtown Minneapolis. They're using heavy equipment to remove an excavator that tipped into the rushing flood of water from a 36-inch water main.7:20 a.m.
• Vikes not favored to win playoff game against Packers
  Minnesota Public Radio's Cathy Wurzer speaks with Howard Sinker, the digital sports editor for the Star Tribune.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• 2 Million Displaced Syrians Are Living 'Rough'
  Syrian rebels control large sections of the country but President Assad has kept his grip on the capital Damascus. Those displaced by the uprising that began nearly two years ago have fled to rebel-held areas.
• 'Downton Abbey': Not Much 'Hurly Burly' Upstairs
  In the second part of his interview, David Greene talks to members of the cast of Downton Abbey. Its third season begins this Sunday on PBS.
• Countdown To Super Bowl: Playoffs Set To Begin
  David Greene talks to ex-quarterback Joe Theismann about the upcoming NFL playoffs in what has been a spectacular year for quarterbacks. Theismann was a Super Bowl champion with the Washington Redskins.
• Outspoken Alan Grayson Gets Another Chance In Congress
  The Florida Democrat known for his biting comments targeting Republicans was among the House freshmen sworn in this week. He started serving in Congress four years ago but lost a bid for re-election. Now he's back and shows no signs of softening his tone.
• Budget Deal Provides Tax Breaks For Green Energy
  Whether you're a homeowner who bought an energy-saving refrigerator last year or a company hoping to build a wind farm, the tax package Congress just approved may give you a reason to cheer.
• 2012 Was A Very Good Year For The Car Industry
  Last year was the third straight year of double-digit growth for the auto industry. Chrysler had the biggest increase for an American company with a 21 percent increase over the previous year.
• Google Avoids Antitrust Charges
  Google has agreed to change some of its business practices, in an agreement made with the Federal Trade Commission that will end the U.S. agency's antitrust probe of the search and technology company.
• California Law Addresses Social Media Privacy
  California has a new law in affect this year that bars employers from forcing employees to hand over their social media passwords. Some companies have been asking for these passwords to keep tabs on employees.
• Feline Lovers Dig Cat Cafe
  An entrepreneur in London is raising money online to open a coffee shop in the city that's feline friendly. Cat cafes are already popular in some Asian cities, where many landlords don't allow pets.
• Jobless Rate Steady In December At 7.8 Percent
  U.S. employers continued to add jobs at a modest but steady pace last month. Despite worries about the fiscal cliff, the unemployment rate stood at 7.8 percent. There were no big surprises in Friday's report from the Labor Department.

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