Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Pay a sticking point for manufacturers seeking skilled workers
  Factories are experiencing a shortage of skilled and qualified workers and as a result haven't been able to grow. Trade schools can't graduate students from their manufacturing programs fast enough to meet employers' hunger for talent.6:50 a.m.
• Bemidji Pamida's closing revives debate over burial site
  The planned closing of a Pamida store in Bemidji next month raises questions about what will happen to Native American remains on the property.6:55 a.m.
• Fruetel eyed as 5th Minneapolis fire chief in 8 years
  If the Minneapolis City Council confirms John Fruetel's nomination as the new fire chief, he will be the city's fifth person in the job in just eight years, taking over a department suffering from low morale and shrinking budgets.7:20 a.m.
• Redistricting chair hopeful court-drawn boundaries can be avoided
  As the legislative session gets underway this week, the controversial issue of redistricting looms over many lawmakers. The governor and legislators have until February 21 to decide on new legislative and congressional maps. If they fail, a judicial court panel releases its own plan. And once lawmakers know their future districts, they'll want to begin campaigning for November's election.7:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• GOP Rivals Vie For Florida's Spanish-Speaking Vote
  Cuban-Americans are an important part of the Republican presidential electorate in Florida. Both Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich have reached out to these voters in Spanish-language TV and radio ads. Romney, in particular, has racked up many endorsements from prominent Cuban-American political figures.
• On Florida's Space Coast, Gingrich Aims For The Moon
  During a campaign stop on Florida's Space Coast, Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich promised a permanent moon base within eight years if he's elected. The self-described space nut says his plans would provide a boost to the region that's been hit hard by the recession and the U.S. space program's uncertain future.
• Quiznos Gives Up Control To Stave Off Bankruptcy
  Quiznos once boasted 5,000 restaurants, but a slumping economy, higher supply-chain costs and tough competition from Subway have left the sandwich chain in tough straits. After seeing hundreds of its stores close, Quiznos gave up control to one of its biggest creditors to avoid bankruptcy.
• Kids Have A Say In Louisville's School Lunch Menu
  New guidelines announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday call for less fat and more fruits in school lunches. In Louisville, Kentucky, the Jefferson County School District lets students evaluate its healthy food offerings.
• 'Beasts Of The Southern Wild' Shines At Sundance
  The Sundance Film Festival wraps up this weekend in Park City, Utah. Movies, more movies, and finally some snowfall have been on offer at the gathering famously backed by Robert Redford.
• Tibetan Areas Rocked By Protest, Chinese Crackdown
  Chinese forces opened fire on Tibetan protesters this week, killing up to four and wounding more than 30, say Tibetan rights groups. The protests are among the largest against Chinese rule in nearly four years and were inspired in part by a disturbing trend: Tibetans setting themselves on fire.
• For Turkish Journalists, Arrest Is A Real Danger
  Some emerging democracies in North Africa are looking to Turkey as a potential model. But critics say the country is jailing "unfriendly" journalists and using the slow-moving justice system to stifle dissent.
• Web Retailers Want To Avoid Collecting Sales Tax
  As in other states, Florida is considering bills to force online retailers to collect sales tax from customers. States want the revenue, and local brick-and-mortar merchants are sick of losing customers who go online to avoid sales tax.
• To Grow Business, Starbucks Thinks Outside The Cup
  The company serves 60 million beverages a week, which adds up to big profits. But it's looking to do more. In a bid to further expand its consumer base, Starbucks has a new roast and plans to produce more retail products to sell outside of its coffeehouses.
• Indiana To Adopt 'Right-To-Work' Measure
  The Indiana legislature looks certain to pass controversial "right-to work" legislation. Democrats in the state House have been trying to block the measure. The vote makes it all but certain that Indiana will become the first state to pass such legislation in a decade.

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