Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Recession shift makes more women breadwinners
  More women than ever before are the primary breadwinners for families. The trend is especially pronounced in Minnesota. Here, more than a third of women with children are now the main source of economic support for their families.6:20 a.m.
• Joe Mauer has the Twins over a barrel
  There may be two feet of snow on the ground all over Twins Territory, but down in Florida, the Minnesota Twins have tied on the spikes and trotted out onto the field for spring training. They made the playoffs last fall. They've got a shiny new stadium this spring. And they've got fans like Peter Smith asking: just what lies ahead for this team?6:25 a.m.
• Some hope for improvement in new budget forecast
  Minnesota is currently facing a $1.2 billion budget deficit, but some are hoping the state's economy has bottomed out.7:20 a.m.
• Ban aside, time and money may stop new nuclear plants in Minnesota
  Even if lawmakers agree to lift the nuclear moratorium in Minnesota, it's unlikely any new plants will be built anytime soon.7:35 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Concepcion Residents Complain Relief Is Slow
  The city of Concepcion was one of the hardest hit by Chile's earthquake. The port has been badly damaged by waters that came more than a half-mile into the area. A major apartment building collapsed, leaving dozens unaccounted for. Reporter Annie Murphy tells Renee Montagne that residents desperate for food have been looting the city's stores and complaining about the slow response by the government.
• Despite Chile's Prosperity, It's Vulnerable To Quakes
  Chile is one of the most prosperous nations in Latin America. It's faced, in some places, with destroyed infrastructure — roads, bridges and houses. Larry Birns, director of the Council of Hemispheric Affairs, talks to Steve Inskeep about Chile's ability to recover from the weekend's damaging earthquake.
• Rebuilding A Nest Egg After The Great Recession
  After sustaining huge losses, Americans are trying to put their retirement investing back on track. Investment experts say people remain slow to adjust the balance of stocks and bonds in their portfolios. Many advocate making investments more conservative as you approach retirement.
• In Fossil Find, 'Anaconda' Meets 'Jurassic Park'
  Scientists have discovered a macabre death scene that took place 67 million years ago. Preserved for eternity are an 11-foot snake and its prey, a newly hatched dinosaur. The discovery is among the rarest of the rare — fossils that reveal how ancient animals behaved.
• School Fires Its Teachers In The Name Of Progress
  Central Falls, Rhode Island, is the smallest city in the smallest state — but it's at the center of one of biggest debates in education. That is: How to turn around failing public schools? As part of a federal initiative, district officials have embarked on a major overhaul of their only high school, and have announced the firing of all teachers.
• Former 'No Child Left Behind' Advocate Turns Critic
  Once a conservative advocate for the No Child Left Behind Act, Diane Ravitch has had a change in opinion. The former Bush administration education official has written a book spelling out the law's missteps and adverse effects on the U.S. education system.
• Hyundai Replaces Jeff Bridges' Voice During Oscars
  Hyundai is pulling the voice of actor Jeff Bridges from its ads during Sunday night's broadcast of the Oscars. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has a rule limiting the use of nominees in Oscar ads. Bridges, nominated for the best actor award for his role in Crazy Heart, has voiced ads for the Korean automaker since 2007.
• Madoff Whistleblower: SEC Failed To Do The Math
  Harry Markopolos spent nearly a decade on Bernard Madoff's trail. He says his efforts to alert securities regulators about Madoff's schemes were repeatedly ignored. In a new book, he details how the Securities and Exchange Commission still lacks the tools for the job.
• Ole Miss Searches For New Mascot
  The University of Mississippi has been without a mascot since 2003 when the school stopped using Colonel Reb because it smacked too much of the confederate South. Some students want Admiral Ackbar of Star Wars fame to represent the Rebels of Ole Miss. Others say that's just comic relief.
• Marjah Effort Shows Values, Flaws Of Afghan Forces
  Afghan security forces are working alongside U.S. Marines in the offensive in Marjah, a Taliban stronghold in the south. But U.S. and Afghan officials still face huge problems recruiting, training and retaining Afghan soldiers. And that could jeopardize President Obama's plan to begin removing U.S. troops next year.

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