Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Understanding the line between self defense and murder
  In Minnesota it's legal to own a gun and even shoot an intruder in the name of self-defense but taking the life of another person is a more complicated matter. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Hamline law professor Joseph Olson who has studied self-defense laws and teaches self defense courses, including how to handle a gun.8:25 a.m.
• Task force recommends revamping state education funding
  A state task force is suggesting changes to how the state pays for education as an attempt to create stable and fair funding for Minnesota schools. The effort, however, will face challenges as lawmakers wrestle with the state's budget deficit.10:40 a.m.
• Advocates say progress made in fight against homelessness in Hennepin County
  Advocates for the homeless say they have made progress to end homelessness in Hennepin County. There are 40 percent fewer people sleeping on the streets since 2010 and many more apartments for low-income people. But there's still work to be done, they told a Minneapolis City Council meeting Tuesday.11:20 a.m.
• Problem St. Paul apartment buildings re-open with help of private investment
  An east side apartment complex notorious for being unsanitary and even unsafe has been renovated and is opening its doors again. Community leaders are hopeful for the new chapter, but it was painful getting here.11:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Will China's First Lady Outshine Her Husband?
  She is a wildly popular singer, AIDS activist and major general in the Chinese army. Now, Peng Liyuan is slated to add another title: first lady of China. Peng's husband, Xi Jinping, is expected to become the country's president next year. Military garb has replaced her fabulous costumes as China's image-makers ensure she doesn't overshadow Xi.
• Afghan Women Make Their Mark On The Soccer Field
  The women's soccer team in Afghanistan isn't an international powerhouse. But their mere existence is a triumph and points to the growing number of Afghan women playing sports. And they're getting a little help from an American soccer star.
• In Russia, Pro-Putin Youths Protest Mormons As 'Cult'
  Russia's Young Guard has demonstrated outside Mormon meeting halls in Moscow. Members claim the Mormon church is a totalitarian cult that believes in multiple gods and has ties to the CIA and FBI.
• College Football: Pro and Con(servative) Views
  College sports fans can be distinctively different from the pro variety, no matter where they are. And that might complicate the growth plans of athletic conferences such as as the Big Ten, says Frank Deford.
• Victims Feel Slighted By Oklahoma Bombing Fund
  It's been almost 18 years since a bomb destroyed the federal building in Oklahoma City. Today, millions of dollars remain unspent in a fund established for blast survivors — and some victims are asking why they've been denied assistance they say they need.
• Educators Worry Revamped GED Will Be Too Pricey
  The test long used to demonstrate high school equivalency is getting an overhaul. Many educators agree it's time for an update, but the new GED will be much more expensive and administered only on computers. Some are worried the new exam will be out of reach for many test takers.
• Incoming GOP Rep. Yoho Rejects Norquist Pledge
  Amid the current federal budget debate, a handful of Republicans are breaking ranks. They say they're willing to consider tax revenue increases. That goes against a pledge written many years ago by anti-tax crusader Grover Norquist. Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep talks with Florida Congressman-elect Ted Yoho about why, as a new lawmaker, he decided against signing the pledge.
• Grover Norquist: Pink Unicorns Aren't Real And GOP Won't Break Tax Pledge
  The man behind Republicans' "no new taxes" pledge says Democrats won't propose "real" spending cuts or reforms. It's a fantasy to think they would, Norquist says. So, he says, even those Republicans who are suggesting they might vote for higher tax revenues won't do so.
• Post-Election, GOP's Immigration Message Evolves
  Electoral math dictates the party change its position on immigration. For Republicans, the old debate was amnesty vs. deportation. But that debate died on election night. The new debate has a new dividing line: legalization vs. citizenship.
• As Battery Demand Falls, Can Energizer Keep Going?
  Lithium battery sales have fallen dramatically in recent years, as people adopt more and more rechargeable devices. The decreasing need for the batteries has prompted Energizer to close three U.S. plants, including one in northern Vermont.

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