Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Brooklyn Center OKs levy after eight previous rejections
  Brooklyn Center voters approved a property tax levy on Tuesday, after voting down previous levy proposals eight times in row, as this graphic illustrates. Click on the image to enlarge.6:20 a.m.
• Minn.'s frigid climate a selling point for data storage industry
  For the data storage industry, Minnesota's frigid climate is a selling point. Server computers generate so much heat that the companies are looking to take advantage of ways to save power and costs.6:55 a.m.
• Property owners frustrated by power grid update
  A massive power grid update under construction through the state is causing consternation for some homeowners in its path.7:20 a.m.
• Storyteller Kevin Kling fondly remembers Christmas ham
  This weekend at the Fitzgerald Theater here in St. Paul, playwright and storyteller Kevin Kling will present a new work called "Of Mirth and Mischief."7:25 a.m.
• M.F. Global's missing money affects Minn. farmers
  On Wednesdays we check in with one of our reporters who's based outside the Twin Cities, to find out what's going on in their part of Minnesota. Today MPR's Cathy Wurzer talks with Mark Steil in Worthington. One of the stories he's been following is the fallout for Minnesota from the MF Global bankruptcy.8:40 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• When It Comes To Marriage, Many More Say 'I Don't'
  Marriage — it's so last century. A new report out on Wednesday finds the share of all U.S. adults who are married has dropped to its lowest on record, at just 51 percent. If the trend continues, the institution will soon lose its majority status in American life.
• As Governor, Romney Balanced Budget By Hiking Fees
  Mitt Romney says that as governor of Massachusetts, he toed the Republican line and refused to raise taxes. But how was Romney able to govern a cash-strapped state for four years? We take a closer look at his actual record on taxes.
• French Parliament Moves To Ban Prostitution
  The French parliament has approved, in a non-binding resolution, a proposal to make using the services of a prostitute a crime punishable by fines and prison. Lawmakers are expected to follow the resolution with a law in the new year.
• And You Thought The Tiger Mother Was Tough
  Amy Chua, the "Tiger Mother," caused a media sensation with her book about being a superstrict Chinese-American mom. But she looks positively laid-back next to her mainland Chinese equivalent, "Wolf Dad" Xiao Baiyao. He not only beat his kids, he boasts about how he did it.
• White House Kills Dollar Coin Program
  More than 1 billion coins are sitting unwanted in government vaults. Ending the program will save an estimated $50 million a year.
• Holder Vows To Enforce Civil Rights Protections
  In a speech Tuesday night in Austin, Texas, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder asked state legislatures to take care not to violate the Voting Rights Act. As the country approaches the 2012 elections, many states are redrawing political boundaries and there are fears minority voters may be disenfranchised.
• On The Hill, Gingrich Made Friends And Enemies
  Newt Gingrich has spent decades weaving relationships in and around government — starting with his successful campaign to win the House majority back in the early 1990s. Some of his most ardent supporters now worked with him back then — but some of his angriest opponents did, too.
• Avon Looks To Hire New CEO
  Avon Products is searching for a new chief executive to head the cosmetics company. Andrea Jung, its current chairman and CEO, will continue to serve in both roles until a successor is found and then work solely as chairman
• Zynga Expects Stock IPO To Raise $1 Billion
  Social media gaming company Zynga this week is expected to begin trading its shares publicly. It plans to sell 100 million shares — each one priced anywhere from $8.50 to $10. Zynga's initial public offering is expected be the largest technology IPO since Google's in 2004.
• Kodak Shifts Focus, Zooms In On Commercial Printing
  The company's name was once synonymous with photography, but after years in decline, Kodak is shifting gears to focus on more profitable commercial printing operations — a plan that CEO Antonio Perez says is sure to renew profitability.

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