Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Accidental child shootings: Parents rarely prosecuted
  As the case of an accidental shooting death of a 2-year-old boy rests in the hands of the Hennepin County Attorney, an MPR News analysis of state court data shows that prosecuting parents for leaving guns around kids is rare, but not unprecedented in Minnesota.5:35 a.m.
• Leuken's Bemidji grocery sells to employees after 46 years
  Lueken's grocery store in Bemidji becomes employee-owned this weekend after owner Joe Lueken decided to sell to his 400 workers through an employee stock ownership program rather than to another company.6:20 a.m.
• 2012 was record for whooping cough
  With more than 4,300 cases of pertussis in Minnesota, 2012 was a year for the record books. The state hasn't had this many cases of the respiratory infection since World War II. The problem seems to be related to a redesigned pertussis vaccine introduced in the 1990s.6:50 a.m.
• Most memorable stories of 2012: Teachers hope to boost test scores with fresh air, food, mints
  MPR looks back at our most memorable stories from 2012.7:24 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Wall Street Wiretaps: Investigators Use Insiders' Own Words To Convict Them
  It was a busy year for federal authorities pursuing insider trading cases, such as the one against hedge fund manager Raj Rajaratnam. Investigators say that success comes largely from their decision to attack insider trading the way they take down the Mafia and drug cartels — with wiretaps, informants and cooperators.
• Who Could Be Watching You Watching Your Figure? Your Boss
  Those of us trying to get in shape after overindulging this holiday season can get help from a slew of new devices that monitor steps climbed, calories burned and heart rate. But companies and venture capitalists in new startups hope to make money in a new way: by selling the data right back to the people tracking their activity — and to their employers.
• The Rebirth Of Rye Whiskey And Nostalgia For 'The Good Stuff'
  Rye was all but pushed off the market by sweeter, corn-based bourbon after Prohibition, but it might be coming back, no illegal still required. Bartenders from coast to coast seem to prefer its intense flavor for their cocktail creations.
• Perfume Genius: A 'Creepy, Beautiful Mix'
  The Seattle songwriter covers unsettling topics, including teen suicide and his own mother's experience with sexual abuse.
• Vic Flick's Riff Captures The Sound Of James Bond
  The 007 theme is one of the most famous themes in movie history. The infamous guitar riff that gives the theme its secret agent feel was performed by Vic Flick, who spoke to Morning Edition about the day he played it, 50 years ago. (This piece initially aired on October 03, 2012 on Morning Edition).
• NBC Edges Out Rivals In Fall TV Ratings
  It seems almost miraculous: after nine years at the bottom of the broadcast ratings pile, NBC won this fall season. But this silver lining has a huge cloud, says Eric Deggans, who is the TV and media critic for the Tampa Bay Times.
• Firefighters Deal With Community Backlash
  In the East Bay area outside of San Francisco, a community has turned against its firefighters. The Contra Costa Fire Department is set to close four firehouses after voters failed to pass a tax to keep them open. Some say they want to see changes to firefighter pensions before they give the department more money. The firefighters say they feel like they are under attack.
• Retailers Are Disappointed With Weak Holiday Sales
  Holiday Sales rose by less than 1 percent from the year before, according to MasterCard's SpendingPulse unit. That's the slowest growth in spending since the 2008 recession. Even online sales — which posted double digit gains over the past few years — were lackluster this year.
• Worst CEO List, Who's On It?
  David Greene talks to Sydney Finkelstein, who teaches management at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, about his list of the worst CEOs of 2012. Of interest is not just who made the list this year, but who didn't.
• 2012 To Set Box Office Record
  The domestic box office is expected to top $10 billion this year. After two solid years of decline, the U.S. box office enjoyed a nearly 6 percent jump.

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