Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Same-sex marriage debate moves to the Capitol
  The hard-fought battle over same-sex marriage that dominated Minnesota politics last year is likely to continue during the legislative session that begins today. With the defeat of the marriage amendment and the Republican majorities that sponsored it, DFLers who favor marriage rights for same-sex couples see their opening. But opponents say the amendment's does not necessarily mean support for same-sex marriage.5:35 a.m.
• $6 billion tab projected for Minnesota water line fixes
  In many Minnesota cities, water system are aging and in need of replacement. Recent major water main breaks have highlighted the massive labyrinth of underground pipes that delivers water to homes and businesses.6:20 a.m.
• Health insurance exchange, MinnesotaCare, Medicaid decisions due at Legislature
  State lawmakers are under a tight deadline as they tackle a number of issues related to the federal health care overhaul, including passing legislation to set up a health insurance exchange, the fate of MinnesotaCare and an expansion of Medicaid.6:50 a.m.
• Franken: Student mental health key in helping school security
  Sen. Al Franken met with school officials Monday in Eagan to discuss school safety, three weeks after the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn. The conversation ranged from school security to better monitoring the mental health of students to prevent future violence.6:55 a.m.
• Melisa Franzen joins the Minnesota Senate
  Every new session brings with it fresh faces. Among the new lawmakers this year is State Sen.-elect Melisa Franzen.7:24 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Future Of U.S. Troops Looms Over Afghan Leader's Visit
  President Hamid Karzai is in Washington this week for meetings with President Obama and other officials. One of the key issues to be discussed is the number of American troops to remain in Afghanistan after 2014, when the bulk of U.S. and NATO forces leave.
• Can You Get A Flu Shot And Still Get The Flu?
  Vaccination is still the best way to avoid getting sick, but it's not 100 percent protective. Some people may get infected with a strain of flu that isn't covered by this year's vaccine. For others, the shots just don't work.
• 2 Pi: Rhymes And Radii
  High school math teacher Jake Scott teaches his students with the help of his hip-hop alias, 2 Pi. By rapping about equations and formulas, Scott helps students remember his lessons and forges a deeper connection with them.
• Drilling Rig's Thick Hull Helps Prevent Oil Spill
  A Shell Oil drilling rig has been pulled of the rocks, where it washed up a week ago during a storm. It has been towed to a bay where divers will inspect it for damage. The incident raises questions about the oil company's controversial plans to continue exploring for oil in the Arctic Ocean this summer.
• Editorial Ignites Freedom Of Press Debate In China
  A dispute over an editorial in a Chinese newspaper has widened into calls for more freedom of expression. Hundreds of people protested Monday calling for an open news media.
• Settlements Underscore Damage Done In Housing Crash
  Some of the biggest banks in the country have agreed to pay more than $18 billion to settle allegations of wrongdoing in their mortgage lending. And in a separate settlement, 10 banks agreed to pay more than $8 billion to settle claims they made errors in foreclosing on people's homes.
• Samsung Announces Profits, Sony Has New Smartphone
  Samsung Electronics announced profits of more than $8 billion for the final quarter of 2012. Samsung's Japanese competitor Sony unveiled a water resistant smartphone at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
• Fire Raises More Questions About Boeing's New 787
  Federal officials along with investigators from Boeing are trying to determine what caused a fire to break out on a new 787 jet parked at the Boston airport Monday. The fire, in an auxiliary power unit, is just the latest in a string of electrical systems problems on Boeing's flagship airplane.
• Kodak Licenses Its Name To Digital Camera Maker
  Kodak cameras and related products will be back in the marketplace this year, but they won't be made my Kodak. The photo pioneer stopped making digital cameras about a year ago. Now it is licensing its name to another camera maker.
• McDonald's Allows Name Changes In Australia
  In Australia, McDonald's is nicknamed Macca. Executives of the burger chain are allowing some McDonald's restaurants there to change their signs to read "Macca's." But the change is only temporary, in honor of Australia Day later this month.

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