Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Koch resignation leaves state GOP in flux
  The decision by Sen. Amy Koch to step down as Majority Leaders leaves Senate Republicans scrambling for a new leader. Midmorning looks at the impact on the upcoming session and the 2012 elections.6:50 a.m.
• Sam Rosen's 'Stuck Between Stations' leads with First Avenue brawl
  If you had to single out an actor who has starred in more Twin Cities-based films than anyone else, it would probably be Sam Rosen.6:55 a.m.
• 3 people shot at NE Minnesota courthouse
  A Minnesota Department of Public Safety spokesman says 3 hurt in Grand Marais shooting. The suspect is in custody.7:20 a.m.
• Unemployment drop ends extended benefits for jobless Minnesotans
  Unemployment in Minnesota has dropped to 5.9 percent, disqualifying the state from the federal extended unemployment benefits program. Thousands of unemployed Minnesotans could find bad news in their mailbox Friday, if they haven't already.7:25 a.m.
• End of historic line, as last Ford Ranger rolls from plant in St. Paul
  A century of auto manufacturing in Minnesota ends Friday as the last Ford Ranger rolls off the line in St. Paul.7:40 a.m.
• Bachmann chides 'influence-peddling' Gingrich
  The congresswoman accused Gingrich of influence-peddling and weakness on opposition to legalized abortion. Gingrich fought back accusing Bachmann of untruths.8:15 a.m.
• Minnesota among 9 states to win 'Race to the Top' education grant
  Minnesota will receive $45 million in federal education money from the competitive grant program known as Race to the Top, specifically to enhance early childhood education programs.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• In Iowa, Bachmann Attacks Gingrich In GOP Debate
  Newt Gingrich stood center state Thursday night in the Sioux City Convention Center. The sharpest elbows did not come from his close rivals, Mitt Romney or Ron Paul. Instead, it was Michele Bachmann who repeatedly went after Gingrich.
• Bachmann Tries To Regain Early Iowa Lead
  Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann once appeared to be the favored Republican presidential candidate in Iowa. But she's been near the bottom of most polls since. Bachmann is making an aggressive push to finish well in next month's Iowa caucuses, and she embarks on a multi-day bus tour of the state Friday.
• Writer Christopher Hitchens Dies At 62
  Journalist and essayist Christopher Hitchens has died from complications of cancer of the esophagus. He was 62. The writer has been closely identified with leftist ideas but has traveled across the ideological spectrum with his support of some conservative causes, including the launch of the Iraq War.
• 'Mission Impossible' 4 Doesn't Disappoint
  The title doesn't have the number, but anyone who cares knows that Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol is really Mission Impossible 4. It's opening this weekend only on huge IMAX screens. It will be in regular theaters next week.
• Popularity Bankrupts Early Retiree Program
  A $5 billion federal program to pay for the health benefits of early retirees is proving to be more popular than expected. So popular that it's running out of money earlier than planned. The fund, part of the health care overhaul, was to provide a bridge of insurance coverage until 2014 when early retirees would have many more options under the health care law.
• DOJ Probe Finds Ariz. Sheriff Violated Civil Rights
  In Arizona, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is lashing out at the Justice Department after Thursday's scathing report accusing him of civil rights violations. According to investigators, Arpaio's office routinely discriminated against Latinos and retaliated against its critics, in violation of both the Constitution and the Civil Rights Act.
• Fierce Reaction To 'If I Were A Poor Black Kid'
  Commentator John Ridley talks to Renee Montagne about the controversy following the publication of an online column on the Forbes website titled "If I Were a Poor Black Kid." The columnist, Gene Marks, is a middle-aged white man.
• Chinese Drywall Maker To Pay Millions In Claims
  Thousands of Gulf Coast homeowners have repeatedly said their new homes were making them sick. In a federal courtroom in New Orleans Thursday, a Chinese drywall manufacturer agreed to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to resolve court claims by property owners who said the product corroded pipes and wires and otherwise wrecked their homes.
• Ways To Cut Your Tax Bill Before 2011 Ends
  Tax season is months away, but there are steps you can take before year's end that could save you money when it's time to file. An editor at Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine recommends taking advantage of an energy-efficient-home credit set to expire this year, and giving yourself what she calls a self-made pay raise.
• Anonymous Donors Pay Off Kmart Layaway Accounts
  At Kmart stores across the country, anonymous donors are walking in and paying off the layaway accounts of strangers. This seems to have started in Michigan, but the holiday spirit is spreading. Kmart says the stealth benefactors usually ask for accounts that include toys.

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