NPR News

Singer-songwriter and roots musician extraordinaire Tim O'Brien closed the second of two Mountain Stage road shows in Grand Marais, Minn., on the shore of Lake Superior. A favorite of Mountain Stage audiences, crew members, listeners and fellow guest artists for 29 years, O'Brien has long held the record for appearing on the show more than any other performer. A multi-instrumentalist of the highest order, O'Brien sits in with nearly every guest on this episode.

Instead of staying on until his retirement in October, it was reported this morning that Florida A&M University President James Ammons' resignation will be effective immediately.

Republican and Democratic strategists tell NPR that most of the estimated $4 billion to be spent by the campaigns, political action committees and others on the 2012 presidential race will make no difference in the outcome.

Good morning.

Our early headlines:

-- New Week, Same Argument: Romney, Obama & Who's Being Dishonest.

-- Military Chief's Removal, Rise In Hemlines: Hopeful Signs In North Korea?