Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Photographer Craig Blacklock seeks to preserve the North Shore
  Nature photographer Craig Blacklock is using his latest book and DVD to educate Minnesotans about development around Lake Superior.6:50 a.m.
• Minnesotans drive billions of vehicle miles a year, but the growth has leveled off
  The number of miles Minnesotans drive has leveled off, stopping a decades-long trend. What's going on?7:20 a.m.
• How to help ex-offenders stay out of prison
  More than two-thirds of Minnesota' inmates will end up back behind bars within three years of their release from prison. Some lawmakers are working on a bill to help ex-offenders get the jobs and services they need to stay out of prison for good.7:24 a.m.
• Monday Markets with Chris Farrell
  Minnesota's chief economics editor Chris Farrell talks about how the sub-prime market will impact the "Black Friday" holiday shopping kickoff.8:24 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Chinese Immigrants Chase Opportunity in America
  Chinese immigrants to the United States from the Fujianese province often come illegally, voluntarily smuggled in by "snakeheads." Some arrive via fake marriages, in the hopes of finding a higher-paying job.
• Study: Aging Brains Can Benefit from 'Training'
  A new study suggests that one hour a day of intensive brain exercise can improve thinking and memory. The study — involving more than 400 adults age 65 and older — found that those who underwent training scored higher on general memory tests.
• Thai Voters Struggle to Have Faith in System
  Skepticism over political corruption leaves voters in Thailand disillusioned as Dec. 23 elections approach. Since 1932, Thais have suffered through a series of weak and unresponsive civilian governments, along with frequent military coups.
• Giuliani Leads GOP Rivals in Texas Fundraising
  Republican presidential candidate Rudolph Giuliani is winning the battle for political donations in Texas. The former New York mayor has collected three times as much as any other GOP contender.
• Netflix's Million-Dollar Quest for Good Movie Tips
  A year ago, the online movie rental company Netflix offered $1 million to anyone who could come up with a way to improve its movie recommendations by 10 percent. Nobody has earned the money, but a team from AT&T Labs came close.
• New Warnings from Panel on Climate Change
  The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which shared this year's Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore, issues fresh warnings about the effects of global warming.
• Congress Leaves Unfinished Business
  When Congress returns from a two-week Thanksgiving recess, lawmakers will face some legislative leftovers. Meanwhile, the presidential campaign is picking up steam in Iowa.
• Court Backs Musharraf's Plan to Hold Power
  A Supreme Court packed with his supporters opens the way for Gen. Pervez Musharraf to continue as Pakistan's president while resigning as chief of the armed forces. But a state of emergency remains in place in Pakistan.
• Making the Most of Aid to Pakistan
  Since the Sept. 11 attacks, the United States has provided about $10 billion in foreign aid to Pakistan. Rick Barton of the Center for Strategic and International Studies says the U.S. should be making more strategic use of the money it gives Pakistan.
• Home Builder Copes with Changing Economy
  How are changes in the economy forcing Americans to adapt? In central Illinois, home builder Terry Ruhland has had to dial back and alter his business plan because of a slowdown in the housing market.
• Broadway's Thanksgiving-Week Shows Won't Go On
  Labor problems prompt the League of American Theaters and Producers to cancel Broadway performances during the traditionally profitable Thanksgiving week. Talks on Saturday and Sunday with the stagehands' union ended without agreement — and with no schedule for more negotiations.
• Macy's Seeks to Get Past Marshall Field's Spat
  Two years ago, Macy's bought the retail giant May Company and started putting the Macy's name on local outlets. In Chicago, that meant the loss of the iconic Marshall Field's department store. Some shoppers are still peeved.
• Farm Bill May Be Tabled Until After 2008 Vote
  Now that the farm bill has been blocked in the Senate, there's a good chance that it won't come up again until after the 2008 elections. President Bush had threatened to veto the legislation, but that may not be necessary.
• Feline Fond of Windsor Castle Cuisine
  A cat named Mime lives with the owner of a Chinese restaurant near Windsor Castle. But Mime prefers to dine with Queen Elizabeth's corgis. The cat is so familiar to tourists that her real owner says he's often asked what the queen's cat is doing in his restaurant.
• Wrangling Cattle in 'Wild' Western Pennsylvania
  A small town in Pennsylvania is recovering from a stampede. A woman in Stoystown found nine head of cattle wandering through her yard toward the town's main drag. Mayor Bill Boyd used his car horn to drive them off, and a posse of neighbors and lawmen corralled the herd.

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