Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• It's not Christmas for commentator Peter Smith until he hears Easter Parade
  The new layers of snow mean it's going to be a White Christmas. But for commentator Peter Smith it takes and an entirely different type of holiday cue to get him in the Christmas spirit.6:50 a.m.
• Slowing down carbon emissions
  A task force is due to vote Wednesday on some measures Minnesotans could take to reduce our carbon footprint. One idea is to lower the speed limit on interstate highways.7:20 a.m.
• Still working at 92
  Lydia Lunney, 92, has been working in almost the same job for 74 years. She's one of the smiling hostesses at Macy's River Room restaurant in downtown St. Paul.7:24 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Wife's Story Highlights Indian Marriage Scam
  Social activists say as many as 15,000 women in the northern state of Punjab alone are the victims of a growing racket in which Indian men based overseas arrange marriages back home for the purpose of extorting wealth from their brides' families.
• Report: Counterfeit Goods Pose Danger
  Consumer Reports says a wide range of counterfeit merchandise — some of it unsafe — has made its way into the U.S. marketplace. Some of the dangerous goods showing up in retail outlets are extension cords, Christmas tree lights, surge protectors, smoke alarms and auto parts.
• Senate Committee Mulls Cap-and-Trade System
  The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee considers details of a cap-and-trade system that could help the United States cut greenhouse gas emissions. It's designed to get the most pollution reduction at the least cost.
• High Court Hears Detainee-Rights Case
  The U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments on the rights of detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This is the third time the high court has taken up the question. The Bush administration lost both previous cases.
• Annual Day of the Ninja
  It's the Annual Day of the Ninja. As popular as these masked men and women have become you might forget that in feudal Japan, ninjas were real and really sneaky. Under cover of darkness, dressed in black, ninjas were hired assassins and spies. So on this day you can dress like a ninja.
• Some Iraqi Refugees in Syria Go Home
  Iraqi refugees from Syria are returning to Iraq in large numbers. Better security and other incentives have lured some 25,000 since September. Most say it's too hard to stay in Syria. Doctor Said Hakki, president of the Iraqi Red Crescent Organization, discusses some of the challenges they face.
• NIE Report May Block Military Force Against Iran
  The latest intelligence report on Iran seems to be an obstacle to policies of President Bush. The report's main conclusion that Iran ceased a nuclear weapons program in 2003 may raise barriers to the possibility of using military force against Iran and questions economic sanctions.
• Checking Democratic Candidates' Facts
  Some of the statements made by Democratic presidential candidates during an Iowa debate sponsored by NPR and Iowa Public Radio are scrutinized. Seven candidates met in Des Moines, Iowa, ahead of next month's caucus and batted around issues on Iran, China and immigration.
• 'Rock Band' Spawns Virtual Musicians
  The new video game Rock Band lets users willing to part with $170 strum along with the Ramones, drum with Jimi Hendrix, or croon alongside Keith Richards. Players start off as a small hometown band. As they earn money and fans, they learn more songs and travel the world.
• College Grads Paid to Play Video Games
  Fast-growing video game manufacturer Volition, based in Champaign, Illinois, pays recent college graduates — who are also experienced gamers — to test their games. Testing is a first, full-time job for many of the graduates. They are looking for flaws before the games hit the market.
• OPEC Won't Increase Global Output
  With oil prices just below $90 a barrel oil-consuming nations were hoping the top group of oil producers would increase output in order to lower prices. But no such luck. OPEC met in Abu Dhabi and within one hour, decided not to add more oil to global markets.
• Iowa Voters React to Democratic Debate
  Iowans listening to the Democratic presidential debate hosted by National Public Radio and Iowa Public Radio share their impressions of candidates. They express frustration with staid answers. But one voter likes that Sen. Hillary Clinton acknowledges not having all of the answers.
• GOP Race Intensifies as Huckabee Surges
  The presidential race for Republicans is getting tighter now that Mike Huckabee is a bigger contender. Mitt Romney is set to discuss concerns about faith in public life in a major speech Thursday. And John McCain wins the endorsement of the Union Leader, a conservative newspaper in New Hampshire.
• Pet Owners Pay for Lavish Funerals
  Americans are spending record amounts of money on their pets including the latest trend: a full-service funeral. The first pet-only funeral home opened three years ago. But traditional funeral homes are branching out to offer services for dogs, cats, horses and more.
• Thailand Celebrates King's 80th Birthday
  Thailand celebrates the 80th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. About 10,000 gathered in Bangkok to honor the world's longest-reigning monarch, an incredibly beloved figure in Thailand. The party comes just weeks before Thailand elects a new civilian government.

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