Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• DNR warns frozen lakes remain dangerous
  Typically at this time of year in Minnesota you can count on being able to walk or drive out on our state's frozen lakes and ponds. But not this year.6:55 a.m.
• Minnesota scrutinizes 40-year-old 'Miracle'
  A 40-year-old idea that shifted the way Minnesota pays for many local government services -- the "Minnesota Miracle" -- is getting new scrutiny as budgets tighten.7:20 a.m.
• Grocery option helps those on tight budgets - without a handout
  Marlys Haugen considers herself more of a giver than a taker. At age 73, she is not looking for charity. A new option for grocery shopping saves her money without taking a handout.7:25 a.m.
• Retail analyst says Best Buy must act quickly to win back customers
  Best Buy says overwhelming demand for some of its products has forced it to cancel some customers' online orders. Retail analyst, Sucharita Mulpuru, says the company must act quickly to fix its mistakes.7:45 a.m.
• Christmas stocking oranges tradition has a Minnesota link
  Waking up Christmas morning to find an orange in the bottom of a stocking is a tradition familiar to many of us who grew up in the Midwest.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• With N. Korea In Flux, Neighbors Reassess Policies
  As North Korea prepares for a new leader, China, South Korea and the other nations are recalibrating their policies and weighing new security concerns. The job is difficult because so little is known about Kim Jong Un, the son and presumed successor to Kim Jong Il.
• 2011 Was A Bad Year For Dictators
  Over the last year, many dictators have fallen from power. To name a few: Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi was killed, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was overthrown and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il died. Linda Wertheimer talks to Susan Glasser, with Foreign Policy magazine, about the year that was and which of the world's remaining strongmen need to worry about what 2012 has to offer.
• Ten Years Of Hanging On As An Afghan Potter
  Abdul Wahkeel was the first potter in Istalif to rebuild his business after the Taliban fell. He has largely succeeded, but wonders whether his children will know the same prosperity and peace.
• When Ambrosia Salad Spells Dread
  Ambrosia salad — the festive dish of green Jell-O, cherries and Cool Whip — was a regular feature on Caitlin Shetterly's husband's family Christmas table. He recently admitted he always thought it was the "grossest looking and tasting thing ever." So of course Shetterly had to check it out.
• Lazy Mary's Lemon Tart Is Easy And Fast
  And now something for listeners who may have procrastinated on their holiday baking. Linda Wertheimer tells Renee Montagne about a recipe she came across for Lazy Mary's Lemon Tart which comes from The Food52 Cookbook and www.food52.com..
• Ron Paul Has Support In Iowa, But Old Issues Linger
  The Texas congressman's message appeals to more than just the typical Republican caucus-goer. His strong poll numbers may come at the right time for the Iowa caucuses, but he can't seem to shake concerns over a so-called "isolationist" foreign policy position and controversial newsletters that bore his name.
• NBA Kicks Off Shortened Season On Christmas Day
  Men's professional basketball was on a long break because of the lockout. But on Christmas Day, the NBA season begins with a five-game package featuring exciting teams and glittering superstars. There's a rematch between defending champion Dallas and everyone's favorite team to hate — the Miam Heat.
• Apple Watches European Market Share Slide
  Given the product's high price — and the region's weak economies — shoppers just haven't bitten. Apple's market share has dropped in France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
• UPS's Air Hub Is Braced For Last-Minute Shippers
  Time is running out for Christmas shoppers, but even more so for those who need to ship those presents. UPS hired about 55,000 seasonal workers around the world to help handle the holiday volume, including 800 at the air hub in Louisville, Kentucky.
• Ct. Company Keeps Those Sleigh Bells Jingling
  Few things announce the arrival of Christmas-time like the sound of bells. And chances are many of the bells you hear this holiday season can be sourced to one small, family-owned manufacturing business in Connecticut. Bevin Brothers was founded 180 years ago.

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