Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Roger's Christmas story
  This is a Christmas story about a boy named Roger. Roger was put into foster care when he was 11 years old, and spent several years bouncing around various homes. He wanted to be adopted, and never gave up hope that he would find a family.6:50 a.m.
• Former ICE agent joins firm known for defending immigrants
  Former Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Mark Cangemi is settling into his new career path. He has taken a job with a former adversary.7:20 a.m.
• Monday Markets
  Minnesota Public Radio Chief Economics Correspondent Chris Farrell discusses the latest economic news.7:55 a.m.
• Redskins end Vikings' winning streak
  The Minnesota Vikings lost 32-21 to the Washington Redskins Sunday night, ending a five-game winning streak. The Vikings could still make the playoffs, but they'll need some help.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Greenland's Mysterious Holes Speed Ice Flow to Sea
  Many lakes formed by melting ice drain through passages called moulins, which carry water to the bedrock below the ice sheet that covers 80 percent of Greenland. The water under the ice sheet lubricates it, making it flow faster toward the sea.
• Turks Adopt Christmas Symbols
  Turkey is a country that is 99 percent Muslim. Yet, visitors to Turkey's largest city, Istanbul, could easily be convinced that Turks are preparing to celebrate Christmas.
• The Year in Music for Kids
  Kids' music comes in virtually every style and stripe, and varies wildly in quality. The best kids' albums of 2007 have appeal for kids and adults alike, and are suitable for listening, even while the whole family is in the car together. Highlights include Recess Monkey and many more.
• Presidential Hopefuls Take Short Break for Holiday
  After the briefest of breaks for Christmas, most presidential hopefuls will resume campaigning this week. Voting takes place earlier than ever. Iowa's caucuses are Jan. 3, and New Hampshire's primaries are Jan. 8. New polls show the races for both parties too close to call.
• Churches Help Fight the Blues at Christmas
  While the holidays are a time of joy for many, they're a source of depression and anxiety for others. A growing number of churches are acknowledging this and holding special services called "Blue Christmas" to help people cope.
• Rowdy Santas in New Zealand Trash Theater
  People in Christchurch, New Zealand, know there's a Santa Claus. They also know he has some overactive imitators. About 50 people dressed as Santa Claus invaded a movie multiplex over the weekend and trashed the place, even knocking over the Christmas tree. They appeared to be drunk.
• Mexico City Opens Giant Ice Skating Rink
  Forget that famous but dinky little skating rink in New York's Rockefeller Center. And forget the warm climate in Mexico City. A giant outdoor skating rink opened this month in Mexico's capital. And it accommodates an average of 1,000 skaters per hour.
• Grady Memorial Hospital Has Cash Emergency
  Grady Memorial Hospital is Atlanta's only safety-net hospital for the poor. But the 100-year old institution is on the verge of collapse. Without a major infusion of money by the end of the year, Grady will fail to make payroll and may have to close. Its board of trustees has agreed to resign.
• Just How Do the Iowa Caucuses Work?
  Iowa's voters caucus on Jan. 3. The state's 1,784 precinct caucus locations will receive Democratic voters who apportion delegates to various candidates. It takes place in public. But Republicans choose the winner by popular vote, putting a candidates name on paper and dropping it in a box.
• Luxury Tech Toys Wrapped in Gold and Gems
  If you need a gift for a special geek — and you have a few thousand dollars to spare — you might consider these "luxury technology" items: a Les Paul guitar that tunes itself, a remote control made out of pure gold, and an iPhone encrusted with diamonds for $41,227.
• Toymakers Aim Technology at Younger Kids
  Tech guru Mario Armstrong describes popular tech toys for toddlers. He says kids are conscious about their age and won't play with toys they don't find trendy. Parents should provide balance, he says, by making kids socialize and play with toys that force them to be creative.
• Queen Elizabeth's Christmas Address on YouTube
  Fifty years ago, Britain's Queen Elizabeth delivered her annual Christmas message on television for the first time. This Christmas, the 81-year-old monarch will give her Christmas address on her own video site on YouTube. It's called the Royal Channel.
• Goldman Pays CEO $67.9 Million Bonus
  Goldman Sach's CEO Lloyd Blankfein receives the biggest bonus ever awarded to a Wall Street CEO: $67.9 million. Goldman Sachs managed to avoid the mistakes that cost other financial institutions and ended 2007 with record gains.
• Medicare Rejects Claims for Experimental Drugs
  Some Medicare drug plans reject claims when doctors prescribe drugs for uses other than those approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Now an advocacy group is suing Medicare to make it pay for drugs that doctors may prescribe for any use.
• Crumpet the Elf Reads from Santaland Diaries
  Crumpet the Elf, better known as writer David Sedaris, is back for another holiday visit. Sedaris first read from his Santaland Diaries, about his experience working as an elf at Macy's, 15 years ago. That reading helped launch his career as a novelist, playwright and humorist.

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