Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Public remains ambivalent over health care reform
  Experts are debating whether President Obama and Congressional Democrats have done enough to sell the new health law to the public.6:45 a.m.
• The snow just keeps falling
  A persistent snow storm brought some significant amounts to many Minnesota communities over Monday and Tuesday this week. Areas along the north shore (near Lake Superior) from Duluth to Finland reported snowfall totals from 9 to 13 inches. Across portions of southern Minnesota some observers reported record-setting or record-tying amounts, including 7.5 inches at North Mankato, 7.4 inches at Hutchinson, and 7.0 inches at Waseca and Owatonna. More snow is seen for Christmas Eve and perhaps Christmas Day in southeastern sections of the state. In addition more snow is possible before the end of the month next Friday, so additional snowfall records may be in store for some communities. Meteorologist Mark Seeley discusses the weather with Cathy Wurzer.6:50 a.m.
• Duluth store keeps selling synthetic pot despite ban
  As early as today, the federal government could make it a felony to sell or possess five chemicals found in so-called synthetic marijuana. The products are sold as incense under brand names including K-2, Spice and The Happy Shaman. They include chemicals that mimic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Jim Carlson, owner of Last Place on Earth in Duluth updates Cathy Wurzer on the effort to regulate this product.8:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Did 'Shrooms Send Santa And His Reindeer Flying?
  Long ago, shamans -- and reindeer -- in the Far East were known to eat red and white mushrooms. And then hallucinate. A Harvard biologist asks, is it possible this is the source of the "jolly" man in the red and white suit and his "flying" reindeer?
• Why Economists Hate Presents, And How 7th-Graders Solved The Problem
  Economists hate the inefficiency of gift giving. A group of seventh graders may have found a solution: Trade.
• Back From Afghanistan, Soldiers Are Home For Holidays
  Soldiers from the Vermont National Guard will be back on American soil in time for the holiday season. The 1,500 soldiers are returning in waves this month from a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan. Steve Zind of Vermont Public Radio reports on their homecoming.
• In Afghanistan, Visiting Kabul's Old City
  There is a small part of the city called Murad Khane, where centuries-old homes and courtyards were buried under trash. One foundation is working to conserve the historical richness. NPR's Jim Wildman and photographer David Gilkey visited the site.
• Shell Pushes Forward To Drill Well In Arctic
  Shell has spent more than $3.5 billion on federal leases and preparations to drill in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas. Company officials are trying to demonstrate that it can not only drill responsibly, but also clean up an oil spill if something goes wrong. But environmental groups say it's not worth the risk.
• Finding La Posada In Nueva York
  Sometimes the holidays can make us long for the traditions of home. Maria Hinojosa found some of her home in New York, at the Mexican Christmas celebration of La Posada. This celebration based on the Nativity scene represents the struggles of Mary and Joseph looking for a place for baby Jesus' birth.
• Wall Street Heads Into Holidays With Optimism
  The stock market is closed Friday for the holiday weekend, but the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 14 points Thursday, the highest level since August 2008. According to some traders and analysts, recent data seem to be pointing toward a slowly recovering economy.
• FCC Gives First Blessing To Comcast, NBC Merger
  The Federal Communications Commission has given preliminary approval towards a merger between Comcast, the nation's biggest internet and cable company, and NBC-Universal. The deal would create of the country's largest entertainment conglomerate. The approval comes with conditions, however.
• Despite Faltering Economy, NY Hotels Add Rooms
  The financial crisis and the ensuing economic troubles haven't stopped hotel construction in New York City. Over the past two years, the city has added almost 10,000 hotel rooms, increasing the total supply by 10 percent.
• Need A Wacky Vacation? Try Hotel Hamster
  The magazine Budget Travel compiles a list of the world's wackiest hotels. No. 1 on the list comes with in-room cardio -- a personal hamster wheel.

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