Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Elf on the Shelf keeps a watchful eye on children, reports back to Santa
  There's a new kid on the block of Christmas characters who is becoming part of the holiday tradition for many families, the Elf on the Shelf.6:25 a.m.
• School funding through property tax 'unfair,' key DFL leader says
  Incoming Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk said he thinks the current referendum system has driven up property taxes and created unequal funding for schools across the state.6:45 a.m.
• E-pulltabs supporters aim higher, despite slow start
  They've taken in a little under $4 million so far, disappointing state officials who'd earmarked the electronic pulltabs to pay for a Vikings stadium. But if projections are right, the pulltabs and bingo industry alone may eventually rival Minnesota's 18 tribal casinos in revenue.7:20 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Toy Donations Pour Into Newtown For The Holidays
  Since the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings, gifts have come into the grief-stricken Connecticut community by the truckload. Parents say they're not sure how to celebrate, but some hope the traditions will bring back some sense of normalcy.
• Gun Ownership Is A 'Responsiblity To Be Proud Of'
  Following the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, the debate over gun control has been reignited. Many have said that if there is going to be any action on gun control, law-abiding, responsible gun owners will need to be a part of the conversation. Morning Edition's Steve Inskeep talks to Steven Rinella, a writer and avid hunter, about how he views the current debate.
• The Science Behind Santa's Christmas Eve Journey
  With billions of children to visit in just one night, how does Santa make it to every house? And how does he fit down the chimney — assuming your house has one. Astrophysicist Neil De Grasse Tyson talks to David Greene about the science of Santa.
• At Christmas, A Roman Holiday Revolves Around The Food
  The Italian city isn't big on Christmas glitz and glamor. Instead, Rome saves its holiday shine for the dinner table. The Christmas day meal might start with lasagna before moving on to turkey or guinea hen. And it wouldn't be complete without plenty of sweets.
• Relentless Syrian Violence Drains Hope For Solution
  There were reports of explosions in Damascus Monday, where international envoy Lakhdar Brahimi was due to meet with Syrian leaders. He's there at a time of heavy bloodshed as government forces battle rebel fighters, and civilians continue to perish in large numbers.
• Chance To Pause Biological Clock With Ovarian Transplant Stirs Debate
  The only women who have gotten pregnant with an ovarian transplant are cancer patients at great risk of losing their fertility. But a handful of doctors are now doing the procedure for patients trying to beat their biological clocks.
• Like Girls, Boys Are Entering Puberty Earlier
  Boys are entering puberty six months to two years earlier than they did in past studies. Caucasian boys tend to begin puberty, on average, at around 10 years old while African American boys tend to begin puberty at 9.
• No 'Fiscal Cliff' Deal Puts Wall Street In A Slump
  Wall Street didn't get much of a gift at the end of last week. The Dow lost 120 points, or nine-tenths of a percent, on Friday. The slump is partly tied to events in Washington last week — a Republican plan to avoid the "fiscal cliff" came undone.
• Could 2013 Be A Good Economic Year?
  Nariman Behravesh, chief economist of IHS Global Insight, talks to Steve Inskeep about his economic forecasts for 2013. Among his predictions: the U.S. recovery will gradually pick up steam. Unless it falls off a cliff — then a recession will probably be unavoidable.
• The Tax Deduction That Costs $180 Billion A Year
  Morning Edition's series, the Twelve Days of Tax Deductions, zeroes in on some of the tax breaks lawmakers are grappling with as they hammer out a budget deal, to raise revenue, cut spending and avoid the end-of-year "fiscal cliff." On Day 11, we look at the deduction for employer sponsored health insurance.

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