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On Jan. 1, the global agreement that has capped garment industry exports for decades will expire. China is among the countries poised to benefit from the change, and some U.S. companies are making changes to compete. NPR's Kathleen Schalch reports.

Matt Groening is the creator of the highly acclaimed animated Fox sitcom The Simpsons. He tells us how the show and its characters evolved, and discusses his role in the production of some 300 episodes. Groening also created the TV series Futurama and still draws the weekly comic strip Life in Hell.

The U.S. trade imbalance with the rest of the world, especially China, is forcing American manufacturers to find ways to boost their exports in order to stay afloat. NPR's Adam Davidson visited two factories in Erie, Pa., that are focusing on niches that cheap labor in China cannot easily fill.

Sixty years ago, the German army tried to push the Allies back one last time, as World War II neared its end in Europe. Former CBS anchor Walter Cronkite was with Gen. George Patton's 3rd Army that Christmas. Cronkite reflects on the Battle of the Bulge, which remains the largest pitched battle in U.S. history.

Bandleader, clarinetist and arranger Artie Shaw has died at home in Los Angeles. His health had declined since Thanksgiving. He was 94. Shaw's recording of "Begin the Beguine" became so popular in 1938 that it brought him to an even footing with the other so-called "King of Swing" -- Benny Goodman. NPR's Robert Siegel has a remembrance.

In the second of a year-end series of reflections, commentator and philosopher Alain de Botton explains why having an idealized view of the world can be appealing and helpful.

NPR's Robert Siegel talks to Theodore Sizer, a former high school principal and the founder of the Coalition of Essential Schools. Sizer talks about what's wrong with American high schools and how they might be improved. Sizer is also the author of The Red Pencil: Convictions from Experience in Education.

Among the nominees for best new artist at this Sunday's Grammy Awards are Tex-Mex artists Los Lonely Boys, the Los Angeles band Maroon 5, young British soul singer Joss Stone, producer-turned-rapper Kanye West and the hot country artist Gretchen Wilson. Michele Norris talks with music critic Tom Moon about the category.

A man who killed himself during a routine traffic stop reportedly left a note claiming responsibility for the murders of the husband and mother of federal judge Joan Lefkow. The man, identified as Bart Ross, had lost a legal case before before Lefkow.

The Senate subpoenas some of the biggest names in Major League Baseball to testify before Congress about alleged steroid use. However, current and former stars including Sammy Sosa, Jason Giambi and Mark McGuire are reluctant, and the league is challenging the invitations.