Morning headlines from DenverPost.com

---

Today's Front Page News

Top 10 toys kid-tested by Thornton preschoolers
Four-year-old Payton DeBelle is one discerning customer of toys. She was one of several preschoolers at the Goddard School in Thornton who recently made their voices heard about which games they like the best.  

• Cotter Corp. to give up on uranium processing in Colorado
• National forest in Colorado to provide 2012 Christmas tree for U.S. Capitol
• 22 to study ups, downs of Denver Olympics bid
• Colorado agency expands probe into safety of school buildings
• Penn State coach testifies he saw, reported molestation

---

Today's Local Politics

Colorado loses again in "Race to the Top" grant competition
Colorado failed once again to receive a grant in the latest "Race to the Top" competition, the U.  

• New Denver police chief greeted with defiance at Occupy camp
• Unemployment-benefits extension crucial for tens of thousands of out-of-work Coloradans
• Gessler, lawmakers clash on campaign-finance deadlines

---

Today's Business

SEC files civil fraud charges against former CEOs of Fannie, Freddie
Two former chief executives at mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on Friday became the highest-profile individuals to be charged in connection with the 2008 financial crisis.  

• Sweet & low: Gas prices bring a little holiday cheer
• Denver-based Delta Petroleum files for Chapter 11

---

Today's Sports Headlines

Saturday's game: Cowboys (7-6) at Buccaneers (4-9)
If Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is talking about his head coach's job security, it must be December.  

• Reunions on tap when Avs host Capitals at Pepsi Center
• Woody Paige: Tebow driven by motivational quotes — and waiting for you, Mr. Elway
• Nuggets get crowd going in preseason jamfest
• Broncos' Wesley Woodyard stands out on, off field
• Rockies, Michael Cuddyer agree on 3-year, $35.1 million deal

---

Today's Entertainment

Here's your gift ticket: Sure-to-please arts and entertainment gifts in the Mile High City
The countdown is getting real. Nine shopping days left till the big day. Maybe you have all your gifts. More likely: You don't. Yet. No need to fret. Wintertime in Denver is blooming with unique arts outings and singular nightlife and entertainment. Who doesn't love a good night out? We looked at the next few months in the Mile High City, and here are five sure-to-please gifts.  

• A die-hard fan of the "West Side Story" movie falls in love all over again with the theater version
• Theater review: "West Side Story" is the classic you know, but updates make it feel fresh
• The outsized musical world of Suzi Homewreker
• Denver's unknown (but passionate) art collectors
• Best Bets: Barrel of Laughs at Wit's End, wild times in Breck and more

---

Today's Opinion

Guest Commentary: It's the imperfect holidays we remember best
Most everyone I know dreams of having a perfect holiday season. And yet everyone I know comes from a crazy family, or at least has people in their family who are crazy.  

• Carroll: Impossible judgment on schools
• Sirota: Republicans' assault on democracy
• Parker: There was just one Hitch
• Editorial: Enforce the law on occupy violations
• Editorial: (Almost) standing up for Americans