Budget, budget, budget

Gov. Tim Pawlenty says he's using his power to cut spending because legislative leaders were unable to agree on budget cuts before Thursday night's deadline. He says he's canceling more than $281 million in state spending. He's also deferring $50 million in sales tax reimbursements for capital equipment purchases, and taking $24 million in the state's reserves. Pawlenty had given legislative leaders until Thursday night to come up with a deal for solving the state's short-term budget problem, but no agreement was reached. Listen to Midday for analysis of the governor's budget cuts, and reaction from legislative leaders. Note: The program's last half-hour is Attorney General John Ashcroft discussing an increase in the terrorism warning status.