Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Where our numbers are coming from
  Minnesota Public Radio News is displaying the election recount numbers as they are provided by the Secretary of State's office. Other media organizations are using a different method to calculate the margin in the recount.5:20 p.m.
• Franken drops 633 challenges; more ballot problems found
  Democrat Al Franken's campaign is withdrawing some of the ballots it has challenged during Minnesota's U.S. Senate recount. Meanwhile, there were more vote discrepancies today.5:24 p.m.
• Why can't Minnesota run a deficit?
  Predictions see the state with a budget deficit as high as $5 billion for the next budget cycle, to be announced Thursday. But why can't Minnesota run a deficit? Minnesota's Commissioner of Management and Budget Tom Hansen sat down with Tom Crann to explain the situation.5:50 p.m.
• Whistleblower wins settlement against former US attorney
  A federal investigation has found a former Minneapolis U.S. attorney, Rachel Paulose, retaliated against her First Assistant after he raised concerns that she left classified homeland security reports unsecured.5:54 p.m.
• Ag department to begin testing all donated venison for lead
  The Minnesota Department of Agriculture announced today it's finding more toxic lead in venison donated to food shelves and will now begin testing all donated meat. Michael Schommer, Communications Director for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, talked to Tom Crann about the process and what this means to venison consumers.6:20 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• White House To Reuse Old Christmas Decorations
  The White House is achieving some cost savings with its holiday trimmings. First lady Laura Bush gave reporters a sneak peek of White House decorations, including the official Christmas tree. She pointed out that some ornaments are being reused from past Christmases.
• UnitedHealth Insures Against Becoming Uninsured
  United Healthcare is allowing clients to pay a premium to guarantee their right to buy health insurance in the future. The new product, which is called "continuity," is aimed at policyholders who might lose coverage if they leave their jobs.
• Clinic To Disclose Doctors' Industry Ties
  The Cleveland Clinic is making it easier for the public to find out if its doctors get money from pharmaceutical companies and medical device makers. The move could help patients evaluate whether the doctors are acting in their best interests.
• How Big Three Automakers Can Win Over Congress
  The CEOs of the Big Three automakers are headed back to Washington to renew their calls for a bailout. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, offers his insight into what Detroit needs to do to get in the good graces of Congress and stay out of bankruptcy.
• Rule Change Makes It Easier To Dump Mining Waste
  The Environmental Protection agency approved Tuesday new rules that make it easier for mining companies to dump waste near rivers and streams. Environmentalists argue that dumping the rubble fouls the waters, kills fish and causes flooding in nearby communities.
• With Hispanics Watching, Obama Picks Richardson
  President-elect Barack Obama formally tapped New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to be his commerce secretary. Richardson is the highest-ranking Hispanic so far in Obama's administration, something Hispanic leaders are watching closely.
• Conceptualizing Sol Lewitt's 'Wall Drawings'
  Sol LeWitt was one of the pioneers of conceptual art. He saw it in his mind, then communicated it to others to complete. Dozens of people have done just that with his ideas for his famous Wall Drawings, which are now at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Mumbai Attacks Offer New Lessons On Terrorism
  Law enforcement officials are trying to learn from the terrorist attacks in India. During the attacks, hostages weren't used as bargaining chips — investigators say they were killed early on in the siege. New York Police Department and FBI hostage negotiators discuss how the game has changed.
• Report: WMD Attack Likely By 2013
  A new intelligence report warns that without drastic new measures, the international community faces the real prospect of a nuclear or biological attack by 2013. The panel that issued the report has briefed vice president-elect Joe Biden on its contents.
• United Auto Workers Open To Contract Changes
  The head of the United Auto Workers has said the union is willing to change its contract and will delay billions of dollars in payments to a union-run health care trust. The concession is a bid to help Detroit's ailing Big Three automakers.
• Obama Weighs Options For Stimulus Plan
  As soon as he's in the White House, president-elect Barrack Obama will press for a significant program to stimulate the economy. He may announce something even more ambitious now that it is clear the economy is in a difficult recession. What can he propose that has the most impact?
• In Japan, Crimes Committed By Elderly Spike
  In Japan, crimes committed by the elderly has increased five times in the last two decades. Michael Zielenziger, author of Shutting Out the Sun: How Japan Created Its Own Lost Generation, talks about what might be behind the trend.
• Matching Up Your Alma Mater With A Fragrance
  Masik Collegiate Fragrances of Harrisburg, Pa., has been creating perfumes and colognes specific to given colleges. Katie Masik had the idea 11/2 years ago and started the business with her family. She says the odors are both literal interpretations of campus smells and the mental image of the school.
• In Mumbai, Residents Protest Response To Attacks
  Angry Mumbai residents held a big demonstration today to express indignation over the Indian government's failure to thwart the Mumbai terror attacks.
• Tips On Long Drive From Detroit To D.C.
  The heads of Ford, GM and Chrysler are road-tripping from Detroit to Washington in fuel-efficient hybrids. NPR's Don Gonyea, Michigan-native and former Detroit resident, has made the trek dozens of times and provides highlights and driving tips for the trip.

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