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

• Companies Say 'Bah, Humbug!' To Holiday Parties
  Scores of U.S. businesses plan to forgo their annual bash as a response to the slumping economy. One business consultant says the decline in parties doesn't bode well for the futures of the companies cutting back.
• Rome's Mayor Aims To Shake Neo-Fascist Past
  During his election campaign, Gianni Alemanno promised to get tough with illegal immigrants and crack down on crime. But since he won power, some of his policies, and the political opposition to them, have been surprising.
• Odetta: Legendary Folk Singer Dies At 77
  Activist and singer Odetta has died. When you talk to some of the most famous singers in America, they'll tell you she inspired the way they sing. One moment she'd grimace like something was hurting. Then suddenly Odetta would smile. And you'd melt.
• 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.
• 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.
• White House Seeks Low-Key Cheer During Holidays
  Despite the recession, there is still a procession of holiday events at the White House this month. A long list of relatively "homespun" performers are set to bring a musical stimulus package to the Executive Mansion.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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