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Sen. Jim DeMint says the conservative Heritage Foundation inspired him to run for Congress. Once there, he helped to bolster its allies on Capitol Hill. Now, as he leaves Congress to run the think tank, the building blocks are there to create a powerful operation with political clout.

HSBC bank has reached a record $1.9 billion settlement with federal and state authorities over money laundering. All Things Considered host Robert Siegel talks to NPR's Jim Zarroli.

In the Supreme Court's Affordable Care Act ruling this summer, it decided that states' plans for expansion of the Medicaid program should be optional. That led governors to ask if they could expand the program in part but still receive federal funding. The administration has said no.

President Vladimir Putin's decision to sack his defense minister has created widespread speculation about his motives. The defense minister was embroiled in a scandal, but analysts say Putin's decision may point to a larger battle over the future of Russia's military.

The United States has added one of Syria's main rebel groups to its list of terrorist organizations. Jabhat al-Nusra has claimed responsibility for several bombings that killed and wounded Syrian civilians since the uprising against the Assad government began in March of 2011. The U.S. describes the group as an outgrowth of al-Qaida in Iraq.

The giant floating hulk opened to the public with some real animals: rabbits and parakeets. The bison and tigers are life-sized sculptures. There are modern creature comforts such as two cinemas and a restaurant.

Mel Kline's cactus has a middle trunk and eight arms — perfect for a menorah. And at 30 feet tall, it attracts hundreds of visitors. The Arizona Republic reports Kline bought the cactus 35 years ago. His wife had wanted a maple tree.

As the White House and Congressional leaders negotiate, we're watching for the best stories about what's going on. Here are some of the latest.

The bill would bar contracts requiring employees to pay union dues as a condition of employment. The proposed right-to-work law has infuriated union leaders in a state considered the heart of the union movement. Michigan's Legislature is expected to pass the bill Tuesday.

President Obama is on the road, promoting his solution to the so-called "fiscal cliff." He's also in negotiations over the issue with House Speaker John Boehner. But can they come to an agreement in time? Host Michel Martin talks with Ron Christie, a Republican strategist, and Michael Fauntroy, an associate professor at George Mason University.