The Daily Digest (More MNSure questions, judge says NSA actions likely unconstitutional)
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In Minnesota
Republican leaders in the Minnesota House and Senate are calling on DFL Gov. Mark Dayton to answer key questions about the state’s new health insurance exchange. (MPR News)
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When the head of MNSure traveled to Costa Rica for a vacation last month, she was with another state official who oversees a key medical program. (MPR News)
Minnesota lawmakers on Monday told the state’s campaign finance agency that it must move quickly to improve the accuracy and accessibility of state records on campaign donations. (Star Tribune)
Despite increases in state aid, many cities are raising property taxes in Minnesota. (MPR News)
Representatives of 59 Midwestern groups asked the Environmental Protection Agency today to consider the cumulative effects of mining across the Lake Superior basin, including from the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine. (MPR News)
In Washington/National Politics
A federal judge declared that the National Security Agency's bulk collection of millions of Americans' telephone records is likely unconstitutional. (AP via MPR News)
U.S. Rep. Tim Walz criticized a new proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce the amount of ethanol required for the national Renewable Fuel Standard program. (Mankato Free Press)
A GOP outside group has started attacking Rep. Collin C. Peterson of Minnesota on the airwaves — less than two weeks after a local Republican state lawmaker announced he would challenge the longtime Democrat in 2014. (Roll Call)
A congressional delegation of conservative lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, is in Beirut, Lebanon after a stop in Egypt to meet that country's military leaders. (Buzzfeed)
Finally...for the third straight year, Sen. Al Franken is playing elf and organized a "Secret Santa" gift exchange for senators to share some holiday cheer. (NBC News)