The Daily Digest (Brodkorb bill nears $200k, Fiscal cliff hokey pokey, Bachmann renews Muslim claims)

The Minnesota Campaign Finance Board meets today to outline their legislative agenda. MPR says the board may ask may ask for more power over political ads.

AP says the Minnesota Senate's legal bill in the case involving fired staffer Michael Brodkorb is nearly $200,000.

MMB finalized a report on an audit that determined dependent eligibility for state workers. The final savings is $4 million in 2012.

The DNR says moose should be on the "species of concern" list.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

A new report found that Minnesota students are tops in math and science scores.

The state is not on track with their goal to reach broadband for all.

Incoming DFL Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk raised more than $100,000 for northeastern Minnesota food shelves. Bakk's annual fundraiser received additional attention this year because he became the most powerful person in the Minnesota Senate.

The IRRRB is set to vote on $8 million in public works projects.

The Star Tribune reports that DNR wants the new Vikings stadium to be friendly to birds.

Congress

The Washington Post says President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner traded fiscal cliff proposals but appear no closer to a deal.

CNN says President Obama believes he's confident the GOP will relent on tax increases.

The New York Times wonders whether Boehner has the backing of Republicans in his caucus.

The Washington Post takes a look at some of the biggest tax deductions and exemptions.

The Star Tribune says some of the state's CEOs are pushing for a deal on the fiscal cliff.

President Obama is going to recognize Syrian rebels as a representative of the Syrian people.

A Texas judge has halted work on the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Michigan passed a law that removes requirements for employees to pay union dues. The law passed relatively quickly.

Politico says Attorney General Eric Holder is attacking efforts that he believes restricts the vote.

The Air Force sent a mystery mini-shuttle back into space.

The Washington Post says North Korea fired a long-range rocket.

The Pi Press says GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is renewing her claims that Muslims have infiltrated the U.S. government.