Franken on top in Minn. recount; Coleman to sue (AP)

AP - A Minnesota board on Monday certified results showing Democrat Al Franken winning the state’s U.S. Senate recount over Republican Norm Coleman, whose lawyer promised a legal challenge that probably will keep the race in limbo for months.

Tom Cruise says Scientology helped him overcome dyslexia (AFP)

AFP - US actor Tom Cruise, one of Scientology’s best-known adherents, overcame the effects of his dyslexia thanks to the church’s teachings, he said in an interview published on Sunday.

NY judge: Religion aside, monkey meat needs permit (AP)
AP - A federal judge in Brooklyn has rejected a Liberian woman’s religious reasons for smuggling endangered monkey meat into the country.

European protesters urge end to offensive on Gaza (AP)

AP - Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in European cities on Saturday against Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, including protesters who hurled shoes at the tall iron gates outside the British prime minister’s residence in London.

Grateful Dead alums plan first tour in 5 years (AP)
AP - It looks like the old Dead are gettin’ on.

Dewey author gets new cat (AP)

AP - Vicki Myron intended to wait a year or two before getting another cat.

RI Sen. Pell, creator of Pell Grants, dead at 90 (AP)

AP - Claiborne Pell, the quirky blueblood who represented blue-collar Rhode Island in the U.S. Senate for 36 years and was the force behind a grant program that has helped tens of millions of Americans attend college, died Thursday after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 90.

Actor Matt Dillon charged with speeding in Vermont (AP)

AP - Actor Matt Dillon was charged with driving at an excessive speed for allegedly going 106 mph on an interstate highway, Vermont State Police said.

Celestial Show Set for New Year’s Eve (SPACE.com)
SPACE.com - A delightful display of planets and the moon will occur on New Year’s Eve for anyone wishing to step outside and look up just after sunset.

Mexico calls off search for cruise passenger (AP)

AP - Mexican authorities have suspended their search for a Florida woman who apparently fell from a ship balcony during a Christmas week cruise.