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President Ronald Reagan stumbled through his first debate with Walter Mondale in 1984. But that didn't stop Lee Atwater and other "spin doctors" on the Reagan team from trying to convince reporters that the Democrat had failed to knock their candidate down. On Morning Edition, NPR's Linda Wertheimer looks at the origins of political "spin" as part of the Present at the Creation series.

With control of Congress at stake in Tuesday's elections, President Bush crosses the country in a last-minute bid to boost Republican candidates. Minnesota's unusual Senate race is among the closest. NPR's Don Gonyea and NPR's David Welna report.

Gov. Jesse Ventura names key adviser Dean Barkley as interim senator, leaving the Senate with 49 Republicans, 49 Democrats and two independents. Meanwhile, Republican Norm Coleman and Democrat Walter Mondale trade sharp barbs in a debate. Hear NPR's David Welna.

Compulsive gamblers file lawsuits demanding the return of money lost to casinos, arguing that the gambling houses exploit big rollers -- and big losers -- despite evidence of their problem. NPR's Kathleen Schalch reports.

Local newspapers have been devastated by digital disrupters. Now, they're facing a new threat: investors.

Americans vote in midterm elections that could shift the balance of power on Capitol Hill. All 435 House seats and 34 Senate seats are contested. There are also 36 races for governor and hundreds of local ballot issues. Listen to NPR News.

Johnny Cash's musical journey through the heart of America began 50 years ago. And though the Man in Black has turned gray — he celebrated his 70th birthday this year and has been in ill health — Cash is still going strong musically. NPR's Bob Edwards interviews the country music legend. NPR Online has an extended version of the interview.

Satirists Bruce Kluger and David Slavin report on their fictional senatorial candidates, businessman Bob Gunderson and incumbent Chuck Zeffirelli. On this election day, both Gunderson and Zeffirelli make surprise announcements.

Commentator Ed Cullen muses about old-school auto mechanics.

The remake of Swept Away and the biopic Frida are the most recent examples of big studio pictures being used as vehicles for fashion designers. In the old days, a dress worn by, say, Joan Crawford could sell in the millions. But back then, the studios were the designers who would sell the rights to make knockoffs to Macy's or Sears. Today, the likes of Cartier and Versace are buying screen time because they get more bang for the buck than they do in the fashion mags. David D'Arcy reports.

Voters across the country elect a new Congress. All 435 House seats and 34 Senate posts are in play, as well as 36 state governors' races. Florida's much-maligned voting procedure is on display. Hear NPR's John Ydstie and Pam Fessler.

John Ydstie talks with Jeffrey H. Smith, former general counsel for the CIA, about the legality of a U.S. attack on suspected al Qaeda members in Yemen.