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The electric chair is on its way out as an instrument of death in the United States. Nebraska is the last state to offer no alternative method of execution. A book by Richard Moran chronicles the history of the electric chair. Moran speaks with NPR's Scott Simon.

Republican gains in the midterm elections will bring a new agenda to Capitol Hill, as the GOP reclaims control of the Senate and adds to its advantage in the House. NPR's Scott Simon takes a look ahead with Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN).

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the founding of the San Francisco band The Residents, a group that's credited with pioneering punk rock, art rock and techno. They presaged the future of independent labels, music videos and CD-ROMs. So, why have so few people heard of them? NPR's Neda Ulaby came up with some answers.

Thirty-four Senate seats, all 435 House seats and 36 governorships are at stake in this midterm election. NPR's Robert Siegel and Linda Wertheimer prepare to host special election-night coverage. They are joined by NPR's Mara Liasson in Washington, Adam Hochberg in North Carolina and Phillip Davis in Florida.

Iraq says it is considering a U.N. Security Council resolution ordering Saddam Hussein's regime to disarm or face "serious consequences." Meanwhile, tens out thousands turn out in Florence, Italy, for an anti-war protest. NPR's Sylvia Poggioli reports.

The electric chair is on its way out as an instrument of death in the United States. Nebraska is the last state to offer no alternative method of execution. A book by Richard Moran chronicles the history of the electric chair. Moran speaks with NPR's Scott Simon.

Republican gains in the midterm elections will bring a new agenda to Capitol Hill, as the GOP reclaims control of the Senate and adds to its advantage in the House. NPR's Scott Simon takes a look ahead with Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN).

In South Dakota, Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson claims victory with just 500 votes more than his Republican challenger, Rep. John Thune. In Minnesota, former Vice President Walter Mondale concedes to Republican Norm Coleman. Hear NPR's David Welna.

Robert Siegel talks with E.J. Dionne, a columnist for The Washington Post and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, and with David Brooks, senior editor at The Weekly Standard. They discuss the highlights of last night's election results. (6:00)

John talks with Mike Fleeman, a correspondent for People magazine, about the verdict in the Winona Ryder trial. Ryder was convicted today of shoplifting more than $5,000 worth of merchandise from Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills. The jury found Ryder guilty of felony grand theft and vandalism, but aquitted her of burglary. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 6.

Robert talks with various Democratic thinkers and leaders about what happened to Democrats in yesterday's election. At issue is whether the leadership and/or party failed to give a clearly defined message and mission. Guests include former Clinton Chief of Staff Leon Panetta, Al From of the Demorcratic Leadership Council, Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) Rep. John Lewis (D-GA).

Harvey Pitt resigns as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Pitt had a stormy 15-month tenure as SEC chief and was recently under fire for his handling of the appointment of William Webster to head an accounting oversight board. Hear NPR's Jim Zarroli.