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As 2013 wraps up, NPR is looking at the numbers that tell this year's story. When it comes to the economy, $85 billion is a good candidate. That's the amount the Federal Reserve has been pumping into the financial system each month trying to stimulate growth and bring down unemployment. On Tuesday, Fed policymakers begin a two-day meeting at which they'll decide whether to dial back that stimulus.

One former anti-nuke activist says the world can't afford to dismiss nuclear power, if we're to rein in global warming. Nuclear plants provide a more reliable energy supply than wind or solar, he says, and without the high carbon emissions that fossil fuels produce.

When billionaire John Paulson first bought Steinway & Sons, it struck fear in the hearts of musicians. Would Steinway's famously handcrafted pianos be changed, for the sake of efficiency?

Before the end of the year, the federal government will select six states where drone makers can test how to safely integrate the technology into commercial airspace. Nevada is vying for one of the spots. The FAA stamp of approval could lure big industry to high-end test sites. But smaller drone developers, who're focused on non-military applications, also see enormous opportunities.

The Seahawks 23-0 victory over the New York Giants is great news for Seattle. Except for the folks at Jet Chevrolet. The Seattle-area dealership pledged to give 12 people $35,000 apiece if the Seahawks shut out the Giants. The car guys never expected to pay up — but just in case, they insured the bet.

Also in the 2014 class of inductees: Cat Stevens, Peter Gabriel and Hall and Oates, Nominees who didn't make the cut included YES, Deep Purple and The Zombies.

The former NSA contractor lives in Russia where he has temporary asylum until mid-2014. In an open letter to the people of Brazil, he says permanent political asylum would give him the ability to talk more freely. The Brazilian newspaper that published the letter says Snowden wants asylum in Brazil.

It isn't yet known what caused the aircraft, said to be a helicopter, to come down. But Reuters reports that initial reports do not indicate that it came under attack. Regardless, it is the deadliest incident involving foreign troops in months.

From coast to coast, the invasive insect is costing U.S. farmers millions in crop damage, and it has become a smelly nuisance for homeowners. But researchers say they may have found some low-tech solutions to the stink-bug menace.

Republican Sen. Tom Coburn is out with his annual account of "wasteful and low-priority spending." He says he's tallied up nearly $30 billion from 2013 alone.