(Continued from page 15)

• NOTES: Vikings CB Antoine Winfield did not play in the second half after aggravating the right hand he broke last week. He said he plans on playing in the playoff game, but will have to be evaluated throughout the week. ... Packers DE Jerel Worthy was carted off the field in the fourth quarter with a knee injury and WR Jarrett Boykin also left the game with an undisclosed injury. ... The game grew tense in the third quarter when McCarthy was penalized for throwing a challenge flag after the replay process began. However, they were only penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, not prevented from benefiting from the overturned call. Referee Mike Carey said the review was called before the challenge flag was thrown, meaning they could still review the play. "Emotional decision by me," McCarthy said. "I shouldn't have done it." ... Jennings had eight catches for 120 yards and DuJuan Harris rushed for 70 yards on 14 carries for Green Bay.
•

• SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- U.S. Sen. John Thune says he's frustrated that it's taking lawmakers so long to inch toward a deal before the so-called "fiscal cliff" prompts a variety of tax hikes in the new year, but he's still hopeful.
• The South Dakota senator on Sunday night told The Associated Press that "every day, we get closer." He says that it's difficult for Democrats and Republicans to reach a compromise because the parties are deeply divided in how to approach financial issues.
• Thune is among the lawmakers in Washington waiting for party leaders to come up with a new deal on which to vote. On Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, and Senate Republican Mitch McConnell remained at odds.
• Thune says everyone will return Monday -- hopefully for a vote.
•

• SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- South Dakotans are scrambling to protect family farms, businesses and other assets as lawmakers in Washington struggle to strike a deal before the so-called "fiscal cliff" prompts a variety of tax hikes in the new year.
• Lawyers and court workers said they've seen more business than usual in the past few weeks as residents worry that Congress and President Barack Obama will continue the stalemate that's thwarted efforts to avert mandatory spending cuts and tax increases on Jan. 1.

(Continued on page 17)