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The nation's retailers are hoping consumers open their wallets and spend this holiday shopping season. Amid all the worries about the economy and high unemployment, there are some early indications that this year might be slightly better than last. NPR's Yuki Noguchi reports.

This year's historic drought killed thousands of evergreen trees in Texas and Oklahoma. Now Christmas tree farmers are scrambling to meet holiday demands. Host Scott Simon checks in with Karen Barfield, owner of Tinsel Time Christmas Tree Farm in New Caney, Texas.

Many former members of Hosni Mubarak's National Democratic Party are running for parliament, creating stiff competition for newcomers seeking office across Egypt and prompting cries for the interim Egyptian government to ban their candidacy. The military rulers had said they would pass a so-called "treachery law" preventing their candidacy, but have not acted thus far. NPR's Soraya Nelson reports.

Wayman Tisdale was that rare human being: a great athlete who had a great second act. The former pro basketball player became a jazz bassist, yet his life ended in tragedy at the age of 44. Host Scott Simon Speaks with Brian Schodorf about his new documentary The Wayman Tisdale Story.

Pakistan says 25 of its soldiers were killed in a NATO helicopter attack on a checkpoint at the Afghan border. NATO says it is investigating what happened. Host Rachel Martin talks with NPR's Quil Lawrence about the incident, which has further exacerbated U.S.-Pakistan tensions.

Host Rachel Martin talks with Doyle McManus, Washington editor of the Los Angeles Times, about the week's news, including the alleged NATO attack in Pakistan, continued protests in Egypt and the most recent GOP presidential debate.

Andrew Robinson was injured by a roadside bomb during his second deployment to Iraq. Now a quadriplegic, he says he is learning how to use his limited mobility and is proud of having protected his fellow soldiers. He is especially motivated because his wife is expecting twins next month.

In Afghanistan, a media boom followed the ouster of the Taliban in 2001, but it hasn't been without problems. Watchdog groups report hundreds of cases of violence and intimidation against journalists, including murder. Afghan reporters have learned which topics are off limits, and they take great care to avoid offending the country's most powerful personalities.

When FBI agents arrive at the scene of a shooting or a terrorist attack, a representative from the FBI's Office for Victim Assistance is often there to help people who are affected. The FBI offers practical help as well as referrals for counseling.

Occupy demonstrators in Fairbanks, Alaska, are maintaining their encampment despite frigid temperatures. The local government wants the protesters to remove their tents, citing a no-camping law. Occupiers claim the tents are essential shelter, given the extreme cold.