McCain Backs Independent Probe of Iraq Threat Assessment January 31, 2004 • Sen. John McCain of Arizona is supporting an independent commission to review the intelligence assessments cited as proof that Iraq's Saddam Hussein posed an imminent threat to national security. McCain speaks with NPR's Steve Inskeep.
States Eye Slots to Boost Education Funds January 31, 2004 • In statehouses and legislatures around the nation, elected officials are looking at revenue from slot machines and other forms of gambling to raise money for education. Gov. Robert Ehrlich of Maryland and Gov. John Baldacci of Maine are among those weighing the pros and cons. NPR's Steve Inskeep reports.
Kerry Tops Polls as Democrats Spread Out January 31, 2004 • Seven Democrats are still in the running for the party's presidential nomination, and they'll be competing in seven different state contests Tuesday. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts leads in many polls after early victories in the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Adam Hochberg.
Parents, Teens Struggle with Sex Education Talk January 31, 2004 • Parents of teenagers in New York City wrestle with how to talk about sex education with their sons and daughters. According to a new poll conducted by NPR, the Kaiser Family Foundation and Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, many parents believe their daughters are more prepared to deal with sexual issues than their sons are. NPR's Margot Adler reports.
For Democrats, Arizona Is 'First Test in the West' January 31, 2004 • Arizona is one of seven states holding presidential contests on Tuesday. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts is leading in polls there. Arizona Democrats call the race the "First Test in the West." NPR's Linda Wertheimer reports.
Dangerous Cleanup Work in Washington, D.C. January 31, 2004 • Washington, D.C.'s Earth Conservation Corps is a non-profit organization with a mission to recruit a few dozen young men and women in the community to clean up and restore their own neighborhood. But there's one hitch: It's one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the country. NPR's Daniel Zwerdling reports.
Democrats Battle for South Carolina Votes January 31, 2004 • The White House campaign trail wanders through South Carolina, where Democratic candidates are in fierce competition for votes in Tuesday's primary. NPR's Phillip Davis reports.
Clark Confident as Feb. 3 Contests Near January 30, 2004 • Retired Gen. Wesley Clark says that, despite a third-place finish in New Hampshire, a state where he had focused much energy, he expects to finish strong in the seven states holding contests Feb. 3. Clark says he'll bring a "higher standard of leadership" to America, and criticizes President Bush for failing to plan for the post-war effort in Iraq. Hear Clark's interview with NPR's Bob Edwards.
Boston Church Settles Wrongful Death Suit January 30, 2004 • The Catholic archdiocese of Boston settles a wrongful death lawsuit against a priest who had a long affair with a woman and fathered two children with her. The archdiocese also admits the priest was involved in her death, and agrees to a strong condemnation of sexual relations between priests and adult parishioners. Monica Brady-Myerov of member station WBUR in Boston reports.
Democrats Seek Independent Probe of Iraq Arms Data January 30, 2004 • President Bush on Friday refuses comment on calls for an independent review of faulty reports on weapons of mass destruction -- reports that contributed to the push for war in Iraq. Meanwhile, a U.S. Senate panel prepares a report on the accuracy of pre-war intelligence. But Senate Democrats say only an independent, open-ended probe can truly resolve questions of intelligence failure. NPR's David Welna reports.
Estimate of Medicare Reform Costs Balloons January 30, 2004 • When President Bush's budget is released Monday, it will estimate the new Medicare overhaul law to cost a third more than projected: $540 billion, instead of a $400 billion estimate when Congress passed the bill last year. The political fallout could be significant. Hear NPR's Robert Siegel and NPR's Julie Rovner.
Kerry: I Can Take On Bush January 30, 2004 • Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry denounces the "special-interest giveaways" he says characterize the Bush administration and promises that, as president, he'd be an "agent of change." Pointing to his years of leadership in the Senate and his national-security experience, Kerry say Democrats know he's the candidate that can beat President Bush. Hear Kerry's interview with NPR's Bob Edwards.
In Election Year, Cheney Resurfaces January 30, 2004 • After a long absence from public view, Vice President Dick Cheney raises his visibility with more interviews to reporters, appearances at Republican campaign events and the World Economic Forum, and an audience with Pope John Paul II. Analysts say Cheney's higher profile is part of an effort to improve his image with voters. Hear NPR's Bob Edwards and political analysts Frank Donatelli and Paul Light.
Bush Hits Campaign Trail in N.H. January 30, 2004 • As his potential Democratic rivals move elsewhere on the campaign trail, President Bush visits New Hampshire with an eye to the November election. At an event focusing on the economy, Bush cites signs of an economic turnaround, which he credits to his tax cuts. But critics say weak job growth undermines the president's message. Hear NPR's Don Gonyea.
Dean Takes Aim at Kerry's Record January 30, 2004 • The seven Democratic presidential candidates debate in South Carolina, in their final face-to-face meeting before Feb. 3 contests in seven states. Howard Dean attacks Sen. John Kerry for failing to pass any of the health care bills Kerry sponsored in the Senate, while citing his own accomplishments as governor of Vermont. Hear NPR's Scott Horsley.