Cities Strain to Cover Budget Gaps January 31, 2005 • Many American cities are struggling with budget shortfalls. Their financial troubles are likely to get worse if expected cuts are made in domestic federal spending. Don Durfee, research editor of CFO magazine points to Pittsburgh and Buffalo as cities in acute financial crises, and Atlanta, San Diego, and Chicago as others with growing budgetary problems.
Business SBC Agrees to Acquire AT&T January 31, 2005 • San Antonio-based SBC reportedly strikes a deal to buy telecommunications giant AT&T. The cash and dividend deal is valued at $16 billion. The merger would create the nation's largest telecommunications company.
The Michael Jackson Trial Jury Selection Begins in Michael Jackson Trial January 31, 2005 • In a process that may take up to a month, prospective jurors will file through a Santa Maria, Calif., courtroom as the trial of Michael Jackson begins. Jackson faces multiple counts of child molestation. In a video statement released Sunday, Jackson asked people to keep an open mind.
Coast Guard Rolls Out Safety and Security Teams January 31, 2005 • The Coast Guard has been creating maritime security teams as part of a post-Sept. 11 shift. The creation of these teams reflects a significant retooling of the Coast Guard's mission.
Income Growth Seen on Native American Reservations January 31, 2005 • A new Harvard University study says incomes for Native Americans living on reservations are rising much faster than incomes for the overall population. These gains are being seen even on reservations without gambling.
Sports Kentucky Considers Medication Limits for Racehorses January 31, 2005 • Critics say racehorses in Kentucky receive too many drugs on race day, jeopardizing their health and the sport's integrity. The state is considering new medication limits, but some in the racing industry argue that the drugs are necessary.
'I Don't Like Mondays': School Shooting and Gun Policy January 31, 2005 • NPR's Mike Pesca re-examines a notorious school shooting 26 years ago, and how the incident still resonates in current gun policy. In 1979, Brenda Spencer opened fire with a rifle at the Grover Cleveland Elementary School in San Diego, Calif., killing two adults and injuring nine children. She later explained her actions with the statement, "I don't like Mondays."
Law Jury Selection to Begin in Jackson Molestation Case January 31, 2005 • NPR's Alex Chadwick talks with NPR's Carrie Kahn about the first day of jury selection in the child molestation case against pop star Michael Jackson.
Law Michael Jackson Jury Selection Begins January 31, 2005 • Jury selection begins in the trial of pop star Michael Jackson. Jackson is charged with allegedly molesting a child. NPR's Carrie Kahn has a preview of the case.
Sports Serena Williams Wins Australian Open January 31, 2005 • Sports commentator John Feinstein talks about the Australian open finals. Serena Williams won her first Grand Slam title in a year and a half. Martin Safin beat Layton Hewitt for his first big victory in four years.
Law Jury Selection Begins in Michael Jackson Trial January 31, 2005 • Jury selection begins in Santa Maria, Calif., for the trial of Michael Jackson. The challenge for the court will be to find jurors who can remain impartial in the high-profile molestation case.
Business SBC Finalizes Acquisition of AT&T January 31, 2005 • San Antonio-based SBC finalizes a deal to acquire its former parent company AT&T in a deal valued at $16 billion in stock and cash. The companies have not said what will become of the AT&T name, but acknowledged its value as a brand.
Law U.S. Judge Rules Against Guantanamo Tribunals January 31, 2005 • A federal judge says the U.S. government must provide detainees in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, with a fair opportunity to challenge their incarceration. U.S. District Judge Joyce Hens Green says Defense Department hearings do not satisfy last year's Supreme Court ruling on the matter. The ruling is a setback for the government, but the detainees may face a long legal battle before they get what they want.
The Impact of War Memorial Held for Marines Killed in Helicopter Crash January 31, 2005 • Twenty-seven of the 30 Marines killed in a helicopter crash last week in Iraq were remembered at a memorial service Monday in Hawaii.
Music Interviews Singer-Songwriter Brian McKnight: 'Gemini' January 31, 2005 • Brian McKnight talks with host Ed Gordon about a long career, the music business, his new CD Gemini and what keeps him singing.