National

The Year in Review

December 31, 2002 • From a sluggish economy to threats of terrorism and war with Iraq, 2002 may be remembered by Americans as a year of heightened fears and anxieties that stood in sharp contrast to the peaceful, economically flush era of the 1990s. NPR's Juan Williams reviews the year's issues and newsmakers.

States Sue over New EPA Rules

December 31, 2002 • Nine states file suit against the federal government after the Environmental Protection Agency eases parts of the Clean Air Act. The changes affect whether anti-pollution gear must be installed when industrial plants are modernized. Business groups are generally pleased, and environmentalists are livid. NPR's John Nielsen reports.

New York Readies for New Year's Eve Revelers

December 31, 2002 • Security in midtown Manhattan is tight, but New York City officials say they're ready for the thousands of people who will celebrate the new year at Times Square. Along with fireworks, confetti and balloons, partiers will find heightened security and officers ready to search their bags. NPR's Margot Adler reports.

Illinois Governor Faces Death-Penalty Dilemma

December 31, 2002 • As he prepares to leave office, Illinois Gov. George Ryan considers commuting the death sentences against death-row inmates in the state. Ryan declared a moratorium on the death penalty after courts found 13 inmates were wrongly convicted. NPR's Renee Montagne talks with lawyer and novelist Scott Turow, who served on a commission to study capital punishment in Illinois.

NYC Police Seek Broader Surveillance Powers

December 31, 2002 • The New York City police department asks a federal judge for permission to spy on political groups, before having evidence of wrongdoing. The police department says the increased powers are necessary in order to fight terrorism. Critics say existing rules are flexible enough to give police the latitude they need. Marianne McCune reports.

New Luggage-Screening Rules Take Effect

December 31, 2002 • With the new year, new federal rules require every U.S. airport to screen all checked luggage for explosives. The new regulations mean travelers will need to re-think how they pack. Hear NPR's Janet Babin and Jonathan Proctor, editor of Airliners magazine.

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U.S. Military Building Underway in Persian Gulf

December 30, 2002 • Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld orders American forces to prepare for possible deployment near Iraq, positioning the U.S. military in case of war. The move comes even as Bush administration officials say they will continue working through the United Nations to disarm the Iraqi regime. NPR's Tom Gjelten reports.

FBI Asks Public for Help Finding Mideasterners

December 30, 2002 • The FBI says five Middle Eastern men who may have information on terror activity are thought to have illegally entered the United States last week. The agency is asking the public's help locating the five, who are thought to have crossed the border from Canada on Christmas Eve. NPR's Jennifer Ludden reports.

Democrats See GOP Vulnerable on Security

December 30, 2002 • Democrats have begun hammering President Bush and the GOP for not doing enough to keep America safe from terrorists. NPR's Juan Williams talks with NPR's Renee Montagne about the flurry of off-season political activity in Washington, D.C.

GOP Victory in Georgia Upsets Politics-As-Usual

December 29, 2002 • Susanna Capelouto of Georgia Public Radio reports that the surprise victory of Republican Sonny Perdue over incumbent Democrat Roy Barnes has upset the state's political establishment. It's the first time a Republican has been governor of Georgia for 130 years, and there's a rush to fill positions.

GOP Majority and Social Security Privatization

December 29, 2002 • President Bush made the privatization of Social Security one of his main campaign pledges when elected in 2000. But as NPR's Mara Liasson reports, the Republican majority in both the House and Senate does not guarantee Bush a legislative victory.

Unemployment Benefits Run Out for Many

December 28, 2002 • Jobless benefits expire for about 800,000 Americans who have relied on state and federal help for 39 weeks. A lame-duck Congress failed to extend benefits; lawmakers are expected to make the issue a priority in the new year. NPR's Janet Babin reports.

Jobless Benefits Expire for Hundreds of Thousands

December 28, 2002 • Unemployment benefits expire for nearly 800,000 Americans as a congressional logjam holds up a possible extension. The new Congress, which meets in January, is expected to take up the issue as a top priority. NPR's David Molpus reports.

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Alabama Faces Deadline on Crowded Prison

December 27, 2002 • The state of Alabama has until Monday to ease overcrowded conditions at the state's prison for women, after a federal judge ruled the prison unsafe. NPR’s Melanie Peeples reports.

Georgia Criticized on Legal Defense for the Poor

December 27, 2002 • A commission in Georgia says the state has failed to provide legal defense for the poor, violating both the U.S. and state constitution. The 26-member panel calls the system badly organized, with poor people sitting in jail for weeks without seeing a lawyer, even for minor offenses. Emily Kopp of Georgia Public Radio reports.