National

Music News

Shaw Recalled as Giant of the Dance Band Era

December 31, 2004 • Clarinetist, composer, and orchestra leader Artie Shaw died Thursday at his home in Thousand Oaks, Calif. He was 94. Shaw was one of the great musicians of the dance band era. NPR's Steve Inskeep has a remembrance.

World

U.S. Boosts Tsunami Aid to $350 Million

December 31, 2004 • The White House announces the U.S. will boost its aid contribution to tsunami victims from $35 million to $350 million. Secretary of State Colin Powell said the increase came after discussions with disaster officials made clear the size of the tragedy. Hear NPR's Larry Abramson.

U.S. Boosts Tsunami Aid to $350 Million

Audio for this story is unavailable.

Diversions

Some Things to Look Forward to in 2005

December 31, 2004 • NPR's Melissa Block looks at some unusual trends and events in 2005. They include the new look in Web design, new trends in food-flavoring, a primer on why 2005 is World Year of Physics, and a centennial to celebrate in the Canadian province of Alberta.

A Chat with Jazz Man Von Freeman

December 31, 2004 • In a special holiday rebroadcast, NPR's Tony Cox sits down for a conversation with Chicago's treasured jazz man, Von Freeman.

Education

Florida's Pre-Kindergarten Program Draws Critics

December 31, 2004 • Florida legislatures this month approved pre-kindergarten classes for children across the state, in response to a constitutional amendment approved by the state's voters in 2002. But now that the program has become law, some fear it will not deliver quality education. Hear Amy Tardif of member station WGCU.

Law

Justice Dept. Memo Redefines 'Torture'

December 31, 2004 • A new Justice Department memo revises and expands the definition of torture, ruling out its use in interrogating prisoners of war. It replaces a controversial 2002 memo that justified the use of torture to protect national security. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and Jess Bravin of The Wall Street Journal.

Your Money

Paying for College Without Going Broke

December 31, 2004 • As many high school seniors consider which colleges to attend, their families are trying to figure out how to pay for it. Jonathon Clements of The Wall Street Journal has some advice for parents on how to pay for college -- and still save for your own retirement.

Congressman-Elect Emanuel Cleaver

December 31, 2004 • NPR's Tony Cox chats with Emanuel Cleaver, the freshman representative from Missouri's Fifth Congressional District. He's one of five new African-American members of Congress, and next week he'll be sworn into the 109th Congress.

News

NASA's Oldest Active Astronaut Retires

December 31, 2004 • After 42 years of exploring the stars, NASA's longest-serving astronaut, John Young, is retiring at the age of 74. Young was a pilot on the first Gemini mission, has walked on the moon and helped design the space shuttle. He discusses his career in space flight with NPR's Steve Inskeep.

World

A Look at One U.S. Aid Group's Tsunami Relief Efforts

December 31, 2004 • Direct Relief International, a medical relief agency in Santa Barbara, Calif., is working overtime to get millions of dollars in drug and health care donations to the victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami as quickly as possible. NPR's Carrie Kahn reports.

Reid Prepares to Lead Senate Democrats

December 31, 2004 • When the 109th Congress convenes next week, Nevada's Harry Reid will take over as the new minority leader of his fellow Democratic senators. The former minority whip, Reid is a Mormon convert. He's pro-gun, anti-abortion and a strong ally of the mining industry. NPR's David Welna profiles Reid.

Obituaries

In Arts and Politics, 2004 Saw Notable Passings

December 31, 2004 • Melissa Block commemorates notable deaths in 2004, highlighting in sound and voice the lives of Marlon Brando, Ronald Reagan and Ray Charles.

Business

US Airways Tries to Make Up for Christmas Debacle

December 31, 2004 • US Air attempts to make up for its dismal performance over the Christmas holiday by providing VIP treatment to travelers this weekend. The troubled airline cancelled flights and misplaced thousands of bags during the holiday. Now it is asking its workers to volunteer -- handing out potato chips and cocoa to passengers in Philadelphia in hopes of getting back in their good graces. NPR's Frank Langfitt reports.

World

Tsunami Survivor Recalls Impact in Trincomalee

December 31, 2004 • A tsunami survivor in Sri Lanka tells a harrowing tale of his days since the waves hit. NPR's Philip Reeves reports.

Politics

Justice Revises Torture Policy

December 31, 2004 • The Justice Department backs away from a narrow and controversial definition of torture. A new memo says torture violates U.S. and international law. The White House came under criticism for a 2002 memo that said President Bush had authority superseding U.S. laws against torture during times of war. NPR's Carrie Kahn reports.