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National

Northern California Rains Flood Highways

Torrential rain in Northern California causes rivers to flood and prompts officials to close many highways in the region. Steve Sharpe of the Sonoma County Emergency Operation Center speaks with Debbie Elliott.

Northern California Rains Flood Highways

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Terror War Changes Role of Police Chiefs

Hurricane Katrina forced us all to reflect on responsibilities of federal and local law enforcement. But Miami Police Chief John Timoney and Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton both say that their attention is more focused than ever on protecting their cities from terrorist attack.

Terror War Changes Role of Police Chiefs

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Dakar Rally Off to a Roaring Start

The annual Dakar Rally, an off-road race from Europe to Africa, may be the world's toughest motorsport event. This year, a long line of cars, trucks and motorcycles set out from Lisbon, Portugal, on the 5,619-mile journey.

Dakar Rally Off to a Roaring Start

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Politics

Wisconsin Likely to Remain a Battleground State

Wisconsin is a politically divided state highly contested by Republicans and Democrats. Gov. Jim Doyle, a first-term Democrat, and U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, a conservative Republican, both believe they represent the state's future.

Wisconsin Likely to Remain a Battleground State

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World

National Guard Unit Helps Ailing Iraqi Baby

Members of a Georgia National Guard unit are helping make sure an Iraqi infant is treated for a severe spinal defect. Photojournalist Bill Putnam is following the story for North Country Public Radio.

National Guard Unit Helps Ailing Iraqi Baby

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Health Care

Medicare Drug Program Goes Live

Medicare's new prescription drug program takes effect Sunday. People who have already signed up will begin paying monthly premiums. A look at five potential beneficiaries illustrates retirees' approach to the program.

Medicare Drug Program Goes Live

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Waiting to Watch the Walleye Drop

Proud of its fishing prowess, the Lake Erie town of Port Clinton, Ohio, calls itself the walleye capital of the world. Eleven years ago, Mayor Tom Brown began a New Year's Eve tradition: the town drops a 600-pound fiberglass walleye to ring in the New Year. He tells Linda Wertheimer about the = custom. =20

Waiting to Watch the Walleye Drop

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NSA Questioned on Scope of Domestic Spying

Domestic Spying Leak Draws Justice Department Probe

The Justice Department has begun an investigation into the source of The New York Times report that the National Security Agency was spying on American citizens within the United States without court approval.

Domestic Spying Leak Draws Justice Department Probe

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Poetry

End-of-Year Reflections from Ted Kooser

As we reach the end of the year, U.S. poet laureate Ted Kooser joins host Melissa Block to read a reflection — in prose — on welcoming in a new year, from his book Local Wonders.

End-of-Year Reflections from Ted Kooser

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Global Returns

Building a University, and Hope, in Ghana

After nearly 20 years in the U.S., Patrick Awuah left his job at Microsoft and returned to his native Ghana. His goal: to help educate Africa's future leaders in ethics and entrepreneurship.

Building a University, and Hope, in Ghana

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Steam Engine Fires Up for Annual New Year's Run

At the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, one of America's last working steam engines is firing up. Until just a few years ago, it was used to generate electricity for the school. These days, it's mostly run for visitors to see -- and for the annual New Year's Eve party. The rest of the year, one man lovingly tends to it: Conrad Milster.

Steam Engine Fires Up for Annual New Year's Run

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Katrina & Beyond

Congress Launches New Red Cross Inquiry

A new effort to scrutinize the American Red Cross is under way. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley is asking the group questions about its finances, structure and relief efforts. The inquiry stems from the Red Cross response to Hurricane Katrina and concerns about its leadership.

Congress Launches New Red Cross Inquiry

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NSA Questioned on Scope of Domestic Spying

Justice Department Confirms Hunt for Spy-Story Source

The Justice Department confirms it is investigating the source of a New York Times' story on a National Security Agency program that includes domestic surveillance of U.S. citizens without a warrant. The story broke earlier this month after the newspaper delayed publication for more than a year.

Justice Department Confirms Hunt for Spy-Story Source

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