National

Democrats Get Feisty in New York Debate

February 29, 2004 • The four remaining presidential candidates take part in the last Democratic debate before Super Tuesday, when 10 states will choose their candidates. The debate took on a contentious tone, with moderators and candidates interrupting one another often. A complaint from Sen. John Kerry that he had been cut short brought only the response, "This is New York." The debate was sponsored by The New York Times, CBS and WCBS. NPR's Scott Horsley reports.

Hastert Extends Sept. 11 Deadline

February 29, 2004 • House Speaker Dennis Hastert has decided to extend the deadlline for the report from the commission studying the Sept. 11 attacks. NPR's Liane Hansen discusses Hastert's decision with Rich Cohen, congressional reporter for the National Journal.

World

U.S. Troops to Join Multinational Force in Haiti

February 29, 2004 • The international community prepares to aid Haiti's return to stability after the exodus of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who stepped aside after months of increasingly violent protests and demonstrations. the United States is preparing to send troops as part of a U.N. effort to stabilize the Caribbean nation. Looting and celebrations were reported to follow the news of Aristide's departure. Hear NPR's Nancy Marshall.

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Presidential Candidates Debate in New York

February 29, 2004 • The four remaining candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination debate today in New York, ahead of nine primaries and one caucus on Tuesday. NPR's Liane Hansen talks with NPR's Scott Horsley.

FBI to Review Oklahoma Bombing Case

February 28, 2004 • Based on recent stories by the Associated Press, the FBI has ordered a formal review of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing investigation. The agency is trying to determine whether Timothy McVeigh had more accomplices. NPR's Nancy Marshall reports.

William Winter and the Education of Mississippi

February 28, 2004 • NPR's Scott Simon talks with former Mississippi Gov. William Winter. During his years in office, from 1980 to 1984, Gov. Winter overhauled an impoverished state's educational system and addressed desegregation.

Ohio Voters Point to Job Loss as Key Issue

February 28, 2004 • Ohio's Democratic primary is Tuesday, and voters appear to be leaning toward Sen. John Kerry. But President Bush also has firm support in the Buckeye State, which will be hotly contested in the fall election. The employment issue is uppermost in the minds of many in a state where thousands of manufacturing jobs have disappeared. NPR's Linda Wertheimer reports.

Democrats Brace for 'Super Tuesday'

February 28, 2004 • Ten states hold caucuses or primaries Tuesday in what could be a decisive moment in the contest for the Democratic presidential nomination. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and political editor John Harwood of The Wall Street Journal.

Kucinich Campaign Remains Upbeat

February 28, 2004 • Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio has yet to win a substantial number of delegates in any Democratic presidential contest. But low poll numbers don't seem to discourage the former Cleveland mayor's supporters or campaign staff. Judy Campbell reports.

Primary Highlights Ohio's Role in Fall Race

February 28, 2004 • On the last weekend of campaigning before "Super Tuesday" -- when 10 states hold elections -- things are heating up in delegate-rich Ohio. Voters are looking ahead to the November general election and the state's potentially pivotal role. Hear NPR's John Ydstie and NPR's Linda Wertheimer.

Porn Industry Braces to Fight Anti-Obscenity Push

February 27, 2004 • The Bush administration wants to put more money into wiping out obscene material. But producers of these materials have fought off such campaigns before, and at least one free-speech group says the last anti-obscenity drive in the 1980s did not have a lasting effect. NPR's Larry Abramson reports.

Report Details 50 Years of Abuse by Catholic Clerics

February 27, 2004 • A report released Friday by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice estimates about 4 percent of the clergy in U.S. Catholic churches has been accused of sexual abuse in the United States over the past 50 years. About half of the accusers said they were between the ages of 11 and 14 when they were molested. Advocates for the victims allege that some bishops aren't revealing all they know, and the advocates add that many victims don't report abuse. NPR's Barbara Bradley Hagerty reports.

Penn Grad Students Strike for Union Rights

February 27, 2004 • Graduate teaching assistants at the University of Pennsylvania continue a two-day strike to protest the university's refusal to allow them to unionize. The teaching assistants say they need to be able to bargain for better wages and working conditions -- but the university says they can't, because they are students and not employees. NPR's Anthony Brooks reports.

Cubs Fans Destroy 'Cursed' Foul Ball

February 27, 2004 • The baseball that embodies a century of sorrow for Chicago Cubs fans is destroyed at a charity fundraiser that was part baseball exorcism. Cubs fan Steve Bartman tried to catch the ball at a key moment in the 2003 playoffs, helping a Florida Marlins rally that denied the Cubs a World Series spot -- again. Some Cubs fans hope the team will now start the 2004 season unburdened by failures of the past. NPR's David Schaper reports.

U.S. Bishops Faulted over Sex Abuse

February 27, 2004 • A lay panel of prominent Roman Catholics issues two reports strongly criticizing U.S. bishops for failing to stop sexual abuse by Catholic clergy. One report finds that, since 1950, 4 percent of priests have been accused of sexually abusing minors. A companion study blames bishops for keeping allegations of abuse secret. Hear NPR News.

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