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Friday

Restructuring Homeland Security Oversight

Paul Light of the Brookings Institution argues that congress should streamline oversight of the Department of Homeland Security -- giving that responsibility to only one committee in the House of Representatives. But he warns congressional leaders not to hamstring that committee -- by putting too many members on it.

Restructuring Homeland Security Oversight

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Justice Renounces Torture

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.

Justice Renounces Torture

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Analysis

Analysis

Political Analysis: Tsunami Aid, Social Security Reform

NPR's Madeleine Brand talks with NPR's Juan Williams about the week in U.S. politics. This week's topics include U.S. aid for victims of the tsunami in southern Asia, Social Security reform and the future of troubled airlines.

Political Analysis: Tsunami Aid, Social Security Reform

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National

Congressman-Elect Emanuel Cleaver

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.

Congressman-Elect Emanuel Cleaver

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Law

DOJ Memo Redefines 'Torture'

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.

DOJ Memo Redefines 'Torture'

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National

Reid Prepares to Lead Senate Democrats

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.

Reid Prepares to Lead Senate Democrats

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Thursday

World

Venezuelan Voting Advocacy Group Faces Treason Charges

Venezuelan prosecutors charge the leaders of a get-out-the-vote group with trying to topple President Hugo Chavez in 2002. The prosecutors say the group received a grant from a Washington-based organization funded by the U.S. Congress. Brian Ellsworth reports.

Venezuelan Voting Advocacy Group Faces Treason Charges

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Opinion

On Creating a Committee to Oversee Homeland Security

When the 109th Congress convenes next week, among its most immediate items of business will be a vote on consolidating congressional oversight of the Department of Homeland Security. Rep. Christopher Cox (R-CA) has this comment.

On Creating a Committee to Oversee Homeland Security

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World

Peace Deal to Be Signed in Casamance, Senegal

Before the year is out, Senegal's president is expected to sign a peace deal ending one of Africa's least publicized and longest-running rebellions. The Movement of Democratic Forces in the Casamance has been waging a bloody independence campaign against the Central Government in Dakar since 1982. NPR's Ofeibea Quist-Arcton reports.

Peace Deal to Be Signed in Casamance, Senegal

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Analysis: Bush Foreign Policy in 2005

President Bush's foreign policy is often noted for the use of pre-emption. NPR's Tom Gjelten talks about President Bush's approach to foreign policy: which ideas and practices from 2004 may carry over to 2005 -- and which may be changing. Hear Gjelten and NPR's Renee Montagne.

Analysis: Bush Foreign Policy in 2005

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Wednesday

Wisconsin Attorney General Will Prosecute Hunter Trial

The state's attorney general says she'll take the unusual step of personally prosecuting the case of a man accused of fatally shooting six hunters. Wisconsin Public Radio's Shawn Johnson reports.

Wisconsin Attorney General Will Prosecute Hunter Trial

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All Things Considered

Bush Eyes Expansion of No Child Left Behind

As President Bush prepares an effort to expand many of the No Child Left Behind Act's provisions to high schools, NPR's Claudio Sanchez examines the law's successes and shortcomings.

Bush Eyes Expansion of No Child Left Behind

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House Ethics Committee May Face Leadership Change

Congressman Joel Hefley (R-CO)'s chairmanship of the House Ethics Committee may be near an end. Hefley made headlines this year when his panel admonished House Majority leader Tom DeLay three times for questionable behavior. NPR's David Welna reports.

House Ethics Committee May Face Leadership Change

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