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National

Tuesday

NYC Ready for New Year's Eve

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.

NYC Ready for New Year's Eve

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EPA Rules Change

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.

EPA Rules Change

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NY Police Seek Spying Powers

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.

NY Police Seek Spying Powers

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Illinois Death Penalty

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.

Illinois Death Penalty

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The Year in Review

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.

The Year in Review

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Monday

Weekly Political Roundup

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.

Weekly Political Roundup

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Sunday

GOP Victory in Georgia Upsets Politics-As-Usual

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 Victory in Georgia Upsets Politics-As-Usual

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Saturday

Jobless Benefits Expire

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

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Friday

Alabama Faces Deadline on Crowded Prison

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.

Alabama Faces Deadline on Crowded Prison

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Alaska's Stevens to Take Over Senate Appropriations Panel

A Senate newly controlled by Republicans means key changes at the top of powerful committees. And with a brand-new GOP leader, committee chairmen may wield additonal influence. Alaska's Sen. Ted Stevens takes over as head of the Appropriations Committee. NPR's Elizabeth Arnold offers a profile.

Alaska's Stevens to Take Over Senate Appropriations Panel

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