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National

Wednesday

Meat from Sick Animals Banned

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman announces new rules -- effective immediately -- aimed at strengthening the safety of the country's meat supply. For the first time, the regulations ban the use of sick or injured cattle in the human food chain. They also prohibit using cattle brains, spinal tissue and small intestines in food. Hear NPR's Greg Allen.

Meat from Sick Animals Banned

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High Security for New Year's

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says the city is ready to host revelers celebrating New Year's Eve in Times Square. With the United States still on high alert for potential terrorist attacks, tight security is being planned for public celebrations around the country. NPR's Robert Smith reports.

High Security for New Year's

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Science

Public Weighs Mad Cow Risk

News of the first confirmed case of mad cow disease in the United States has beef industry insiders waiting to see how the public reacts. Consumers are now considering the potential risks of beef, especially as compared with other foods. Hear NPR's Joanne Silberner.

Public Weighs Mad Cow Risk

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World

Troops Learn More About Iraq Insurgency

U.S. commanders say their troops are quickly adapting to insurgents' changing tactics in Iraq, reporting that they are learning more about how the militants are organized. Attacks against U.S.-led forces have not diminished since the capture of Saddam Hussein. NPR's Eric Westervelt reports.

Troops Learn More About Iraq Insurgency

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Guantanamo Appeals Board Named

The Pentagon appoints a retired army general to oversee the military trials of suspected foreign terrorists held at the U.S. prison camp in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The military also names four members of a review panel to hear appeals of any convictions or sentences. The moves clear the way for the first U.S. military tribunals since World War II. Hear NPR's Eric Westervelt.

Guantanamo Appeals Board Named

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Court to Review Amusement Ride Safety Rules

The California Supreme Court agrees to hear a case on whether rides at amusement parks should be held to the same regulatory safety standards as planes and trains. The case draws on a wrongful death lawsuit that claims high-speed roller coasters can cause blood vessel abnormalities to rupture. Scientists say rides are relatively safe. Hear NPR's John McChesney.

Court to Review Amusement Ride Safety Rules

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Tuesday

FBI Warns of Potential Almanac Terror Link

The FBI warns that almanacs could be used by terrorists "to assist with target selection and pre-operational planning." The FBI warns police that terrorists could use the books, which compile data on everything from lunar cycles to weather patterns, to plan an attack. Hear NPR's Melissa Block and NPR's Michele Norris.

FBI Warns of Potential Almanac Terror Link

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USDA Bans 'Downer' Cattle

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman announces new rules, effective immediately, barring human consumption of "downer" cattle -- animals unable to walk at the time of their slaughter. Veneman says new rules will also be implemented to reduce the amount of meat and materials taken from older cows. Hear NPR's Joanne Silberner.

USDA Bans 'Downer' Cattle

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Ashcroft Bows Out of CIA Case

Attorney General John Ashcroft recuses himself from the investigation into who leaked CIA agent Valerie Plame's name to the press. A special prosecutor -- U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald -- will now lead the case. Hear NPR's Melissa Block and NPR's Jennifer Ludden.

Ashcroft Bows Out of CIA Case

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Science

'Mad Cow' Born Before Feed Ban

U.S. agriculture officials say the Washington state Holstein infected with mad cow disease was more than 6 years old -- older than previously thought. The cow was born before the United States and Canada banned the feeding of cattle parts to other cattle, a practice thought to be the principal means of transmitting the disease. Hear NPR's Joanne Silberner.

'Mad Cow' Born Before Feed Ban

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Oakland Weighs Fire-Prevention Tax

Fire officials in Oakland, Calif., say conditions are ripe for the repeat of a devastating 1991 wildfire that killed 25 people and caused more than $1 billion in damage. A city plan calls for a new tax to pay for brush removal. But some residents are balking at the cost of fire prevention. Hear NPR's Richard Gonzales.

Oakland Weighs Fire-Prevention Tax

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U.S. Cracks Down on American Sex Tourists Abroad

Child protection legislation signed by President Bush in April is making it easier for U.S. authorities to prosecute American citizens who engage in the child sex trade while traveling abroad. U.S. law provides for harsher penalties than domestic laws in hot spots such as Cambodia, Jamaica and India. Hear Tom Banse.

U.S. Cracks Down on American Sex Tourists Abroad

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Monday

U.S. to Lease Alaskan Petroleum Reserve

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management plans to lease vast stretches of land in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve to the oil industry. The area to be leased is 120 miles away from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It was originally set aside as an oil reserve for the U.S. Navy, but it has yet to bring a single barrel of oil to market. NPR's Elizabeth Arnold reports.

U.S. to Lease Alaskan Petroleum Reserve

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Business

U.S. Airline Inspections Roil Lost-Luggage Process

The Transportation Security Administration's increased scrutiny of commercial air baggage exposes the agency to potential claims by passengers losing all or part of their luggage in transit. Those in the industry say compensation claims for lost or damaged luggage are less likely to be resolved as a result. NPR's Jeff Brady reports.

U.S. Airline Inspections Roil Lost-Luggage Process

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U.S. Requires Armed Air Guards

The U.S. government announces measures requiring international air carriers -- both passenger and cargo -- to put armed guards on some flights over the United States, effectively immediately. The Department of Homeland Security says air marshals for the hundreds of commercial flights through U.S. air space will come from the country of the airline's ownership. NPR's Pam Fessler reports.

U.S. Requires Armed Air Guards

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