Greenspan Offers Optimism, Warning
Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan tells lawmakers the U.S. economic picture has "brightened" over the last six months and "prospects are good" for a sustained expansion of the U.S. economy. But Greenspan also warns of the dangers of record budget deficits, adding that no group has yet created a realistic plan to address the deficit issue. NPR's John Ydstie reports. Feb. 11, 2004

Team Clones Human Embryo in Korea
South Korean and U.S. researchers say they have successfully cloned a human embryo and extracted embryonic stem cells from it. The experiment, reported in the journal Nature, is the first instance of cloned human stem cells -- an important step toward therapeutic cloning, in which patients' own replacement tissue would be generated to treat them. NPR's Joe Palce reports. Feb. 11, 2004

Clark Quits Presidential Race
Wesley Clark officially withdraws from the Democratic presidential race. The retired general, who got into the contest late, leaves having won only one primary, in Oklahoma on Feb. 3. He is the fourth major candidate to withdraw. NPR's Greg Allen reports. Feb. 11, 2004
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Clark Quits Presidential Race
Wesley Clark officially withdraws from the Democratic presidential race. The retired general, who got into the contest late, leaves having won only one primary, in Oklahoma on Feb. 3. He is the fourth major candidate to withdraw. NPR's Greg Allen reports. Feb. 11, 2004
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Dean Attacks Kerry for Link to TV Ad
Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean accuses front-runner Sen. John Kerry of being part of Washington's under-handed political culture, citing reports of Kerry fundraisers' involvement in controversial advertisements that portrayed Dean as weak on national security. The allegations center on Sen. Bob Torricelli who donated $50,000 to an independent group that ran the ads. Hear Chuck Quirmbach of Wisconsin Public Radio. Feb. 11, 2004
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Massachusetts Debates Gay Marriage Ban
Massachusetts lawmakers consider amending the state's constitution to ban same-sex marriages. Supporters of the proposed ban differ on how it should be enacted as opponents protest what they call an attack on civil rights. The debate has attracted thousands of demonstrators at Boston's old Statehouse. Hear NPR's Michele Norris and NPR's Tovia Smith. Feb. 11, 2004

Car Bomb Kills 47 at Iraqi Army Center
A car bomb kills at least 47 and injures 50 more as it explodes near an army recruitment center in Baghdad. The attack is the second in as many days to target Iraqis seeking to work with the U.S.-led coalition. NPR's Emily Harris reports. Feb. 11, 2004
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Zarqawi Focus of Massive Search
Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is suddenly the most talked about terrorist in Washington. Analysts allege he is the "most active and frenetic terrorist commander out there." The United States has placed a $10 million bounty on his head. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly reports. Feb. 11, 2004

Haitian Rebels, Elite in Tenuous Alliance
In Haiti, armed insurgents have taken several towns in their quest to oust President Jean Bertrand Aristide. The government says this is a coup attempt orchestrated by Haiti's elite. Wealthy Haitians deny the charge but share the rebels' goal. But they don't plan to share power, which could bring them into conflict with their unlikely allies. NPR's Gerry Hadden reports. Feb. 11, 2004

Comcast Seeks to Acquire Disney
Comcast, the nation's biggest cable provider, makes an offer worth $66 billion to purchase the entertainment giant Disney. Comcast officials say Disney chief Michael Eisner rejected a merger offer last week, prompting the public purchase bid. The price is based on around $54 million in stock and $11.9 billion in Disney debt. Hear NPR's Kim Masters. Feb. 11, 2004

Greenspan Offers Optimism, Warning
Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan tells lawmakers the U.S. economic picture has "brightened" over the last six months and "prospects are good" for a sustained expansion of the U.S. economy. But Greenspan also warns of the dangers of record budget deficits, adding that no group has yet created a realistic plan to address the deficit issue. NPR's John Ydstie reports. Feb. 11, 2004

Democrats: Bush Jobs Outlook Too Rosy
President Bush's top economic advisers were on Capitol Hill Tuesday to defend the president's latest economic report. Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee are skeptical about the Bush administration's prediction that 2.6 million jobs will be created this year. NPR's Kathleen Schalch reports. Feb. 11, 2004

Team Clones Human Embryo in Korea
South Korean and U.S. researchers say they have successfully cloned a human embryo and extracted embryonic stem cells from it. The experiment, reported in the journal Nature, is the first instance of cloned human stem cells -- an important step toward therapeutic cloning, in which patients' own replacement tissue would be generated to treat them. NPR's Joe Palce reports. Feb. 11, 2004

Report: Sleep Loss Takes Toll on Teens
A new study finds that the tendency for some children in their early adolescence to sleep less presents a danger to their mental health. The study, in the recent issue of the journal Child Development, says children who get less sleep may develop symptoms of depression and low self-esteem. NPR's Michelle Trudeau reports. Feb. 11, 2004

Democrats Show Slippery Grip on Health Issues
Most polls show health care is a top concern for Democratic primary voters. The Democratic presidential candidates talk about health care regularly, but they don't always provide an accurate description of the issues and figures involved. NPR's Julie Rovner reports. Feb. 11, 2004
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Keaton Contemplates Her Oscar Turn
NPR's Michele Norris talks with Diane Keaton, co-star of Something's Gotta Give, about her Oscar nomination for best actress in that film. Keaton has already won a Golden Globe for her performance. Her first Oscar win for best actress came for the title role in Annie Hall, which also earned her a Golden Globe. Feb. 11, 2004

New Music Picks from 'Village Voice'
The Village Voice releases its annual Pazz & Jop poll, which surveys the nation's rock critics on the best new music. Over the last three decades, the poll has developed a reputation for spotting emerging talent overlooked by the Grammys. NPR's Bob Edwards discusses this year's survey results with Village Voice music editor Robert Christgau. Feb. 11, 2004

Jenny Toomey, Rocking the FCC
Jenny Toomey came out of Georgetown with a degree in philosophy and a punk rock band. She's also pressing the FCC to create more access on local radio stations for independent musicians. NPR's Neda Ulaby profiles Toomey. Feb. 11, 2004
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