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Stand-up comics can say pretty much anything these days -- no matter how obscene or offensive their material -- thanks in no small part to Lenny Bruce. In the late 1950s and early '60s, the iconoclastic comedian often found himself in trouble with the law for saying whatever was on his mind. NPR's Juan Williams reports on a new book detailing Bruce's legal battles.

Recent corporate scandals and the fall in stock values hit the corporate liability insurance market hard. Lawsuits against directors and officers of corporate boards have driven up the cost of so-called D&O liability insurance, prompting some companies to flee the industry. NPR's David Schaper reports.

Relatives of seven people who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks sue the head of a federal victim compensation fund, accusing him of calculating and distributing money unfairly. NPR's Tovia Smith reports.

As President Bush finalizes his State of the Union speech, Republican and Democratic lawmakers say they expect it to focus on two topics: the domestic economy and the showdown with Iraq. Hear NPR's David Welna and Peter Robinson, a former speechwriter.

Microsoft's announcement that it will begin paying cash dividends to shareholders receives a lukewarm response from other technology companies, which face increasing pressure to follow Microsoft's lead. NPR's Elaine Korry reports.

Commentator Frank Deford says American sports fans are beginning to behave like Europe's notorious soccer Hooligans by rioting in victory and defeat. He says this trend reached a new low after the Oakland Raiders loss in last Sunday's Super Bowl.

A new play by John O'Keefe highlights a true story of two stage actors in pre-WWII Germany. Times Like These is about the gradual loss of personal freedoms, and draws striking parallels to today's post-Sept. 11 America. Iris Mann reports.

A woman from Belleville, Michigan, runs afoul of the law after suffering bitter disappointment in a quest to satisfy her sweet tooth.

President Bush uses his State of the Union speech to build a case for war with Iraq, but also addresses economic revival and health care reform. He says Secretary of State Colin Powell will go to the U.N. Security Council on Feb. 5 to explain the U.S. position on Iraq. Hear NPR's Don Gonyea, Michael O'Hanlon of the Brookings Institution and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

Bob Edwards talks with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) about President Bush's State of the Union address.