Search results for

Medical journalist Dr. Stephen Cohen argues that the threat of bio-terrorism has grown as dissident groups have both motive and ability to use agents like anthrax and smallpox against the U.S. and we're unprepared. 90% of people aren't immunized. There's a shortage of smallpox vaccine and isolation beds. We should be treating it as a public health threat and involve the medical community more than it is now.

NPR's Larry Abramson reports that a recent FBI bust of a bookie has focused attention on another weapon in law enforcement's high-tech arsenal. Agents put a keystroke monitor on a suspect's computer and were able to recreate every letter typed into it for months. The idea was to get a password he used to encrypt data.

Eighty-percent of the world's poinsettias are grown at one ranch in Encinitas, California. Noah talks with Paul Ecke III -- CEO of Paul Ecke Ranch -- about the history and breeding of the popular holiday flower. The Ecke family has grown the tropical American shrub for ninety years.

NPR's Barbara Bradley reports that the ramifications of the United States Supreme Court's decision on the Bush-Gore case may continue into the future. While George W. Bush will become president the Supreme Court might have lost some credibility. Many people are still unsure whether the court did the right thing.

Beijing is prosecuting some of China's high and mighty in a huge corruption scandal, based in Xiamen. Already there have been death sentences handed down in number of cases, and more are expected. NPR's Rob Gifford reports on the case of a Chinese man, arrested in Vancouver and held in a Canadian jail on immigration charges. Political leaders in Beijing say he is the most prolific smuggler in modern Chinese history. They have requested that he be extradited to China. Canada is worried about the case, because the man could be executed if returned to China. But Chinese officials are concerned because the suspect, who's name is Lai Changxing, has tales to tell about corruption at the highest levels of government.

Julia Barton reports on how Yalta a tiny piece of land between a mountain chain and the Black sea is dealing with the lack of tourists during this winter.

Commentator Peter Loge notes the time Vice-President Al Gore will soon have on his hands, and offers a few suggestions.

From Peach State Public Radio Maura Farrelly reports on how Atlanta residents are coping with the three inches of snow that hit the city yesterday. Many of the city's snow-deprived are enjoying the chance to frolic the white stuff.

NPR's Guy Raz reports that one East German city is suffering from a problem almost inconceivable in most American cities: too much housing. The city of Leipzig is responding with a swift and pragmatic solution: the wrecking ball.

NPR's John Nielsen reports on the background of Christine Todd Whitman, who has accepted president-elect George W. Bush's offer to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Whitman already has national stature and her acceptance is evidence that running EPA is no longer viewed as a stepping stone to national prominence. And she's neither friend nor foe to an environmental community that has been skeptical of the GOP agenda.