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Saturday

Music Interviews

Let Me Entertain You: The Songs of Jule Styne

Jule Styne wrote some of the most popular songs in American history, including "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow," and "Three Coins in a Fountain." Saturday, Dec. 31 marks the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Let Me Entertain You: The Songs of Jule Styne

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Books

'Champagne': The Evolution of Bubbly

In Champagne: How the World's Most Glamorous Wine Triumphed Over War and Hard Times, Don and Petie Kladstrup offer the history of a New Year's Eve staple that had rather inauspicious beginnings.

'Champagne': The Evolution of Bubbly

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World

Police Trainer Reflects on His Year in Iraq

Mike Heidingsfield spent 13 months in Iraq as the top civilian commander in charge of training Iraqi police. He tells Linda Werteimer that Iraqi police are now a more visible presence, but that makes them targets for insurgents, too.

Police Trainer Reflects on His Year in Iraq

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Economy

Russia to Assume G-8 Leadership Amid Criticism

Russia will take over the chairmanship of the Group of Eight industrial nations at a time when there are growing concerns about President Putin's commitment to democracy. Fred Bergsten, director of the Institute for International Economics offers his insights.

Russia to Assume G-8 Leadership Amid Criticism

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Top Music Picks for 2005

Songs from a Year of 'Music Lust'

Nic Harcourt, host of KCRW's popular Morning Becomes Eclectic and author of Music Lust, talks about his book, along with some of the best music you've probably missed this past year.

Songs from a Year of 'Music Lust'

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Friday

Analysis

Analysis

Links Between the Iraq War and 'The Next Attack'

The Iraq war has increased the threat of terrorism by spreading the jihadist threat to Muslim communities that were less radicalized before the invasion, argues Daniel Benjamin. He's co-author of a new book, The Next Attack, and a former National Security Council staffer in the Clinton administration.

Links Between the Iraq War and 'The Next Attack'

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Morning Edition

Schwarzenegger Attempts to Regain Popularity

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger watched his legislative initiatives go up in flames at the special election he called this year, and his poll numbers have cratered. Now, Schwarzenegger is trying to appeal to the public as a centrist with an eye on re-election on 2006.

Schwarzenegger Attempts to Regain Popularity

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NSA Questioned on Scope of Domestic Spying

Justice Department Confirms Hunt for Spy-Story Source

The Justice Department confirms it is investigating the source of a New York Times' story on a National Security Agency program that includes domestic surveillance of U.S. citizens without a warrant. The story broke earlier this month after the newspaper delayed publication for more than a year.

Justice Department Confirms Hunt for Spy-Story Source

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National

Texas, Oklahoma on Alert for Weekend Wildfires

Firefighters in Texas and Oklahoma have contained wildfires that have raged through both states this week, killing four people. But warm and windy conditions this weekend could cause the blazes to flare up, and many communities have banned fireworks during New Year's celebrations.

Texas, Oklahoma on Alert for Weekend Wildfires

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Law

Judge Rules Catholic Church Owner of Parish Assets

In Portland, Ore., a federal bankruptcy court judge rules that the city's Catholic Archdiocese is the legal owner of 124 Catholic parishes in western Oregon. That means parish assets are now up for grabs as the Archdiocese faces lawsuits from victims of sexual abuse by priests.

Judge Rules Catholic Church Owner of Parish Assets

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Rocky Start for Medicare Drug Benefit

Medicare to Swallow Medicaid Drug Benefit

Sunday marks the start of Medicare's new prescription drug benefit. The program is voluntary, but the Jan. 1 deadline is critical for 6.5 million of the poorest and most vulnerable beneficiaries. They are losing existing drug coverage provided by the Medicaid program.

Medicare to Swallow Medicaid Drug Benefit

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Business

Pension Reality Hits Workers Hard in 2005

For workers with traditional pension plans, this was the year many had to face a harsh reality. About a quarter of a million people saw their pensions turned over to a government corporation, meaning lower benefits in the future.

Pension Reality Hits Workers Hard in 2005

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World

Lines Grow as Iraqis Learn of Refinery Closure

Already beset by violence and political instability, Iraqis face another crisis as the country's largest oil refinery shuts down due to insurgent threats against fuel tank drivers. The news has sparked a growing rush for scarce gasoline, and the country's oil minister has been suspended.

Lines Grow as Iraqis Learn of Refinery Closure

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Thursday

Global Health

African Clinic Struggles to Help Children with AIDS

In Africa, almost a half-million children died last year of AIDS. Hundreds of thousands of others are in need of treatment. But very few get it because the barriers to treating children are even greater than those for adults.

African Clinic Struggles to Help Children with AIDS

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