Search results for

- As rebel forces advance on the eastern Zairian town of Kisangani, NPR's Michael Skoler reports that United Nations aid officials have flown into rebel-held territory to establish aid stations for fleeing refugees. The idea is to coax them back to their homes in neighboring Rwanda and Burundi, but that's going to be difficult without a ceasefire first.

From member station KPBS in San Diego, Carrie Kahn reports on Mexicans heading home for the holidays. Mexico's new president, Vicente Fox, is trying to ensure their safe passage, and to hold bribery and corruption by border guards in check.

Host Bob Edwards talks to Astronaut Bill Shepherd and Cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev on the International Space Station. Both men have been on board since October and plan to return home in March. Their mission is to help prepare the station for permanent habitation and scientific research.

Kate Seelye in Beirut reports on a growing debate in Lebanon over the continued presence of some 35-thousand Syrian troops in the country. Syrian forces were given a peacekeeping mandate in Lebanon under the agreement that ended the long civil war a decade ago. But Lebanese Christian leaders and others say the time has come for the Syrians to go home.

NPR's Jackie Northam reports on efforts by the Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall hazardous toys. Twelve items are on the CPSC's dangerous dozen including the Pokemon Ball originally given out by Burger King, and the Skydancer Doll,.and while these toys are no longer on the market, they could still be in consumer homes.

A new study says that in the event of a tornado, you may be better off in your car, rather than inside a mobile home or lying down in a ditch. Lynn Neary talks with Kent State University Prof. Tom Schmidlin about the study.

Scott Horsley of member station KPBS in San Diego reports that California could face a home-heating crisis, in addition to the electricity crisis. Several natural gas suppliers are demanding payment in advance from Pacific Gas and Electric, one of California's largest natural gas and electricity providers.

NPR's Jennifer Ludden in Jerusalem reports the fate of Palestinian refugees remains a key stumbling block in efforts to forge a final peace deal. Palestinians say the refugees have the right to return to homes in what is now Israel. Israelis of all political stripes say that can never happen.

Ivan Watson reports that residents of Gueckedou, Guinea, are now returning to their homes after Guinean government troops recaptured the city from rebels this week. The town is situated along one of the most dangerous borders in Africa, and fighting in the area continues.

Republican George W. Bush campaigned in eastern Tennessee today on his way to North Carolina and his second debate with Democratic rival Al Gore. The debate takes place tomorrow night in Winston-Salem. Bush was pleased to visit Tennessee to highlight how close the race looks in Gore's home state. NPR's Peter Kenyon reports.