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The Census Bureau today reported that Americans' income edged up last year for the first time in six years and fewer families are living in poverty. The report, hailed by President Clinton, showed median household income of $34,076 in 1995, up 2.7 percent from 1994. The agency said this is the first real increase in six years after adjusting for inflation. NPR's John Nielsen has the details.

In the first criminal action taken against a government official in the Ruby Ridge case, a senior FBI agent was charged today with obstruction of justice. In 1992, FBI agents shot and killed the wife and child of a white separatist during a siege of his home in Ruby Ridge, Idaho. There are reports that the agent charged today may have agreed to co-operate with prosecutors in their investigation of government action during the siege. NPR's Chitra Ragavan reports.

From Los Angeles, NPR's Mandalit Del Barco reports on an unusual American success story in cracking the Japanese automobile market: Latino business people are exporting to Japan the American automotive icon known as the low-rider -- those souped-up hot rods with hydraulic suspensions and low-riding profiles. Del Barco reports that the low-riders, immortalized in films and rap music, have captured the imaginations of the Japanese, who are willing to pay big bucks for the customized cars.

NPR's Jennifer Ludden reports on the humanitarian crisis in eastern Zaire, which is growing more catastrophic by the day. As the U-S and other nations debate how to mount an emergecy relief operation, reports say more and more wandering refugees are dying every day. More than a million Rwandan refugees--and an unknown number of Zairean citizens -- have been forced to flee fighting between the Zairean army and Rwandan-backed Zairean rebels.

NPR's Mara Liasson reports on President Clinton's post-election press conference today, at which he announced the departure of chief of staff Leon Panetta and his selection of North Carolina businessman Erskine Bowles to succeed Panetta. Clinton also reiterated his support of a balanced budget and campaign finance reform, and fielded questions from reporters about questionable campaign contributions from foreigners.

NPR's Tovia Smith reports on a new law requiring ALL Massachusetts businesses to post information about reporting sexual harassment in the workplace. Small businesses say the new law is too expensive for them to comply with...it requires the printing of information for posting, for brochures, and in some cases the employers may even be obligated to pay for awareness classes...and that they are essentially required to post information on how employees can sue them.

Ted Clark reports that as the U.S. broadens its war against terrorism, its embassies have begun to monitor how well other governments cooperate with the U.S. anti-terrorism efforts. The data, which many governments would rather remained confidential, will be published in the State Department's annual report on terrorism.

Veta (VEE-tuh) Christy reports on a Connecticut mother who has repeatedly been reported for child abuse. But when state authorities investigate each case, they have found no basis for the charges. Authorities won't give her the names of her accusers and she's suing to find out just who keeps charging her with the most heinous of crimes.

The SEC investigates William Webster's selection to head an accounting oversight board after reports suggest SEC Chairman Harvey Pitt failed to tell other SEC commissioners about problems in Webster's resume. NPR's Scott Horsley reports.

Media reports have highlighted a potential danger for children who carry overstuffed backpacks around, citing a rash of back injuries. One study shows a greater danger from tripping over the cumbersome carry-alls. But there's more to the story. NPR's Rachel Jones reports.