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NPR's Jim Zarroli reports cities and states have long used the legal concept of eminent domain to seize private land to build highways or railroads deemed necessary for the public good. Some critics complain that local governments are abusing these powers . In New York right now, government officials want to seize some private land to build what they say is a much-needed shopping plaza in East Harlem.

NPR's Tom Goldman reports that the National Basketball Association's 50th All-Star game will be played in Washington D.C. on Sunday. The league has many stars, but no transcendent superstar has emerged since the retirement of Michael Jordan. One leading candidate is Allen Iverson, a guard for the Philadelphia 76ers who is known as much for his profane outbursts and violent rap lyrics as for his wondrous play.

The end of the court battle between the South African goverment and three dozen of the world's drug companies has dropped prices of HIV and AIDS drugs in many countries. While these drugs are now available to the affected millions who are mostly poor, there are far more basic things yet to be taken care of. NPR'S Brenda Wilson reports.

NPR's Snigdha Prakash reports the I.R.S. is auditing fewer and fewer tax returns these days and that has some observers concerned that some taxpayers will be tempted to cheat. I.R.S. Chairman Charles Rossotti blamed the decline on staff shortages, antiquated computers and I.R.S. reform legislation passed in 1998.

Today is the second day of the eight day observanace of Jewish Passover. In recent years, the multi-billion-dollar kosher food market has grown dramatically. This ancient dietary system is intended to add holiness to the mundane act of eating. But, as Fred Mogul reports from member station WHYY in Philadelphia, selling kosher food is often complicated by factors other than religious law.

NPR's Julie Rovner reports on the debate within the Bush administration over federal regulations of the privacy of medical records. The new rules were issued by the Clinton administration but haven't yet taken effect. Tommy Thompson, the new secretary of health and human services, has the authority to kill them and will announce his decision by the end of this week.

Effects from the energy crisis in California are rippling across the West, with more serious consequences than higher home electricity bills. So far at least 1,500 industrial workers in western states have been laid off, partly because of high electricty prices. Among the victims are copper mine workers in the southwest. From member station KRWG in New Mexico, Eric Whitney reports.

Attorney General John Ashcroft went to Oklahoma City today to meet with survivors and relatives of victims of the 1995 Murrah Federal Building bombing. Ashcroft said he wanted to talk with the people about the calls from some of them for closed circuit television of the execution of bomber Timothy McVeigh. NPR's Brian Naylor reports.

NPR's Jackie Northam reports a declining population has caused the state of Iowa to try to lure new workers. Many of the newcomers are from other countries, and the state has started to plan programs to deal with their needs. The immigrants are bringing new cultures to Iowa. Some people are unhappy about the changes.

Joshua Levs reports a case involving alleged child abuse at church has created a stir in Atlanta. The House of Prayer disciplines its young parishioners with corporal punishment. Georgia officials believe the church and many of its parents are abusing the children with beatings and whippings. The state has put 41 children into temporary foster care.