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Today is the deadline for the nation's airports to screen all checked baggage for explosives. The Transportation Security Administration says it will have the necessary equipment and procedures in place by midnight to meet the Congressionally-mandated timetable. NPR's Janet Babin reports the airline industry is concerned the additional security will put off people from traveling at a time when airlines are suffering huge losses.

The National Institutes of Health launch the first-ever human study of a super-low calorie diet. Studies on laboratory animals have shown for years that cutting calories by a third can boost lifespan by 30 percent. NPR's Eric Niiler reports.

In a surprisingly peaceful transition of power, Mwai Kibaki is sworn in as Kenya's third president since independence. Kibaki, of the opposition National Rainbow Coalition, handily defeated the ruling party candidate last week. Kibaki promises to reform, rebuild and revitalize Kenya. NPR's Jason Beaubien reports.

This is the third report in our series on prayer. In the first of two parts broadcast today, we examine the power of prayer in healing, Robert Siegel looks at an old Jewish prayer that's undergoing a bit of a revival. It's called the Mi Shebeirach, the Prayer of Healing. Robert speaks with people from a Maryland congregation about why they say the prayer, and what effect they hope it will have.

A Southern California health fad spreads across the country. Medical entrepreneurs are promoting total body scans with super fast CT scanners. A recent survey says a majority of Americans wants such a scan, even though medical authorities say the value of these scans is questionable. NPR's Patricia Neighmond reports.

Kenyans go to the polls Friday to elect a new president. A constitutional amendment prevents President Daniel arap Moi from seeking another term, and he's stepping down after 24 years in power. The elections also could unseat the Kenya African National Union, the ruling party since the nation's independence from Britain in 1963. NPR's Jason Beaubien reports.

Much of the Northeast tries to return to normal after a Christmas Day nor'easter dumps record amounts of snow and shuts airports. Shelters were opened to house hundreds of holiday motorists stranded by the blizzard, which dumped up to four feet of snow. North Country Public Radio's Brian Mann reports.

Financial troubles at Greater Southeast Community Hospital in Washington, D.C., threaten to disrupt treatment for many of the city's poorest residents. A possible shutdown leaves residents wondering where they'll go for emergency treatment. Lisa Nurnberger reports.

New York City approves changes in its budget that slashes many city services and raises property taxes by 18.5 percent -- the biggest property-tax hike in decades. Budget woes prompted Mayor Michael Bloomberg to rethink his opposition to new tax increases. Fred Mogul reports.

NPR's Phillip Davis reports on an exhibition in Miami that is trying to take a fresh look at Christmas music. Sound artist Christian Marclay has challenged some of the city's top DJ's to take his collection of Christmas music and remix the material into sonic and artistic collages. The exhibit is called "The Sounds of Christmas" at Miami's Museum of Contemporary Art.