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Russia suffers its coldest winter in more than 20 years, with temperatures plunging to minus 30 degrees Farenheit. In Moscow, five people die from the Arctic freeze and dozens more suffer hypothermia. NPR's Lawrence Sheets reports.

The $314 million Powerball jackpot goes to a 55-year-old building contractor from Scott Depot, W.V. He says he'll start a fund for the poor, expand his business, invest some of the money -- and maybe buy a helicopter. NPR's Bob Edwards reports.

NPR's John Ydstie reports on the electric car, powered by a fuel-cell engine. Ford has already developed a five-passenger sedan incorporating this fuel-cell technology, and it's possible that such vehicles could decrease U.S. dependence on foreign oil significantly within the next decade.

Rising unemployment and a sagging economy have sent consumer debt well over $700 billion. Debt-collection agencies are playing a bigger role than ever as individuals fail to meet their obligations. NPR's Steve Inskeep reports.

Annie Proulx (The Shipping News) writes about strange people in lonely places. Her latest novel, That Old Ace in the Hole, explores the vanishing Texas panhandle. Proulx, 67, says it may be her last novel, though she'll keep writing short stories. Tom Vitale reports.

Michigan-based Kmart Corporation says it will close more than 300 stores and eliminate more than 35,000 jobs in the coming months. The move comes one year after the discount chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Jerome Vaughn of member station WDET reports.

Government grants are now being awarded to non-profit organizations, including religious groups, that advocate marriage. Critics say the move violates the separation of church and state. Polls continue to support President Bush's faith-based initiatives. NPR's Janet Babin reports.

The courts will decide who gets to keep the Picasso painting "Femme en Blanc," now in a private collection in Chicago. It first belonged to a Jewish couple in Berlin, but was taken by the Nazis. The last living descendant of the original owners has sued to recover the artwork. NPR's Jason DeRose reports.

The 108th Congress convenes with Republicans in control of both houses. Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) announces he won't make a bid for the White House. And amid partisan bickering, the Senate passes a measure to extend benefits for jobless Americans. NPR's David Welna reports.

Federal investigators probe the crash of a commuter flight at Charlotte, N.C. The Air Midwest turboprop was operated by US Airways Express. It was bound for Greenville/Spartanburg, S.C. All 19 passengers and two crew members died. Scott Jagow of member station WFAE reports.