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The Burmese military government detained more than a hundred pro-democracy activists and blocked all roads to democracy movement-leader Aung San Suu Kyi's house today, to keep a meeting of the National League for Democracy from taking place. Governments around the world are watching the situation closely and are concerned about the apparent deterioration of the situation in the Burmese capital of Rangoon. The BBC's Jonathan Miller has this report.

With the New Year about to begin, two of the most powerful political figures in the country face serious ethical questions. NPR's Steve Inskeep reports on the growing scandal swirling around House Speaker Newt Gingrich and the concerns being raised about how President Clinton and the Democratic National Committee raised campaign funds from foreign donors.

After appearances by Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin before House and Senate committees yesterday and today, the parameters of the budget debate are beginning to emerge. There's likely to be agremeent on changing the way the Consumer Price Index is calculated, for example, but disagreement over a capital gains tax. Still, NPR's Elizabeth Arnold reports that this budget negotiation is likely to be much easier than in previous years.

Mike Leigh's latest film, All or Nothing, is about three families living in a decrepit housing project. But the British writer and director says despite the depressing scenery, the movie has a hopeful outlook. Pat Dowell reports.

Compulsive gamblers file lawsuits demanding the return of money lost to casinos, arguing that the gambling houses exploit big rollers -- and big losers -- despite evidence of their problem. NPR's Kathleen Schalch reports.

A man, a woman, a house and a pitchfork. Those four elements make Grant Wood's depression-era painting, American Gothic, instantly recognizable and easily mimicked. As part of the Present at the Creation series, NPR's Melissa Gray reports on the painting that launched a thousand parodies. Image at left courtesy Art Institute of Chicago.

President Bush meets with Brazil's leftist President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the White House. Market reform talks are on the table with the key South American trading partner. NPR's Michele Kelemen reports.

NPR's Jack Speer reports President Bush is naming former Goldman Sachs investment banker Stephen Friedman as his top economics adviser. Friedman is being appointed to the White House job despite an aggressive campaign to torpedo his candidacy by some conservative Republicans.

The Bush administration proposes two new types of savings accounts with higher contribution limits than current IRAs. The White House says the plan will help Americans save more, but critics say the plan is just a tax shelter for the rich. NPR's Elaine Korry reports.

In 1992, the president of Turkmenistan promised that every family would own a house and car within a decade. He's delivering on part of his promise -- every government minister will get a new Mercedes-Benz this year.