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Humanitarian groups are finding cheaper ways -- namely, filtering systems -- to clean up contaminated drinking water in developing nations. That could greatly reduce diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites among the billion people worldwide who drink unsafe water.

The bombing of one of Shiite Islam's holiest shrines sparks mass protests and violence in many parts of Iraq. The top Shiite cleric urges followers to refrain from violence. With sectarian tensions already running high, the bombing prompts attacks on Sunni mosques.

The Senate continues to debate the contentious nomination of John Bolton as U.S. envoy to the United Nations. Democrats allege Bolton may have mishandled classified information and are trying to delay a vote.

Rain runoff from roofs of buildings across the United States adds to the pollution of lakes and streams and can overburden sewage systems and storm drains. But more of those roofs are turning "green." There's a push under way to grow plants on the tops of buildings to capture rainwater and air pollutants.

About 1,000 people have been evacuated from a town in Southern California after a landslide Wednesday. Multimillion-dollar houses in Laguna Beach were destroyed as residents escaped. Meanwhile, construction continues on new and glamorous homes in the area. Member station KPCC's Rob Schmitz reports.

A rare mushroom that grows in the old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest may offer protection from smallpox -- an infectious disease that security experts feel may be a biological weapon of choice for terrorists who wish to attack America.

Business and labor groups are weighing in on proposed immigration legislation. The Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO are both against certain provisions in the bill. But agri-business interests are backing the proposals.

One brigade slated for deployment to Iraq this summer will instead be staying in Germany, courtesy of the Pentagon's reassessment of troop levels. Will political progress in Baghdad allow the Defense Department to lower U.S. force levels in the weeks ahead?

India's educated young people are demanding suitable jobs, but they don't exist. Plus, wages are declining. This came to a head with riots in some of the poorest districts of northern India.

Fresh Air's TV critic previews the new series Breaking Bad, about a cancer-stricken chemistry teacher who decides that cooking crystal meth is the best way to support his family after he's gone. The show premieres on the AMC cable channel on Jan. 20.