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The Filbert Steps create a steep spine that runs up and down San Francisco's historic Telegraph Hill, leading visitors past some of the city's oldest houses and most sublime, secret gardens. The gardens are heavy with blossoms -- and local history. NPR's Ketzel Levine reports.

Health officials are urging a crackdown on candies and snacks imported from Mexico because many brands are contaminated by trace levels of lead. But the ban might prove difficult to enforce, because kids love the tart-hot-sweet flavors of Mexican snacks, and street vendors are difficult to regulate.

The strongest earthquake in 40 years hit Southeast Asia Sunday morning, setting off tsunamis that killed thousands. Measured at 8.9, the earthquake is the most powerful recorded since a 9.2 quake hit Alaska in 1964.

A new play about Iraq is drawing strong reviews in New York. Nine Parts of Desire is a solo performance by Iraqi-American actor Heather Raffo, who gives voice to nine different Iraqi women. NPR's Deborah Amos reports.

The falling value of the U.S. dollar has generated a lot of attention among world leaders lately, but what does it really mean for the American economy? Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and David Wessel of The Wall Street Journal.

As Ukraine's Supreme Court prepares to address election fraud charges, opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko tells his supporters to stay in Kiev's streets. Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, the declared winner, rallies supporters in eastern Ukraine, where local politicians are calling for a split from the central government. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

President Bush begins his second term, urging Americans to expand the frontiers of freedom around the world and challenging young people in particular to "serve in a cause larger than your wants." The speech was the centerpiece of a day devoted to tradition and tribute.

In the second of two stories, high school students who are children of immigrants in Fremont, Calif., talk about cultural identity and the pressures to succeed academically. Hear NPR's Claudio Sanchez.

NPR's Jeff Brady profiles Colorado's Senator-elect Ken Salazar. A Democrat in a state that otherwise chose to re-elect President Bush, Salazar's campaign emphasized his Catholic faith and "family values."

Charities helping victims of last week's Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami report receiving a huge outpouring of money from Americans. Some groups have been overwhelmed by the response, but all are heartened at the level of contributions. NPR's Libby Lewis reports.