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Robert Siegel speaks with NPR's Don Gonyea about opening statements in the trial of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, who is charged with assisting in the suicides of two people in 1993. Dr. Kevorkian's attorney said that his client was acting to relieve his patient's pain and suffering. The prosecution says the retired pathologist's use of carbon monoxide, a lethal gas, proves that his purpose was to induce death not to relieve pain.

NPR's Joe Palca reports that a long-tern study of nuns suggests that a person's linguistic abilities when they are young may predict their risk for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers at the University of Kentucky analyzed the linguistic abilities of a group of nuns when they were in their 20s. An average of 58 years later, the researchers tested the nuns' cognitive abilities. In this week's Journal of the American Medical Association, the researchers report that the nuns with the lowest scores on the linguistic analysis had the lowest scores on their cognitive functions five decades later.

NPR's Jim Zarroli reports that Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan delivered his semi-annual economic report to Congress today. His Capitol Hill appearance comes as the President is preparing to renominate Greenspan for a third term as the chairman of the Federal Reserve.

We hear from Republican candidates Bob Dole and Pat Buchanan as they campaign in New Hampshire, fresh from their wins in Iowa caucuses.

Robert talks with Prof. Arthur Miller, a political scientist at the Univeristy of Iowa. Miller conducted a survey of those who stayed home during yesterday's caucuses and found that, had they voted, the majority would have voted for Bob Dole.

Texan Tamyra Mensah-Stock became just the second woman to win gold in wrestling for the United States at the Tokyo Olympics. She's the first Black American woman to ever win gold in the sport.

Robert talks with Sarah Hodgson, a dog trainer and writer who is at the world series of dog shows, the second oldest sporting event in Americaa...the Westminister Kennel show. The dog show is going on at Madison Square Garden today and tomorrow. Ms. Hodgson says the show is a-buzz with who the winners might be... one dog to watch out for is an afghan who may take the crown. But Ms. Hodgson says while the dogs are very showy they aren't all egos like some of their owners.

Robert talks with Ed Renwick, director of the Institute of Politics at Loyola University in New Orleans. Renwick analyzes the Louisiana GOP primary and the defining issues that helped Pat Buchannan win out over conservative rival, Sen. Phil Gramm.

NPR's Eric Weiner reports on a Palestinian who fled the West Bank for a life in California... and now has returned to begin a business in his home town. His product has become something of a symbol of the peace process... although not the kind the government had in mind.

NPR's Cheryl Corley reports that the Chicago City Council recently passed an ordinance which will deny business licenses to parents behind in their child support payments. Chicago is the first city to pass this kind of an ordinance. Nineteen states with similar legislation report improved collection rates. Opponents say that by taking away licenses and business opportunities it's harder for people to pay child support in the future.

tensions between China and Taiwan ahead of next month's elections in Taiwan.

beat the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday 27-17, winning their third Super Bowl in four years.