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Collectively, Americans are in debt $1.7 trillion. Today, we begin a multi-part series about our relationship with debt. We'll hear about one couple who got in way over their heads with credit cards, and we'll meet a small-town debt collector.

For decades, scientists have searched for plants containing disease-fighting compounds. Some powerful cancer drugs are derived from a flower that grows in the forests of Madagascar. But experts say the oceans, teeming with life, might be a better place to search. As NPR's Eric Niiler reports, researchers are now scouring the seven seas in hopes of finding the next blockbuster drug.

Thousands demonstrate in the bitter cold in Washington -- some against abortion, others in favor of abortion rights -- on the 30th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling that made abortion legal in the United States. NPR's Jacki Northam reports.

Researchers say they have used genetic engineering to create a mouse that is abnormally anxious and aggressive -- a strain that could help explain why some people are prone to anxiety or panic attacks. NPR's Jon Hamilton reports on new research published in the journal Neuron. Watch videos of normal mouse behavior, and the violent behavior of a genetically modified mouse.

In a mid-term report card, Secretary of State Colin Powell earns the highest grades among members of the Bush Cabinet, according to a National Journal study. Powell receives the only 'A' in the magazine's report card, which grades the department heads on such criteria as their influence within the administration. NPR's Bob Edwards interviews Jim Barnes, the weekly's chief political correspondent, about the report.

In top awards given annually to children's book writers and illustrators, Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi received the Newbery Medal for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. And My Friend Rabbit, illustrated and written by Eric Rohmann, received the Caldecott Medal, for the most distinguished American picture book for children.

This past week, composer John Williams joined National Symphony Orchestra conductor Leonard Slatkin at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., to open a multi-concert series "Soundtracks: Music and Film." NPR's Liane Hansen visited with the two musicians.

Many in the Latino immigrant communities of Los Angeles continue to celebrate Christmas through today, the Feast of the Epiphany. NPR's Mandalit Del Barco visits the elaborate and detailed homemade nativity scenes that decorate yards in East L.A.

Yusa is a 20-something singer-songwriter from Havana with a brand new CD. Her music blends Cuba's past, present and future, and while the music draws on traditions, it's also influenced by trends in America, Brazil and other Latin American countries. The CD is titled Yusa on TUMI records. Felix Contreras has our review.

Mister Cartoon (AKA Mark Machado) runs a rapidly growing clothing and jewelry business from his East Los Angeles tattoo parlor. But his real claim to fame is his unique, Chicano street style tattoos. His work is a favorite among top music stars like Eminem. NPR's Michele Norris visits the artist in his studio -- see photos of Machado at work.