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This week PBS will present Benjamin Franklin, an unblinking look at the remarkable founding father whose industriousness furthered the cause of science and whose diplomatic skills helped win American independence. NPR's Steve Inskeep talks with documentary writer Ron Blumer and Ellen Hovde.

NPR's Chris Joyce reports on the difficult job of border guards who are learning to better prevent the trade of nuclear weapons materials. The guards are training to identify "dual use items," those things can be used as explosives or detonators may also have more benign applications.

Host Bob Edwards speaks with Senators-elect Mark Pryor (D-AR) and John Sununu (R-NH). They talk about the upcoming legislative session, why their campaigns were successful, how difficult the next session may be for compromise, possible war on Iraq, and the GOP election victory.

The FBI warns that al Qaeda may be planning what the FBI terms a "spectacular" terrorist attack. National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice says Americans should "remain vigilant" and that U.S. authorities are working behind the scenes to protect the nation's "critical infrastructure." NPR News reports.

Commentator Patt Morrison says the exclusive Senate Spouses Club, where some of America's best known "better-halves" have been gathering for decades, is due for another shuffle in membership.

President Vladimir Putin has limited options when it comes to ending the war in Russia's breakaway Chechen republic. But he's less eager to negotiate with Chechen separatists after October's deadly theater siege in Moscow. NPR's Lawrence Sheets reports.

The Senate continues debate today on legislation to create a new Department of Homeland Security. The House has already passed the measure that will lead to the biggest government reorganization in more than 50 years. NPR's Pam Fessler reports.

Video game enthusiasts have been able to play against each other online for years. But manufacturers hope the increased availability of high-speed Internet access will bring them online in mass numbers. On Morning Edition, Marty Demarest reports on Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo's varying online strategies for their game consoles.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, number two in the series, is sure to dominate current movie box-office sales. But the quieter, character-driven Tully is also in theaters. Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan offers a review.

The House passes a measure that provides federal insurance in the event of another catastrophic terrorist attack. Under the program, the insurance industry's liability would be capped at $15 billion. The federal government would cover up to 90 percent of claims above the $15 billion cap. NPR's Kathleen Schalch reports.