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TV critic David Bianculli reviews Curb Your Enthusiasm the Larry David series on HBO which just concluded its second season.

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.

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.

In Central America, most of the best musicians around wind up in cover bands, because it pays better than trying to do original material. But Prueba de Sonido refuses to do that. This Salvadoran band hopes its style of rock propels it onto the international stage. Reporter Clark Boyd reports from San Salvador.

The book of Deuteronomy mentions seven holy foods that Tom Ciola thought might make a good snack bar. He tried it, and with a couple additional ingredients, made it work. Now Ciola's "Bible Bar" has become a hit at Christian bookstores, and his company, House of David, is distributing a number of religious health foods, including Bible Granola and a "Back to the Garden" meal replacement. Lynn Neary talks with Tom Ciola about the products. Ciola has also published a guide called "Moses Wasn't Fat."

In the final installment in our series on California's Central Valley, NPR's Richard Gonzales reports that working conditions for farm workers have not improved much in the last 50 years. Half of the valley's farm laborers are illegal immigrants, and they work for farm labor contractors and growers who take advantage of their illegal status. The system creates vague lines of responsibility for how and whether workers are paid and who is responsible if someone gets hurt. Ultimately it creates an underclass of low-skilled workers who -- unlike immigrants in the past -- have little chance to improve their lives.

Critics of the new campaign finance reform law say Sen. John McCain's victory will be short-lived. They claim the Supreme Court will find much of the law unconstitutional, and loopholes abound. But the Arizona Republican vows to continue the fight in the new year. NPR's Peter Overby reports.

China's Communist Party formally reveals its new leaders Friday. A new generation is taking over, but none are expected to stray far from the path of outgoing President Jiang Zemin, who has pushed economic but not political reform. NPR's Rob Gifford reports.

When actress Winona Ryder was convicted of shoplifting last week, it struck a chord with Youth Radio's Nora Harrington. Harrington is a high school student who wonders what her classmates find so thrilling about stealing.

American Jazz Pianist Sir Roland Hanna died Wednesday at age 70. Hanna was known for playing in diverse styles that reflected much of the history of jazz piano. In addition to performing, he composed more than 400 pieces for jazz ensembles. NPR's Felix Contreras has this remembrance.