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The top-selling computer game this year isn't Pokemon or Nintendo -- it's a virtual family, the Sims. These computer-generated characters let you design and program their day-to-day activities, just like a real family. And just like a real family, they respond in unexpected ways. Susan Stone reports.

NPR's Scott Horsley reports that the shortage of electricity will be the top priority for California legislators who reconvene today. Across the state, the high demand for power has caused the electric bills to soar. And with no relief in sight, consumers are demanding the legislature steps in to regulate prices.

John Dillon reports Vermonters are worried the results of last week's election might be felt in the Green Mountain State. Vermont enjoyed significant power while Democrats controlled the United States Senate. Now the GOP's on top, and Sens. Jim Jeffords and Patrick Leahy may be out in the cold.

Robert Siegel talks to Margo Wallstrom, the European Commission's top environmental official, about her visit to Washington today, and her discussion with EPA Administrator Christie Whitman. Wallstrom conveyed strong European concerns about the decision by the Bush administration not to ratify the Kyoto treaty on greenhouse gas emissions.

NPR's David Welna reports on today's action in the House of Representatives on the proposed repeal of estate taxes. The plan would reduce the top rate of 55 percent to 39 percent by 2010, and then phase it out altogether in 2011. It's a move that is expected to cost $193 billion over the next 10 years.

Soaring energy prices are expected to top the agenda as global finance leaders meet in Washington, D.C., Saturday. President Bush is pressing for increased energy production at home, as well as renewed efforts at conservation and improvements in research.

One of President Bush's top domestic priorities this year is health care. He frequently speaks about medical malpractice reform and is proposing a cap on non-economic damages. But some critics say those types of damages aren't the problem.

Top officials of the 9/11 Commission, Thomas Kean and Lee Hamilton, push Congress to pass an intelligence reform bill. NPR's David Welna reports.

A new collection of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers DVDs from Warner Home Video is out, called the Astaire and Rogers Collection, Vol. 1. It includes "Top Hat" and "Swing Time."

The top of 14,000-foot Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on the big island of Hawaii, is one of the last best places to do astronomy. But astronomers now have devised a way to make "the seeing," as they call it, even better. Join NPR's Christopher Joyce for a visit to Mauna Kea.