Nate Berg

<p>Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has undertaken an experiment and social commentary stunt to survive on food stamps. He hopes his $21-a-week food budget will raise awareness of the plight of the low-income residents of his state.</p>

<p>A designer in Munich has debuted what may be the smallest all-inclusive homes in the world. At just 76 square feet, the tiny cubes come complete with two double beds, table seating for five, a kitchen, storage space, a toilet, and a shower.</p>

<p>China has announced plans to induce rain in Beijing in the days before the 2008 Olympics in an effort to clean the air. Scientists are wary about the effects of the process.</p>

<p>Under pressure from federal judges, California has approved plans to build 53,000 new prison and jail beds as part of a $7.3 billion construction effort. Critics say increasing capacity does not address the reasons why prisons are overcrowded.</p>

<p>South Africa has been tapped to host the 2010 World Cup, and though th event is three years away, preparations are already underway -- and progressing at a strenuous pace to try to stay on schedule.</p>