United States and NATO forces in Afghanistan say U.S. Marines will launch an assault on a Taliban stronghold in Helmand Province in the coming days. The announcement of the offensive puzzled many military analysts who said that secrecy is generally one key to the success of any military campaign.

• Money Takeout: Yesterday, China unseated Germany’s long held position as the world’s top exporter.  New York Times business and finance reporter Louise Story analyzes the country's achievement and predicts what may be in store for its booming economic engine.
• Washington Takeout: Takeaway Washington correspondent Todd Zwillich examines President Obama's unexpected press conference yesterday, where he made another call for bipartisanship on the Hill.
• Listeners Takeout: Listeners give us their tips on how to get healthy and stay in shape.    

Radio has always been an important part of Haitian society. And since the earthquake, it has played an even more critical role, serving as the primary mode of transmitting information about aid.

First Lady Michelle Obama launched a nationwide campaign to fight childhood obesity this week. Major news outlets assigned reporters to cover the story, but 11-year-old Jonas Hosmer was probably the youngest of the bunch.

On Valentines Day, romance usually starts once the food is on the table. Couples will go out to a special restaurant and gaze into each others' eyes over someone else's cooking. But what about bringing the romance into the kitchen?

That's what Pat and Gina Neely do everyday. They're high school sweethearts, restaurant owners, and co-hosts of the Food Network show "Down Home with the Neelys." 

State Rep. Charlie Hoffman from Georgetown, Ky., is witnessing the affects of the Toyota recalls on the lives of his community, who rely on the company for jobs.

• Washington Takeout: Takeaway Washington correspondent Todd Zwillich says that the feet of snow that blanket Capitol Hill isn't the only thing slowing Congressional appointments to a halt
• Health Takeout: Brazillian health officials are distributing 55 million condoms during Carnival. We talk with BBC reporter Paulo Cabral about the efforts to combat HIV and AIDS during the annual festival.
• Beetles Takeout: A species of beetles is eating away at trees, leaving them dead in forests around the country. We talk with Richard Hofstetter, a forest entomologist, about the noisy techniques he's using to save the trees.

Since the economic downturn, many Americans have to make cut backs. For some people, this means not being able to pay child support in full. In Tennessee alone, child support payments are down $13 million from last year.

Can First Lady Michelle Obama help America become a cultural haven for healthy food lovers? The first lady announced her fight against childhood obesity at the White House yesterday. Will Allen, urban farmer and CEO of Milwaukee based Growing Power believes that urban farms can help in the effort to create a healthier nation.

She's known as being a marketing machine, but how good of a driver is Danica Patrick?  We hear from WFAE reporter Scott Graf about the challenges facing the driver as she prepares for her first NASCAR race.

More troubles for Toyota, the bad economy makes paying childsupport difficult

Preparing for major new offensive in Afghanistan; Michelle Obama's push for healthier eating; the Neely's bring advice for romantic Valentine's Day meals

Soldiers prepare for new offensive in Afghanistan