NPR National News

Good morning.

Our early headlines:

-- Sandusky's Accusers May Testify Today In Hearing About Penn State Scandal.

-- Report: Homelessness Among Children Up 38 Percent Since 2007.

Scientists in Switzerland are this hour reporting on "the status of their searches for the Standard Model Higgs boson" — the so-called "God Particle" that we posted about Monday.

It's thought that the Higgs gives matter mass. The search for it is one of the biggest stories in science.

The event is being webcast here.

More than 1.6 million American children were homeless at some point in 2010, the nonprofit National Center on Family Homelessness reports today, adding that the number is about a 38 percent increase from 2007.

A Nativity scene in Caracas features the traditional baby Jesus born in a manger. But those standing nearby include a figure of President Hugo Chavez. The scene also makes a case that Chavez should qualify as a wise man. It includes a miniature cable car, symbolizing infrastructure improvements for which the president wants to be known.

Tommaso began life as a stray cat on the streets of Rome until he was rescued by a wealthy widow. The 94 year old had no children, according to ABC News. So when she died last month, she left her entire fortune to the cat. That's $13 million.

A courtroom in the small town of Bellefonte, Pa., is the center of much attention this morning.

As The Associated Press writes:

"The stunning allegations that a beloved icon of Penn State's football team has secretly been a serial molester who used his charity for children to find and groom new victims will undergo their first legal test Tuesday. ... Prosecutors will try to prove they have enough evidence to advance the case to county court for trial."

State and local authorities in Florida are investigating the loss of more than 2,300 beehives in Brevard County. Officials have identified an insecticide that is commonly used to kill roaches, ticks and flees. It was found in a container used to feed the bees in the hives. Now officials need to find the culprit who fed the bees the poison.

It was a busy day yesterday for presidential politicking in New Hampshire. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich traded barbs over Romney's proposed ten-thousand dollar bet with Texas Governor Rick Perry, as well as Gingrich's consulting fees earned working for mortgage giant Freddie Mac. New Hampshire Public Radio's Josh Rogers reports.

A spirited fight is on in Iowa for the evangelical vote in the Republican race for president. So far, Christian conservatives have not coalesced behind one candidate, the way they did four years ago for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.