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NPR's Michele Kelemen reports from Moscow where Russian President Vladimir Putin re-shuffled his government today, strengthening personal control over the armed forces.

Host Renee Montagne talks with Richard Cook, co-author of Penguin Books' new Guide to Jazz on CD. Thousands of reviews of jazz cds are included in this 1,700-page book -- a virtual jazz primer. The book: The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD, by Richard Cook, Brian Morton. (7:19)Music used in Renee Montagne's interview with Richard Cook, co-author of The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD: 1. Duke Ellington-Jungle Nights in Harlem (FROM CD: Highlights from the Centennial Edition, RCA Victor) 2.Duke Ellington- Far East Suite Isfahan (FROM CD: Highlights from the Centennial Edition, RCA Victor) 3.Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers- A Night in Tunisia (FROM CD: Night in Tunisia, BLUE NOTE) 4.Medeski Martin and Wood- Sugar Craft (from CD: Combustication, BLUE NOTE) 5. Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers- Hipsippy Blues (from CD: At the Jazz Corner of the World, BLUE NOTE)

NPR's Rob Gifford reports that a Chinese government spokesman said Tuesday that Gao Zhan, a U.S.- based academic, had confessed to spying. The husband of the American University professor detained in China denies Chinese accusations that she spied for foreign intelligence agencies. The couple and their son were detained on February 11th, although the husband and son were later released.

NPR's Barbara Bradley reports on the case of Navy Petty Officer Daniel King, who was held for 500 days on suspicion of spying for Russia without being charged. A military judge ordered King's release, saying the Navy didn't have enough evidence to try him. During King's lengthy detention, from September of 1999 to earlier this month, he was not allowed to have a lawyer. The Navy says King waived his right to legal representation. It's defending itself against criticism that it conducted interrogations that lasted for up to 19 continuous hours, over a 26-day period. The lawyers King now has maintain that the Navy hid audio tapes that supported his claims of innocence.

In Morning Edition's series of college application essays from high school seniors, Leo Stoscheck says he considers the coyotes, peepers and trees of his family's land in New York state, his first classroom.

Reese Erlich reports from Jamaica on the dramatic drop in homicides in Kingston's most dangerous neighborhoods.

Sports commentator Frank Deford winds-up for baseball's spring training with a strike zone pitch.

NPR's Michelle Trudeau reports on a recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Studies now show that babies exposed to cocaine in the womb run roughly the same risk of developmental problems as those exposed to alcohol or tobacco.

David Darman of New Hampshire Public Radio reports that the state legislature is considering its first-ever sales tax. New Hampshire's governor is pushing the idea, over the protests of shopkeepers who say a sales tax will change the way they do business.

Commentator Farai Chideya says her website never got capital investment, and these days, she's glad.